What Equipment Do I Need For Kickboxing?

If you have recently started a martial art such as kickboxing or Thaiboxing, it can be difficult to know which equipment you actually need. With so many different products and styles available, choosing the right equipment can quickly become confusing.

At Sidekick Boxing, we have put together this guide to explain the equipment required for three popular styles: K-1, Muay Thai and Full Contact kickboxing.

Is There A Difference Between Kickboxing And Thaiboxing Equipment?

Although K-1, Muay Thai and Full Contact are all striking disciplines, they have different rules and therefore require different equipment.

Some equipment can be used across multiple styles, such as boxing gloves, hand wraps, groin guards and head guards. However, other items are designed specifically for particular disciplines.

For example, Muay Thai fighters traditionally wear Muay Thai shorts, while Full Contact kickboxers generally wear satin trousers. Shin protection also differs depending on the style and whether you are training or competing.

Here is a quick breakdown of the equipment used for each style:

Equipment	K-1	Muay Thai	Full Contact
Hand Wraps	✓	✓	✓
Groin Guard	✓	✓	✓
Elastic Shins	✓	—	✓
Kick Boots	—	—	✓
Leather Shin Instep Guards	—	✓	—
Shorts	✓	✓	—
Satin Trousers	—	—	✓
Boxing Gloves	✓	✓	✓
Head Guard	✓	✓	✓

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

What Equipment Do I Need For Each Style?

K-1 Kickboxing Equipment

K-1 is a hybrid form of kickboxing that combines elements of kickboxing and Muay Thai. K-1 was established as a martial arts organisation in 1993 and has since become recognised around the world.

For K-1 kickboxing, you will need:

Boxing gloves
Hand wraps
Kickboxing shorts
Elastic shins
Groin guard
Head guard

Shin protection is particularly important during training and sparring, while the exact equipment requirements can vary depending on the rules being followed.

Shop: Sidekick Boxing Handwraps

Muay Thai Equipment

Muay Thai is traditionally known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because fighters use their hands, feet, knees and elbows.

For Muay Thai, you will need:

Boxing gloves
Hand wraps
Muay Thai shorts
Groin guard
Leather shin instep guards
Head guard

Shin protection is particularly important during training and sparring. In professional fights, fighters generally compete without shin guards or head guards.

Shop: Sidekick Ultimate X Leather Shin Instep Guard

Full Contact Kickboxing Equipment

Full Contact kickboxing developed from sport karate and is one of the more protected forms of kickboxing. Low kicks are not permitted, while foot and shin protection can be used during competition depending on the ruleset.

For Full Contact kickboxing, you will need:

Boxing gloves
Hand wraps
Satin trousers
Kick boots
Elastic shins
Groin guard
Head guard

Kick boots are designed to protect both the wearer and their opponent, while elastic shins provide additional protection around the shin and foot.

Shop: Sidekick Boxing Ultimate Boxing Gloves

A groin guard should be used during training and competition where required, while a head guard provides additional protection during sparring.

The most important thing is to check with your coach before buying your equipment, as requirements can vary between gyms, competitions and individual rulesets.