Become Fighter
Gear and safety: Kickboxing guide
What to wear, how to check it and the rules that keep sparring safe.
Good gear does not make sparring safe by itself, but bad gear makes it much worse. The shin guard is the one piece kickboxers argue about most. It protects your partner's ribs, your shins and the bones of your feet.
Check your gear before each session and keep it clean. Gloves, wraps and a gum shield are non-negotiable. Everything else depends on your gym and your level.
Key points
- Wear 14 or 16 oz gloves for sparring, hand wraps, a gum shield and a groin guard.
- Wear shin and instep guards that stay in place. Slipping guards cause cuts and sprains.
- Headgear reduces cuts and bruising but does not prevent concussion. Don't rely on it.
- Replace gloves and guards that have gone flat or started to split.
- Tell the coach about injuries before you start. A hidden injury makes everyone's session worse.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Sparring without shin guards. Wear them. A bruised shin from a check will keep you out for weeks.
- Using worn-out gloves. Retire gloves when the padding has gone. Thin gloves hurt both fighters.
- Trusting headgear to protect the brain. It does not. Control the power instead.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Sparring module of Kickboxing foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Sparring
- Technical sparring: Kickboxing guide
- Hard sparring and controlled power: Kickboxing guide
- Reviewing your sparring: Kickboxing guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.