Essential Gear for Martial Arts Beginners: Complete Guide

If you're just starting out in the world of martial arts, choosing the right gear is essential to ensure safety, comfort, and better performance during training. In this guide, we’ll explain the basic equipment needed for beginners in Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and MMA.

1. Essential Equipment for Each Discipline

• Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)

  
  

If you're looking to train BJJ Atlanta or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Atlanta, you’ll need the following items:

✅ Gi (Kimono): A key piece of clothing consisting of a durable jacket and pants. 

✅ Belt: Indicates your level in the martial art and keeps the gi secured. 

✅ Mouthguard: Important for protecting your teeth from impact. 

✅ Rash Guard (Optional): A compression shirt worn under the gi for added comfort and protection against mat burns.

• Muay Thai and Kickboxing

  
  

 To train Muay Thai Atlanta or Kickboxing Atlanta, you’ll need:

✅ Boxing Gloves: Essential to protect hands and wrists during strikes. 

✅ Hand Wraps: Provide extra wrist support and reduce injury risk. 

✅ Shin Guards: Protect your legs and feet during kicks and blocks. 

✅ Mouthguard: Prevents damage to the teeth and mouth during heavy strikes. 

✅ Muay Thai Shorts: Designed for better mobility during striking.

• MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

  
  

If you want to train MMA Atlanta, you should invest in the following gear: 

✅ MMA Gloves: Smaller and more flexible than boxing gloves, allowing grappling and punching with open fingers. 

✅ Mouthguard: Crucial to reduce the impact of strikes. 

✅ Shin Guards: Offer extra protection during kicking exchanges. 

✅ Rash Guard and Compression Shorts: Enhance mobility and help prevent mat burns.

2. How to Choose the Best Equipment

Gi (Kimono)

 Tips: 

📌 Choose a high-quality cotton gi. 

📌 Make sure it fits well to avoid discomfort.

 Care: 

📌 Wash regularly to prevent odors and bacteria buildup. 

📌 Follow the washing and drying instructions to avoid shrinkage.

Gloves

 Tips: 

📌 For beginners, 12oz to 16oz gloves are ideal for Muay Thai and Kickboxing. 

📌 For MMA, go for smaller gloves (4oz to 6oz) that allow greater mobility.

 Care: 

📌 Air out your gloves after training to avoid mold and odor. 

📌 Keep them in a dry, ventilated place out of the sun. 

📌 Use antibacterial or deodorizing spray to kill bacteria and extend glove lifespan. 

💡 Pro Tip: Use a shoe dryer to dry your gloves after training, then spray the inside to eliminate bacteria and fungi. Let them air out in a shaded area.

Mouthguard

 Tips: 

📌 Choose one with good impact absorption. 

📌 A custom mouthguard from a dentist offers better comfort and protection. 

📌 Moldable guards can be used for light training (use with caution).

 Care: 

📌 Brush with toothpaste and let it dry after each use. 

💡 Pro Tip: Clean the mouthguard case with mouthwash to prevent germ buildup.

Shin Guards

 Tips: 

📌 Prioritize models with dense foam for better protection. 

📌 The fit should be snug but not restrict movement.

Care: 

📌 Air them out after training to prevent mold and odor. 

📌 If possible, get shin guards with non-fabric interior lining — easier to clean and more durable. 

📌 Use the same antibacterial or deodorizing spray as for gloves to prevent bacteria and extend lifespan.

Train Martial Arts at American Top Team!

At American Top Team Atlanta, we offer classes in Jiu Jitsu Atlanta, Kickboxing Atlanta, MMA Atlanta, and Muay Thai Atlanta.

Join our team — book a free trial class today!