Muay Thai Equipment: Part 2 - What Additional Equipment Does the Partner Need?

Often if you are training with a partner, or alone, there are a couple additional pieces of equipment that you might want to pick up on your Muay Thai journey. I have used all of these and a lot are probably available in your local gym.

1. Jump Rope

2. Thai Pads

3. Focus Mitts

4. Belly Pad

5. Heavy Bag

Jump Rope

A staple in most Muay Thai gyms is the jump rope skipping rope. Training with a jump rope will help with muscle strength, control of breath, aerobic fitness and coordination.

Thai Pads

These are used as targets to absorb the impact from punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. Thai pads cover the holder’s hands, wrists and forearms. When holding Thai pads remember to keep your thumb over, and not under the handle to avoid injury.

Focus Mitts

Used primarily for punches. Much lighter and smaller than Thai pads, and may be slightly easier to call for different combinations from the puncher.

The person who holds the pads is often called the feeder. If training at a gym, both these will most likely be on hand, they are a staple.

Belly Pad

Like the name, the pad is used around the belly - used when training with a partner. Used to reduce the impact of Muay Thai strikes. It covers the whole midsection and also right over the hips.

Heavy Bag

These are long and sturdy, and stand about six feet tall. Most heavy bags will weigh about one-hundred pounds. The main purpose of the heavy bag are for training Muay Thai strikes. Almost every gym will have multiple heavy bags, you will most likely become quite acquainted with one of these guys!

There is a ton more equipment available - but these are the main pieces you will encounter. These are essential in training, some can only be used with a partner so just know that before you get something!