Kickboxing Gear Guide: Everything You Need to Start Training in Australia

To start kickboxing training in Australia you need gloves, shin guards, hand wraps, and a mouthguard. That is the minimum kit for a fully equipped sparring session. You can add headgear and a groin guard as you progress to heavier contact. This guide covers exactly what to buy, in what order, and which options to look at if you want to get kitted out from a single Australian supplier without overcomplicating it.

In this guide

• The full kickboxing gear list
• The easiest way to start: the full combo kit
• Kickboxing shin guards: what to look for
• In what order should you buy gear?
• FAQ

What Gear Do You Need to Start Kickboxing in Australia?

Here is the complete gear list from essential to optional as your training progresses:

Most Australian kickboxing gyms will lend gloves and pads for your first few sessions while you get started. Once you are training consistently, having your own gear is important both for hygiene and for a properly fitted kit.

The Easiest Way to Start: The SMAI Elite85 Kickboxing Combo ($299)

If you want to get fully equipped in one purchase, the SMAI Elite85 Kickboxing Combo bundles gloves, shin guards, and supporting gear into a single kit at $299. SMAI is an Australian brand and the Elite85 is their core beginner-to-intermediate kickboxing package. It is the most straightforward way to start kickboxing training without working through five separate buying decisions.

At $299 the Elite85 also qualifies for free shipping across Australia.

Kickboxing Shin Guards: What to Look For

Kickboxing shin guards need to cover the full shin bone and the instep. For kickboxing specifically, you want a guard with a foot wrap that stays on through fast combinations and front kicks. The two most reliable options in Australia at different price points:

In What Order Should You Buy Kickboxing Gear?

This is the sequence that makes sense for most beginners:

1. Week 1 to 2: Train with whatever your gym lends you. See if you enjoy it first.
2. Month 1: Buy gloves (12oz), hand wraps, and a mouthguard. These are your personal hygiene items that gyms expect you to own.
3. Before first sparring: Add shin guards and a groin guard. Gyms will not allow you into sparring rounds without them.
4. Once training consistently: Consider a head guard if your gym recommends it and a second pair of gloves so you always have a clean set ready.

Alternatively, the SMAI Elite85 Combo ($299) covers most of this in one step if you prefer a single purchase to get started immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight gloves should I use for kickboxing?

12oz for most adults for bag and pad work. 14oz for sparring if you are 70 to 85kg. 16oz for heavier athletes or gyms that require a larger glove for sparring. Check your gym's requirements before buying for sparring use specifically.

Is kickboxing gear the same as Muay Thai gear?

Mostly yes. The same boxing gloves, shin guards, and hand wraps work for both kickboxing and Muay Thai. The practical difference is that Muay Thai allows elbow and knee strikes, so some Muay Thai practitioners add elbow and knee pads for sparring. For kickboxing, the standard boxing gloves and shin guards kit is sufficient.

Do I need a head guard for kickboxing training?

It depends on your gym's rules. Many Australian kickboxing gyms require head guards for beginners in sparring, particularly for head kick sparring. Check with your coach before assuming you need or do not need one.

Can I do kickboxing as a complete beginner with no martial arts experience?

Yes. Most kickboxing gyms in Australia run beginner classes that start from the fundamentals: stance, guard, basic punches and kicks. No experience is required. Arrive early on your first day to let the coach know you are new, and wear comfortable workout clothes until you have confirmed you are going to continue.

Does Sambo Store Australasia stock all the kickboxing gear I need?

Yes. We stock gloves, shin guards, hand wraps, and mouthguards from SMAI, Morgan, and Sting. Free shipping applies on orders over $300.