
A GUIDE TO BUYING GEAR
GLOVES
The most crucial piece of equipment for any Muay Thai student are gloves. They protect your hands and wrists during training, and will be the your most used piece of equipment throughout.
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Look for gloves that offer a snug fit and ample padding.
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As a general guide, 10oz and 12 oz gloves or dedicated bag gloves are recommended for hitting pads or the bags. 14oz and 16oz gloves are recommend for sparring as they offer more protection to your sparring partner.
HAND WRAPS
Hand wraps are essential for supporting your wrists and knuckles when hitting pads and sparring as they provide an extra layer of protection under your gloves.
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Learn to wrap your hands properly to maximize protection (Youtube is great for tutorials!)
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Hand wraps also play a crucial role in absorbing sweat and odor. Remember to wash your hand wraps after each use to extend their life and ensure that they don't build up odor.
SHIN GUARDS
As you progress in your training, shin guards will become more essential, especially as you start to explore sparring. They protect your shins during kicks and blocks.
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Choose ones that are lightweight yet offer robust protection.
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Some retailers will offer cloth shin guards, and while these are great for complete beginners, we recommend the fullest amount of protection by purchasing padded leather shin guards.
OPTIONAL, but worth considering
These pieces of equipment are totally optional, but if you're planning to take your training seriously in the long run, especially as you engage in sparring or might be considering competition, we recommend investing in the following:
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Mouth guard: since Muay Thai is a contact sport, this is a non-negotiable especially as you start sparring.
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Groin cup: getting hit in the groin is no fun, so invest a groin cup as you progress in your training journey. You will definitely need it for sparring.
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Ankle supports: these are helpful if you're prone to ankle soreness or need extra stability in your movement.
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Thai shorts: you can technically train Muay Thai in any shorts, but Thai shorts are specifically cut for the high kicks and knees that are used in the sport. They are light, comfortable, and allow for a full range of motion.
DO's and don'ts when buying
DO ✅
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Invest in quality gloves - they last longer, and protect you better.
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Try on Thai shorts as sizing is different. See how comfortable you might be in them, as they may take some getting used to due to their length.
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Research different brands and what they offer.
DON'T ❌
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Buy super cheap gloves online. They will break down fast and can cause setbacks to your training.
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Splurge on every piece of gear at once. Start simple, and upgrade later.
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Skip on any piece of gear. They are used in the sport for a reason.
SOME RECOMMENDED BRANDS
Fairtex
Hayabusa
Primo Fight Wear
Rivals Boxing
SKS Empire
Top King
Venum
YOKKAO
WHERE TO BUY GEAR
We actually have a collection of equipment from different brands for sale at our gym - complete with gloves, wraps, mouth guards, shin guards, and more!
Alternatively, you can also check out:
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The Clinch Fight Shop - Edmonton, AB
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Warrior Fight Store - Pickering, ON