What equipment do i need to start MMA training? - An MMA beginners guide
First off, what do we mean when we say MMA training and the equipment you need for it?
MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts. We could write an entire article about what it is and the benefits (infact we did click here) but for the purposes of looking at the gear you need to start then when we say MMA we are talking about the sport seen at the UFC, Cagewarriors, Bellator etc, a blend of kickboxing, wrestling and ground based Jiu Jitsu or submission grappling.
For those who might not fully know what it is, or maybe you're buying for someone else as a gift and are seeking a better understanding of the best equipment to buy for starting MMA training?
If so, you're in the right place, read on!
Ok, so you want to start MMA! Great Here is what you will need as a brand new starter who has no equipment.
MMA SHORTS
It is important to go to your first session with a decent pair of MMA style shorts. They must be without pockets, zippers or anything which can cause cuts, snags, and unwanted entanglements. Don't underestimate the importance of this! Many do, and pay for it either in injury or being sidelined by their coach until they have such gear. Good examples of these at Fightstorepro would be Revgear's new Stealth shorts or NAMI UKIYO Shorts.
GLOVES For MMA
In competition MMA only uses 4oz fight gloves or in UAR rules they use 6-8oz but in training a whole host of gloves are often used.
It is advisable to ask at your club whether they use both Boxing gloves and MMA gloves or only MMA, this very much depends on the club itself.
A good pair of kickboxing or boxing gloves are often a good starting point for the striking elements of the class. Especially for Bags or pads, some clubs will advise thinner bag style gloves some use boxing gloves.
As a beginner in MMA, you can easily injure your hands without that added protection of a full boxing glove however, we'll again emphasise you should check with your instructor on their training equipment preferences.
For MMA drills and sparring, we would recommend MMA sparring gloves also known in the USA as "Puffies". A great example of these are REVGEAR's Pinnacle or MS1. Construction can be leather or PU but largely this effects comfort and longevity not performance of the glove.
GUM SHIELD - Getting hit in the mouth, isn't pleasurable, sure, but getting hit in the mouth without a gum shield is worse. Even if you aren't sparring yet, you need one, punches and kicks aside, clashes of heads are common, and the last thing you want to do is clash your teeth or bite your tongue.
PROTECTIVE CUP - Now i shouldn't need to tell you getting hit in the nuts is bad, even for the ladies a groin shot isn't fun as the groin area can still be very sensitive. Again, you don't need to be sparring for it to happen, someone can accidentally knock them, or worse KNEEL on them while you do drills either stood up or on the floor. Trust me, get a groin guard. There are two types, the cheaper jock strap style or the compression shorts with cup. Both work to a point but the latter is a far better option for MMA.
Shin Guards - Shin Pads
The striking phase of MMA is essentially Muay Thai rules. If you don't wear shin pads then you are in for some serious pain. There are two type of shin guards used in Mixed martial arts. The pullover sock style often seen in amateur Muay Thai and the more robust Muay Thai Sparring shin pads that offer far greater protection but will hinder movement on the ground. Again refer to your instructor on advice for what they use in their classes.
Rash Guards
You can use a tee shirt without any real trouble but anyone who has trained for more than a couple of sessions will soon tell you a rash guard is far superior. Aside from the fact it doesn't tear every time you do clinch drills, an MMA or BJJ rashguard will wick sweat away, avoid minor abrasions and protect from skin infections. For female MMA starters we'd say this is an absolute must!
Optional Extras for Beginners in MMA
Kit Bags - It sounds obvious but the amount of Supermarket carrier bags we see coming into our gym is of the chart. Invest in a decent holdall or rucksack designed to fit all your gear in. Check out REVGEAR's Gi bag as a cheap and strong option for MMA
Hand Wraps - To be honest, it should probably be on the essentials list, but in the beginnings of MMA striking you should be focused on footwork and form before power, but it never hurts to have the added protection that you WILL need later down the line.
ALL of the necessary products are available for purchase online at www.fightstorepro.com
If you would like advice on our line of products, or anything to do with us in general, don't hesitate to contact us in via the contact methods in our 'contact us' section.
