Gear

RingsideReady

Buy in this order

Ask what your gym lends before spending money. Fit and gym rules matter more than branding.

  1. BUY #1

    Hand wraps

    The first thing you should own. They support your wrist and the small bones of your hand under a glove, and unlike gloves, nobody wants to lend you theirs twice. 180-inch semi-elastic Mexican-style wraps for adult hands, 120-inch for smaller hands. Buy two pairs so one can dry. A velcro tab that still grips after a wash matters more than the brand.

    ESTIMATE — usually the cheapest item on this list; prices vary by region and brand. Compare current local options.

  2. BUY #2

    Water bottle

    You will need it from the first warm-up, and gym taps are usually the other side of the room from where you are standing. Something you can open with a glove still on, or at least with one hand. A litre is plenty for a class.

    ESTIMATE — inexpensive; you may already own one. Compare current local options.

  3. BUY #3

    Training clothes

    No special kit is needed for a first class. What matters is that you can move, and that your shoes let you pivot. A t-shirt and shorts or leggings you can move in. For shoes, flat soles that let you turn — running shoes with thick heels make pivoting awkward and can roll an ankle.

    ESTIMATE — you almost certainly own suitable clothing already.

  4. BUY #4

    Boxing gloves

    Most gyms lend gloves for a first session, so wait until you know you are staying. When you do buy, buy for what you actually do. For bag and pad work in a general class, 12oz or 14oz suits most adults. If you ever intend to spar you will need 16oz, and many gyms require it. Ounces describe padding, not hand size.

    ESTIMATE — the most expensive item most beginners buy; a wide range exists. Compare current local options and ask your coach.

  5. BUY #5

    Jump rope

    It appears in almost every warm-up, and having your own means you are not waiting for a shared one at the right length. Stand on the middle of the rope — the handles should reach roughly to your armpits. A plain PVC speed rope is fine; weighted ropes are not for beginners.

    ESTIMATE — inexpensive. Compare current local options.

  6. BUY #6

    Mouthguard

    Required for all sparring, without exception. It is personal equipment and must never be shared or borrowed. A boil-and-bite guard moulded properly to your own teeth. Follow the instructions exactly — a badly moulded guard falls out and protects nothing. Dentist-fitted guards are better and cost more.

    ESTIMATE — modest for boil-and-bite; considerably more from a dentist. Compare current local options.

  7. BUY #7

    Headgear

    Only needed if and when you start sparring, which is a decision to make with your coach and never on your own. Sparring headgear with cheek and temple protection that does not block your view. Your gym may specify a type. It reduces cuts and surface impact — it does not remove risk and is never a reason to spar harder.

    ESTIMATE — varies widely by type. Ask your coach what your gym requires before buying.

  8. BUY #8

    Groin or chest protector

    Standard sparring kit, and the item beginners most often forget is on the list until the day they need it. A groin protector, or a chest guard where your gym or federation requires one. Personal equipment — not something to borrow.

    ESTIMATE — varies by type and region. Ask your gym what is required.