As a beginner in boxing, kickboxing, or MMA, you basically need protective gear consisting of boxing gloves, hand wraps (or similar wrist supports), mouthguard, and depending on the sport/ruleset, also headgear, shin guards, knee pads, and groin protector.

Boxing:
• Boxing gloves: Essential for protecting your hands and wrists while punching.
• Hand wraps: Stabilize wrists and protect bones and tendons.
• Mouthguard: Protects teeth and jaw from injury.
• Headgear (optional): Adds head protection and is often required in competitions.
• Chest protector (amateurs): Often mandatory to protect chest and ribs.

Kickboxing:
• Boxing gloves: Same as in boxing.
• Hand wraps: Same as in boxing.
• Mouthguard: Same as in boxing.
• Headgear: Often required.
• Shin guards: Protect your legs during kicks.
• Groin protector: Optional for men but recommended.
• Foot and ankle protection (optional): Provides additional protection.

MMA:
• MMA gloves: Usually with open palm for grappling and striking.
• Hand wraps: Same as in boxing.
• Mouthguard: Same as in boxing.
• Headgear: Often required.
• Shin guards: Protect legs during kicks and takedowns.
• Knee pads: Protect knees during grappling and takedowns.
• Groin protector: Optional for men but recommended.
• Rashguard: Offers additional protection against skin irritation.
• MMA shorts: Usually elastic and tear-resistant.

Additional Notes:
• Equipment may vary depending on the rules of your boxing or martial arts association.
• Choose high-quality gear that fits well and offers optimal protection.
• Talk to your trainer or coach to find the right gear for your needs.
• Make sure to clean and maintain your equipment regularly.

The best martial arts brands depend somewhat on which martial art you practice (e.g. boxing, MMA, karate, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, etc.). However, there are some renowned brands that are generally recognized for their quality and reliability in the martial arts world. Here is an overview of the best martial arts brands by category:

Top Brands Venum
According to Wikipedia, Venum is a French brand specializing in the production of sportswear and equipment for various martial arts such as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and karate. The brand operates worldwide in several regions, including Brazil, America, Europe, and Asia. Venum is also known for its partnership with the UFC, where it has been the official outfitter since 2020.

• Very popular in MMA, boxing, Muay Thai
• Good quality and stylish design
• Wide range of products
• Official outfitter of the UFC

Twins Special
According to Wikipedia, Twins Special Co., Ltd., also known as Twins Special, is a Thai sports equipment manufacturer specializing in Muay Thai, boxing, and physical fitness, and sells its products worldwide. The company is based in Suan Luang, Krathum Baen, Samut Sakhon, on the outskirts of Bangkok.

• Also from Thailand, very well-known in Muay Thai
• Top gloves, shin guards, and shorts
• Wide selection of boxing gloves, limited otherwise
• Ideal for sparring and competition

Top Ten
Top Ten is a German martial arts brand and one of the main sponsors of WAKO. Top Ten is especially known in the field of kickboxing. To date, over 100 European and World Championships in Taekwon-Do, kickboxing, and boxing, as well as 3 Olympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games, have been equipped with TOP TEN safety equipment.

• Official outfitter of WAKO
• Excellent equipment for headgear and boxing gloves
• Wide product range
• Popular in kickboxing and point fighting

Everlast
According to Wikipedia, Everlast Worldwide Incorporated is an American sports brand specializing in boxing, mixed martial arts, and physical fitness, and markets its products worldwide. The company was founded in the Bronx and is currently based in Manhattan.

• Classic in boxing
• Wide range (from beginner to professional level)
• Good value for money
• Lower quality in the amateur segment

Adidas
Adidas is a global sports equipment provider with a very wide range. In the martial arts field, Adidas offers various products such as shoes, boxing gloves, punching bags, and much more. Adidas is also the official outfitter of WAKO.

• Widely used in karate, judo, and taekwondo
• Recognized by many federations
• Good value for money
• High-quality products

FIGHTERS
FIGHTERS is a Swiss provider of martial arts equipment. A very wide range is available in boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. In addition to classic products such as protective gear, FIGHTERS also offers clothing, punching bags, and fitness accessories.

• Wide range in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai
• Recognized by WAKO Suisse
• Good value for money
• Very good quality

Conclusion:
If you're looking for something high-quality, brands like Venum, Twins Special, Top Ten are usually a safe choice. For beginners, FIGHTERS and Everlast are often a good compromise between price and quality.

Boxing gloves and MMA gloves primarily differ in their size and padding. Boxing gloves are larger and have more padding to offer better protection for the hands when striking. MMA gloves are slimmer and have less padding to allow for greater freedom of movement and the ability to grapple.

Size and Padding:
Boxing gloves are significantly larger and have more padding, especially at the knuckles, to ensure maximum shock absorption and protection when punching. MMA gloves are more compact and have less padding to allow for more mobility and the ability to grapple or hold an opponent.

Fingers:
Boxing gloves are closed and protect the entire hand and fingers, while MMA gloves have open fingers, allowing fighters to grip, strike, and perform grappling techniques.

Wrist Support:
Boxing gloves typically provide more wrist support due to their longer cut and extra protection to prevent injuries. MMA gloves generally offer less wrist support as they are slimmer and designed for greater mobility.

Specific Use:
Boxing gloves are designed for punching, while MMA gloves are developed for a wider range of techniques including striking, grappling, kicking, and other fighting styles.

Training and Competition:
MMA gloves are generally suitable for both training and competition, while Boxing gloves are often used specifically for heavy bag training and sparring.


• Boxing gloves (8–16 oz): Closed, heavily padded, ideal for sparring and bag work.
• MMA gloves (4–7 oz): Open fingers, less padding – ideal for combined grappling and striking.
We are happy to advise you on the best model for your discipline and training level.

For home training, choosing the right mat plays a central role in ensuring both safety and comfort. The thickness of the mats is a crucial factor, as it directly affects impact protection, stability, and suitability for specific types of movement. Here is a detailed overview of what mat thickness is suitable for different types of training and use cases:

Regular fitness training with weights (bodyweight, free weights, kettlebells) • Recommended thickness: 1.0 – 2.0 cm
• Suitable: fitness mats, high-density yoga mats, rubber floor tiles, or thin puzzle mats

Explanation:
- For weight training, a non-slip and stable surface is important.
- A mat that is too soft can unnecessarily strain joints during squats or lunges by reducing stability.
- For heavy weights, it is advisable to place an additional cushioned surface underneath the weight area (e.g., 2 cm rubber mat or platform).

Product recommendation:
- FIGHTERS fitness & gymnastics mats / 60 x 60 x 1.2 cm


Gymnastics, stretches, yoga, Pilates • Recommended thickness: 0.6 – 1.5 cm
• Suitable: gymnastics mats, Pilates mats, yoga training mats

Explanation:
- Moderate cushioning protects the spine and joints during floor exercises without disturbing balance.
- For yoga, a thinner mat (0.6–1.0 cm) is usually sufficient, while Pilates or gymnastics may benefit from slightly more cushioning (1.0–1.5 cm).

Product recommendation:
- FIGHTERS fitness & gymnastics mats / 60 x 60 x 1.2 cm


Children's play & tumbling • Recommended thickness: 2.0 – 4.0 cm
• Suitable: thick puzzle mats or crash mats

Explanation:
- Children need a well-cushioned and impact-absorbing surface to soften minor falls.
- Puzzle mats with 2–3 cm thickness are ideal – they are modular, easy to clean, and provide thermal insulation from a cold floor.
- For more intense play or gymnastics, crash mats (up to 4 cm) can be used.

Product recommendation:
- FIGHTERS puzzle & play mats / 100 x 100 x 2 cm


Standing combat sport training (kickboxing, karate, taekwondo) • Recommended thickness: 2.0 – 2.5 cm
• Suitable: puzzle mats of medium thickness

Explanation:
- Mats should have slight cushioning to better execute kicking techniques.
- Although fall techniques are not intended, if someone falls, the mats cushion the fall accordingly.
- The slight springiness helps protect joints like knees and ankles.

Product recommendation:
- FIGHTERS kickboxing & combat sport mats / 100 x 100 x 2 cm
- FIGHTERS kickboxing & combat sport mats / 100 x 100 x 2.5 cm


Fall technique or combat sport training (Judo, Aikido, BJJ, MMA) • Recommended thickness: 3.0 – 5.0 cm
• Suitable: puzzle mats (judo mats, tatami), crash mats, MMA mats

Explanation:
- For fall techniques, a mat that is soft but not too sponge-like is necessary to avoid injuries from throws and falls.
- Mats with at least 3 cm thickness are standard for Judo or Aikido – often featuring a textured (tatami) surface to prevent slipping.
- For ground fighting in MMA or BJJ, 3–4 cm thick EVA puzzle mats off