Muay Thai Gear for Beginners

Welcome to the world of Muay Thai. Whether you’re a serious athlete or someone who wants to experience a new sport, you’ll have much better success if you outfit yourself with the proper equipment. The right gear enhances your performance and helps keep you safe and protected from injury.

A set of Muay Thai training gear is not very expensive and can also be used for other sports. We’ll also offer some tips on making your Muay Thai training equipment last. We’ll start by providing a list and description of the common Muay Thai training gloves and gear for beginners.

Where to find Muay Thai Training Gear in Thailand

Many sporting goods stores in Thailand carry a selection of Muay Thai training gear for sale. They can also help you find the proper sizes and teach you the proper techniques for wearing the equipment. The items you’ll be shopping for include:

Gloves

You’ll need a pair of comfortable gloves to protect your hands and your training partner from injury. Beginners should look for 12-16-ounce leather or high-quality synthetic leather gloves that fit snugly, while wearing hand wraps and offer proper wrist support.

Muay Thai Shorts

The shorts worn for Muay Thai are wider and shorter than regular athletic shorts. Being shorter keeps them from hanging up on their knees when practicing kicks and footwork. They often feature logos of Muay Thai gyms and other Thai brands. The popularity and comfort of Muay Thai shorts have lead to many vendors in Thailand selling them in satin-finish polyester, rayon, or nylon.

A Mouth Guards

There are two types of mouth guards: boil-and-bite or custom-fitted. The boil-and-bite mouth guards are available at sporting goods stores. They’re made of a thermoplastic that softens in hot water and can then be bitten to form a perfect impression of your teeth. Custom-fitted mouth guards are available from many dentists. Your mouth guard should fit comfortably and allow for clear enunciation when you speak.

Ankle Supports

Ankle supports are commonly elastic or neoprene one-piece slip-on supports. They’re essential to wear, particularly if you have a history of ankle injuries. They should support your ankle without restricting foot movement when wearing them for Muay Thai training.

Hand Wraps

Hand wraps provide extra wrist and knuckle protection. They’re made of cotton or synthetic blends that offer moisture wicking and are sold in standard lengths of 120 or 180 inches. Your Muay Thai teacher will show you how to wrap your hands properly.

Shin Guards

Shin guards are essential equipment, particularly when training, as you’ll practice shin kicks repeatedly. They’re made of leather or synthetic leather with dense foam inner padding. They should cover from just below the knee to over the top of the foot and fit snugly but allow quick movement.

Groin Protection

Groin protection is essential, particularly for male athletes. You can buy a plastic or metal, fabric-covered groin cup and wear it with a jock strap, or there are compression shorts on the market that have a built-in cup.

Namman Muay (Boxing Oil)

Many professional Muay Thai boxers use Namman muay, or boxing oil, to warm up their muscles before a training session or bout. In Thailand, many pharmacies carry the oil, including some 7-11 stores. Tops Supermarkets and King Power Duty-Free carry Namman Muay. You can also order the oil from Lazada or Shopee.

Muay Thai Training Equipment

You’ll work with various types of equipment when you begin training in Muay Thai sessions. However, the gym will supply this equipment. The three most common types of training equipment are:

Kick Pads

These pads are worn on a trainer’s arms or legs and serve as targets for kicking practice. They’re typically made of leather-covered, dense foam with straps on the back that attach to the trainer’s limbs.

Focus Mitts

All types of boxing discipline use focus mitts. They’re thick pads attached to a glove that fit over the hand. The trainer wears them to simulate a moving target for the boxer to focus his punches and kicks on.

Heavy Bags

Heavy bags are found in many non-boxing gyms and Muay Thai gyms. They’re typically about torso length and hung from the ceiling. They help build stamina in boxers’ arms and legs by providing a soft but resilient surface for punching and kicking practice.

Caring for Your Gear

Taking care of your Muay Thai training gear can help it last for years. Some tips for the proper care of Muay Thai gear include:

• Air out your equipment after every use to prevent bacterial and mold growth
• Clean gloves and shin guards after every use to prevent a buildup of dirt and sweat that can damage the equipment.
• Replace hand wraps regularly.
• Check gear for wear and tear and replace damaged pieces to prevent injury.

Get Inspired by Visiting Rajadamnern Stadium

If you’re interested in taking up Muay Thai as a sport, there’s no better place to get inspired and see the true spirit of Thai culture than an evening of Muay Thai boxing. Visit Rajadamnern Stadium to witness live Muay Thai, become immersed in an exciting Thai cultural experience, and see some of the techniques you’ll soon be practicing.

References:

Essential Muay Thai Equipment: A Beginner’s Guide to Gearing Up – Retrieved on 6/19/25 from – https://hktboxingstadium.com/essential-muay-thai-equipment-beginners-guide/

Muay Thai Training Gear You Must Have In Your Gym Bag – Retrieved on 6/19/25 from – https://www.onefc.com/lifestyle/muay-thai-training-gear-you-must-have-in-your-gym-bag/