Muay Thai Equipment: Part 1- What Does the Muay Student Need?

Depending if you want to get into a gym or train on your own there are a few different items that a Muay Thai student should have. Below is a list of equipment that you will come to use in your Muay Thai journey.

1. Hand Wraps

2. Gloves

3. Shin Guards

4. Groin Protector

5. Mouth Guard

6. Head Gear

7. Ankle Braces

8. Muay Thai Shorts

Hand Wraps

Hand wraps should always be used. They are important for two main reasons. One, they protect the small bones and ligaments in your hands. When punching the wraps will protect the small fragile components of the knuckles. Secondly, the wraps will help with wrist support. Hand wraps are definitely important to reduce injury.

Gloves

These are necessary for training; when using a heavy bag, using Thai pads with a partner (described below), and eventually sparring. When choosing gloves, if you use a 16-ounce (oz.) pair it will help with shoulder and arm strength, these are more ideal for your partner especially if you have a hard punch. In most gyms these are the recommended go-to set of gloves. Once you are familiar with what you want in pair of gloves and your purpose behind them - you will want multiple pairs of gloves for the different training you will be doing. Below is a general description of the gloves that are available for training.

Shin Guards

You will be doing a lot of kicking in Muay Thai training, so you want to protect your shins. Also, if you are training with someone, you do not want to strike them with your bare shins. Muay Thai kicks focus on shin kicks focus on using the shins – get yourself a pair of shin guards.

Groin Protector

Accidents do happen - so just to be on the safe side when training, protect your precious cargo! Especially if sparring or working with a partner, this is an important piece of equipment to use. Make sure find the right fit, these should be snug and shouldn’t move around easily.

Mouth Guard

Avoid biting your tongue and the inside of your mouth. If sparring without a mouth guard - you are more likely to get cuts on the inside of your mouth, also you could chip or loose a tooth! So remember, get a mouth guard and wear it. Avoid injuries - when choosing a mouth guard choose a snug fit.

Head Gear

Necessary when sparring - protect your head. Headgear helps reduce the impact of Muay Thai strikes. Find headgear that is comfortable, fits well, has a good amount of visibility, a good amount of coverage/protection, and is reasonable in weight.

Ankle Braces

Ankle braces offer support and balance for your ankles. These are flexible and easy to put on, some offer a bit of grip on the bottoms. To avoid losing circulation in your feet - make sure to pick a pair that not too tight! Hitting pads or the bag can make your ankles sore and stiff – this little piece of attire can make quite a difference.

Muay Thai Shorts

Designed to be short, this will allow you to throw your kicks or knees with ease. Also, Muay Thai is from Thailand, and if you have ever been there – it can get quite hot! Muay Thai shorts are noticeably different than ‘normal’ shorts, much shorter and much flashier!

There you have it. This is all the gear for the student to have for their training. Now don't forget to use that deodorizer!