5 MMA Must-Haves For Beginners (You Need These!)

Hello there! Welcome to my article about the "5 MMA must-haves for beginners"!

To train any sport, one must have the essential gears to maximize learning as well as safety. Much more in Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA for short, because there are literally expectations of getting hurt. 

In this article, I am going to list the basic things that you, as a beginner, must have and prepare every time you go on with your MMA lessons. These equipment will help you train better and keep your self from injuries!

You can also view our other articles like The Best Gym Backpacks For Boxing Training, The Best Martial Arts For Self-Defense, and 2022’s Best MMA Fighting Shorts!

MMA Must-Haves: Every Gear You Need

1. Mouthguards

Beginner lessons in MMA usually start off with honing the standup skills. That is, working on your boxing as well as your kicks. Of course, since you are a beginner, you will begin by hitting the heavy bag, or having mitt sessions with your coach, or doing some ground sessions.

That's where the danger comes. The mouth, especially the lips and teeth can easily get cut or damaged even by the slightest of accidental contact. It is very common in wrestling or BJJ that you get hit by an elbow or a fist.

Also, your coach might also make you do light boxing sparring sessions. Chances are, you are really going to get hit in the mouth. This is the reason why Mouthguards are listed atop this list. You really can't go on without them.

2. Groin Cups

A fighter's groin area needs to be protected, thus this is another item of equipment that is crucial. They come in a variety of sizes and forms. Most cups are worn like a pair of underwear underneath your gym shorts. 

If you're also a fan of watching MMA fights, you'll see how devastating it is to get hit in this sensitive area. To prevent that, securing a groin protector cup is really an MMA must-haves.

You can buy a higher quality variety that is fully cushioned in the front, back, and sides and more closely resembles a helmet instead of being fitted with an elastic strap and a removable cup

3. Personal Boxing Gloves and Hand Wraps

Your MMA equipment apparel should include gloves. It also matters what kind of glove you choose and what level of quality. You should take into account at least two pairs. For bag and pad training, you should have a pair of normal 14–16 oz boxing gloves.

A second which is a softer and lighter glove would be used for sparring. In that way, you get to choose what glove you will wear depending on your scheduled training. It's one of the most important MMA must-haves.

If you're curious why I listed boxing gloves and not the MMA gloves, it is because you are just a beginner and still learning. Those 4oz MMA gloves are only used for competition. Even the top fighters use boxing gloves while training.

Take not that most gyms do let their beginner students borrow, but borrow it at your risk. Why? well  because most of them are stinking. So if you are on a tight budget, just get used to enduring the smell from other peoples sweat.

4. Shin Guards

The other half of MMA strikes are kicks, and at first, your kicks won't be extremely accurate. It's best to be wearing some cushioning, such as shin guards, in that situation because even an inanimate bag might inflict great harm.

The majority of the shin guards you will see will rather have similar designs. The two most popular styles are one that mostly covers the shin and the other that also covers the top of the foot.

Most kicking sessions are done by partners. So to reduce injury or bone bruises, shin guards are very much important. Just make sure that before you purchase shin guards, know your measurements so that the fit won't be a trouble during training.

5. Headgears

Dedicating yourself to training MMA, you will really be undergoing through a lot of training aspects. Boxing, kicking, and wrestling, these aspects have something in common, and that is to protect your head at all times. 

A head guard is essential for MMA training because it protects your head from impact. It also prevent your face and ears to get cut from getting hit, and lose time training because of being sidelined due to injury.

The open face helmet is one of the common types of headgear. It is padded around the head and leaving the chin and face open. This allows for much easier breathing.

Most MMA gyms have limited head gears available for borrowing so it is really an encouraged option to have your own. Aside from that, it is also more hygienic to be using your own gears that makes contact with your skin and sweat.

Final Thoughts

I hope my review of the 5 MMA must-haves for beginners has helped in determining the essential gears that you will be needing or your MMA training.

Always remember that MMA gears are an investment because you are going to use it daily, for a long time. Prioritize quality over its price because what's more important is that it lasts long and serves you the things you are looking for MMA equipments.

Whatever brand you choose, you can never go wrong with any of the items listed in this review. They are simply some of the best brands around that’s made by reputable manufacturers.

Well, I guess that’s just about it! Thank you for taking time off and reading my review of the 5 MMA must-haves for beginners!