Gear

Gear — what to look for

Combat sports gear covers everything from gloves and protection to footwear and kimonos — ready for the ring, the mat and the cage. It’s for boxers, kickboxers, Muay Thai fighters, MMA athletes and BJJ players alike, whether you’re putting on gloves for the first time or have years of sparring behind you. Choose mainly by discipline and by how often and how hard you train. Pick gloves and protective gear by size and weight so they sit firmly and don’t slip; when it comes to materials, leather handles heavier use, while synthetics are usually easier to look after. Footwear should support the ankle and give good grip, and a kimono should suit you in cut and fabric weight depending on whether you train gi or no-gi. A beginner needs a reliable all-round setup; advanced fighters will appreciate gear tuned to a specific style. Browse the categories below and put together your kit for proper training.