What Equipment Does a Kickboxing Beginner Actually Need?

You do not need to buy a full kit before your first kickboxing class at Fuzion. Wear comfortable black sports clothing and use the gloves available to borrow. Most people wear indoor trainers, although some choose to train barefoot. Once you have attended a few sessions and know you want to continue, Rich can help you choose gloves and any other equipment that suits your age and training.

You can start simply and borrow gloves before deciding what equipment to buy.

What should I wear to my first kickboxing class?

Wear sports clothes that allow you to move comfortably. At Fuzion, that normally means:

• a black T-shirt;

• black shorts, leggings or tracksuit bottoms; and

• indoor trainers if you want to wear footwear.

Most people train in indoor trainers, but some people prefer to train barefoot. You do not need a specialist uniform for your free trial.

The important thing is that your clothing is comfortable enough for warming up, moving, kicking and practising techniques safely. If you are uncertain about what you already own, ask Rich rather than buying something new before your first session.

Do beginners need to bring boxing gloves?

No. Fuzion has boxing gloves available to borrow for beginners, including children. That means you can experience a proper class before spending money on equipment.

If you decide to continue, buying your own gloves after your first few sessions is recommended. Your own pair will be more comfortable, easier to keep clean and available whenever you train.

There is no particular brand you must buy. Rich is happy to advise before you order anything, which is useful because the right glove weight depends on the member's age, size and type of training.

What size boxing gloves should I buy?

The usual Fuzion guidance is:

• Tiny Dragons, ages 5–6: 6oz to 8oz boxing gloves. No focus pads are needed initially.

• Little Ninjas, ages 7–9: usually 8oz boxing gloves. No focus pads are needed initially.

• Cadets, ages 10–15: usually 10oz boxing gloves and a pair of focus pads.

• Adults: 12oz to 16oz boxing gloves and a pair of focus pads.

• Adults taking part in sparring: 16oz boxing gloves, a gum shield, suitable groin protection where relevant and thick shin guards.

These are useful starting points, not a reason to guess. Body size, fit and intended use can affect the best choice, so speak to Rich before buying if you are unsure.

Comfortable sportswear, gloves and water are enough to get started.

Do cadets and adults need their own focus pads?

Yes. Cadets and adults should buy and bring their own pair of focus pads once they are continuing with their training.

Focus pads are used for partner work, allowing members to practise combinations, accuracy and timing while another person holds the targets. Rich can advise if you are unsure what type to choose.

Younger children's groups do not need to arrive at their first session carrying a full set of equipment. Gloves are available to borrow, and the initial priority is taking part and becoming comfortable in class.

Are hand wraps compulsory?

No. Hand wraps are optional at Fuzion. Some members like the additional support or prefer wearing them inside their gloves, but beginners do not have to buy or use them.

If you want to try wraps, ask Rich or the coaching team how to put them on correctly. A wrap that is uncomfortable or badly fitted is not useful simply because it is part of somebody else's kit.

When do I need shin guards, a gum shield or other protective equipment?

You do not need sparring equipment for an ordinary beginner class or your first free trial. Protective equipment becomes relevant when you take part in sparring.

Adults who spar should use:

• 16oz boxing gloves;

• a gum shield;

• suitable groin protection where relevant; and

• thick shin guards.

Technical Sparring at Fuzion is open to all ability levels, including beginners, but it is not used as a first free-trial class. Brand-new visitors should begin with Adult Kickboxing. When you are ready to explore sparring, ask Rich exactly what equipment is appropriate before buying it.

Is the equipment different for boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai?

Your core beginner kit is similar: comfortable sports clothing and boxing gloves. Cadets and adults also use their own focus pads as they continue training.

The additional protective equipment you need depends more on the activity you are doing than the name of the class. For example, thick shin guards, a gum shield and 16oz gloves are part of the adult sparring kit, but they are not required simply to attend your first kickboxing, boxing or Muay Thai session.

Ask before buying specialist equipment. Rich can advise based on the classes you attend and how your training is developing.

What about jewellery and long hair during training?

There is no formal jewellery rule at Fuzion, but long hair should be tied back. Stud earrings or small, secure huggie-style earrings are preferable to larger earrings. Rich and the team can advise if you are unsure about a particular item.

Do I need a Fuzion uniform?

You do not need a specialist uniform for your free trial. Begin in the black sports clothing described above.

If you decide to join, new members receive a Fuzion T-shirt at their first class as a member. Once members begin grading, they wear their belts. You can read the full joining process in What Happens After Your Free Kickboxing Trial at Fuzion?

Should I buy everything before my first class?

No. Start with suitable clothing you already own and borrow gloves from Fuzion. After a few sessions, you will know whether you want to continue and Rich can help you avoid buying the wrong size or unnecessary equipment.

If you have not tried a class yet, book your free trial online. For a step-by-step picture of the session itself, read Beginner Kickboxing in Chingford: What Happens in Your First Class?

Frequently asked questions

Do I need boxing gloves for my first kickboxing class?

No. Fuzion has gloves available to borrow for adult and child beginners. You can buy your own pair after your first few sessions if you decide to continue.

What clothes should a kickboxing beginner wear?

Wear comfortable black sports clothing: a black T-shirt with black shorts, leggings or tracksuit bottoms. Most members wear indoor trainers, while some choose to train barefoot.

What boxing-glove size should a beginner use?

Children aged 5–6 usually use 6oz to 8oz gloves, ages 7–9 normally use 8oz, cadets aged 10–15 usually use 10oz, and adults generally use 12oz to 16oz. Ask Rich to confirm the right choice before buying.

Are hand wraps required for kickboxing?

No. Hand wraps are optional at Fuzion. Members can use them if they prefer.

Do beginners need shin guards and a gum shield?

Not for an ordinary beginner class or first free trial. Protective equipment becomes necessary when participating in sparring. Ask Rich what you need before purchasing sparring equipment.

Do I need my own focus pads?

Cadets and adults should buy and bring their own focus pads once they continue training. Younger children's groups do not need them as part of their initial kit.