What to Wear to Your First Martial Arts Class in Australia
Walking into your first martial arts class without knowing what to wear is more common than you think. Most people arrive in running shorts and a t-shirt. That is fine for day one. By your second or third session, the gym will expect you to have the basics sorted. This guide tells you exactly what to wear on day one, what to buy before your second class and what comes next.
In this article
- What to wear on day one (before you buy anything)
- What to buy before your second class
- What gyms require you to have within the first month
- A note on hygiene and shared equipment
- Frequently asked questions
What to wear on day one before you buy anything
Wear clothing you can move freely in. Compression shorts or leggings work well underneath. A fitted t-shirt or athletic top is preferable to a loose shirt that gets caught during grappling. Remove all jewellery before stepping on the mat. Hair tied back if long.
Feet are typically bare on the mat. Flip flops or slides for walking to and from the change room are a good idea. Bring a water bottle and a small towel.
You do not need to buy anything before your first class. Most gyms supply loaner gloves and protective gear for trial sessions. Confirm this with your gym beforehand.
What to buy before your second class
Two items are worth buying immediately after committing to training. A mouthguard and a rashguard. The mouthguard is a hygiene and safety non-negotiable from your first contact session. The rashguard replaces a cotton t-shirt for all mat-based training: it wicks sweat, reduces mat abrasions and is required at most gyms within the first few sessions.
FIAS competition-grade rashguard. The right investment from session two. Available exclusively in Australia through Sambo Store Australasia.
What gyms require you to have within the first month
Most Australian martial arts gyms expect four items within the first month: boxing gloves, a rashguard, a mouthguard and a groin guard. Some also require shin guards if sparring is introduced early in your programme. Check your gym's specific requirements on signup.
Boxing gloves are the single most important purchase. 16 oz for sparring, 12 oz for bag and pad work. Start with one pair at 14 to 16 oz if budget is a constraint.
Solid entry-level construction. A practical first-month purchase with reliable padding for early sparring and bag work.
Shorts matter more than most beginners expect. Standard gym or board shorts restrict kicking and grappling range of motion significantly. MMA shorts with high side slits and a dual closure waistband allow full hip extension and stay in place during takedowns. Buy these early.
High side slits and dual closure. Professional-grade MMA shorts used internationally. Only available in Australia through Sambo Store Australasia.
Shin guards become necessary once sparring begins. Start with a slip-on EVA option if you want a practical low-cost entry point, then upgrade to a full-coverage option as training intensity increases.
Slip-on EVA construction. An accessible first shin guard for early sparring and pad work.
A note on hygiene and shared equipment
Shared gym gear accumulates bacteria quickly. Borrowing gloves and rashguards from a gym is fine for a trial class. For ongoing training, owning your own gear is an investment in your own health. Wash rashguards after every session. Air-dry gloves rather than leaving them in a closed bag. This extends lifespan and prevents the skin conditions that are common on shared mats.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to wear a rashguard to my first martial arts class in Australia?
Not on day one if you do not own one. Wear a well-fitted athletic top. After the first class, a rashguard is worth buying immediately. Most gyms require them within the first few sessions.
What size boxing gloves should a beginner buy?
16 oz for sparring is the standard. 14 oz if you are lighter in build. 12 oz for bag and pad work only. When in doubt, buy 16 oz to start.
Can I wear board shorts to martial arts training?
For a trial class, yes. For ongoing training, purpose-built MMA shorts are strongly recommended. The difference in range of motion during kicking and grappling is significant.
How long before I need to buy my own gear in Australia?
Most gyms expect you to have your own mouthguard and rashguard within two to three sessions, and boxing gloves within the first month. Borrow or loan for the trial period only.
Shop Beginner Martial Arts Gear
Everything for your first month on the mat.
Shop Gear →Free shipping on orders over $300. Free 30-day returns.
