Skip to content

    Combat Sports Guide

    Beginner-friendly guides to the four core combat sports — what gear you need, how to start training, and the buying decisions that matter. Pick a discipline below.

    Boxing

    Boxing gear essentials: 14–16oz boxing gloves, 180-inch hand wraps, headgear for sparring, and a mouthguard. Optional but recommended: a heavy bag for solo work and a jump rope for conditioning. Most beginners can start with under $200 of equipment.

    Read the Boxing guide →

    Muay Thai

    Muay Thai gear essentials: 12–14oz Muay Thai gloves, shin guards, hand wraps, Muay Thai shorts, and a mouthguard. Add headgear and a heavy bag as you progress. Most beginners can start with under $250 of equipment.

    Read the Muay Thai guide →

    Mixed Martial Arts

    MMA gear essentials: 6–8oz MMA gloves (training), shin guards, rash guard, fight shorts, mouthguard, and a groin protector. Add a gi for BJJ classes if your gym requires it. Most beginners can start with around $200–$300 of equipment.

    Read the Mixed Martial Arts guide →

    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    BJJ gear essentials: a gi (for gi classes), rash guard, no-gi shorts, mouthguard, and ear protection (optional). Most beginners need under $200 of equipment. The gi is the biggest single cost ($80–$150 for a good starter).

    Read the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide →