MMA Gear: The Complete Guide
By Martial Arts Supplies Australia (MASA)
Starting MMA in Australia means facing a gear list that can feel overwhelming — and expensive. Walk into most gyms and your coach will hand you a shopping list before your second class. We see it every day at MASA.
This guide breaks down exactly what you need, what each piece of gear actually does, how much it's going to cost you, and what we recommend across every category we stock. No fluff, no upselling — just the honest breakdown.
What Is MMA Gear For?
MMA gear has two jobs:
Protection — reducing injury risk during sparring, drilling, and grappling
Performance — allowing the full range of movement that MMA demands
Unlike boxing or BJJ alone, MMA combines striking (punches, kicks, elbows, knees) with grappling (takedowns, ground control, submissions). Your gear has to handle both — which is why the list is longer than most single-discipline sports.
What Your Gym Will Ask You to Buy
At MASA, we regularly see students come in straight from their first class with a list from their coach. It almost always looks like this:
- MMA Gloves
- Boxing Gloves
- BJJ Gi
- Rash Guard
- Shin Guards
- Hand Wraps
This is a solid list. It covers you for striking sessions, grappling classes, and sparring — the three core training environments in any MMA gym.
We've built this guide around that exact list, with honest recommendations for each item and a realistic look at what the full kit will set you back.
How Much Does MMA Gear Cost in Australia?
Here's a realistic budget breakdown for a beginner's full kit in 2026:
| Item | Budget Range |
|---|---|
| MMA Gloves | $90 – $160 |
| Boxing Gloves | $90 – $160 |
| BJJ Gi | $100 – $200 |
| Rash Guard | $100+ |
| Shin Guards | $130+ |
| Hand Wraps | $25+ |
| Muay Thai Shorts | $80+ |
| Grappling Shorts | $100+ |
| Total | ~$500 – $700 |
Most beginners at MASA land around the $500–$700 mark for a solid, complete kit. You don't need to spend at the top end when you're starting out — mid-range gear from quality brands will last you 12–18 months of regular training without issue.
The Complete MMA Gear Breakdown
1. MMA Gloves
MMA gloves are open-finger gloves built for both striking and grappling. The open fingers let you grip for takedowns and clinch work, while the padded knuckles protect your hands on the bag and during sparring.
What to look for:
- Secure Velcro wrist strap
- Adequate knuckle padding (4oz competition or padded sparring versions)
- Durable stitching on the finger openings
What we stock:
- Venum MMA Gloves — reliable construction, good wrist support, great entry-level option
- RingHorns MMA Gloves — RingHorns is Venum's sister brand; excellent value, similar build quality
- Fairtex MMA Gloves — Thai-made, outstanding durability, preferred by serious fighters
- Top Ten MMA Gloves — strong competition-spec option
👉 See our full MMA Gloves collection
📖 Venum vs Fairtex MMA Gloves — Which Should You Buy?
2. Boxing Gloves
Most MMA gyms require boxing gloves for bag work, pad sessions, and sparring. They offer more padding than MMA gloves and are essential for developing punching technique safely. You'll use these more than you think.
What to look for:
- 12oz for lighter sparring / bag work
- 14oz–16oz for heavier sparring (especially if you're over 75kg)
- Firm wrist support
- Quality lining (it lives against your wraps all session)
What we stock:
- Arwut Boxing Gloves — a serious Muay Thai brand with a cult following among experienced fighters; exceptional build quality and one of the best values in the market
- Fairtex Boxing Gloves — the gold standard from Thailand; built to last years of heavy training
- Venum Elite Boxing Gloves — a step behind Fairtex and Arwut but a genuinely strong performer; well-made, widely available, and a solid choice for most beginners
- Top Ten Boxing Gloves — the official glove of WAKO competition; a proven, competition-spec glove trusted by fighters at all levels
👉 See our full Boxing Gloves collection
📖 Best Boxing Gloves for MMA Training in Australia
📖 Arwut vs Fairtex Boxing Gloves — How Do They Compare?
3. Hand Wraps
Hand wraps go on before your boxing gloves, every single time. They protect the small bones in your hand, support your wrist, and extend the life of your gloves.
What to look for:
- 4.5m length minimum
- Elastic stretch for a snug fit
- Easy-clean, machine washable
What we stock:
Hand wraps are one of the cheapest pieces of kit you'll buy — get two pairs so you always have a clean set ready.
👉 See our Hand Wraps collection
4. Shin Guards
Shin guards are non-negotiable once you start kicking. Blocking a kick without them is a fast way to end your training week early. They protect both you and your training partner during Muay Thai and MMA drilling.
What to look for:
- Thick padding across the shin and instep
- Secure strap system (Velcro preferred)
- Lightweight enough not to restrict your movement
What we stock:
- Arwut Shin Guards — premium Muay Thai construction; a favourite among coaches and fighters who train hard
- Fairtex Shin Guards — benchmark quality; the shin guard serious fighters keep for years
- RingHorns Shin Guards — strong value option, excellent for beginners and intermediate trainers
- Venum Shin Guards — reliable construction and solid padding; a trusted name for beginners and intermediate trainers alike
👉 See our full Shin Guards collection
📖 Arwut vs Fairtex Shin Guards — Which Wins?
5. BJJ Gi
The Gi is your uniform for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — the ground fighting and submission wrestling discipline that sits at the heart of MMA grappling. Most MMA gyms run Gi classes several times a week.
Choosing a Gi in Australia
If you're training in Australia — particularly in warmer parts of the country — a lightweight Gi is almost always the right choice. Most MMA students aren't competing in IBJJF tournaments where weave weight matters; they're rolling in a hot gym three times a week. A lighter Gi means:
- Better breathability
- Faster drying
- More comfortable training in Australian conditions
Look for a single weave or pearl weave Gi under 400gsm. You don't need a heavy competition Gi to learn BJJ well.
Colour: Most gyms accept white, blue, or black. Check with your coach first, but for MMA training environments almost anything goes.
What we stock:
- Venum First BJJ Gi — our recommended entry-level Gi at $150; lightweight, well-made, and won't break the bank when you're already spending on the rest of your kit
👉 See our BJJ Gi collection
📖 What to Look for in a BJJ Gi — A Beginner's Guide for Australian Fighters
6. Rash Guard
A rash guard is a compression top worn under your Gi or on its own for no-Gi grappling. It's not optional — it's a hygiene and skin protection essential.
What it does:
- Prevents mat burns and skin abrasions
- Reduces the spread of skin infections (a real risk in grappling gyms)
- Helps regulate body temperature
- Keeps your Gi from sticking to your skin
What we stock:
- Venum Rash Guards — quality compression fit, durable printing, good range of styles
👉 See our Rash Guard collection
7. Shorts — Grappling or Muay Thai
Shorts aren't always on the official gym list, but in our experience most students end up buying a pair on the same visit. You'll need them for no-Gi sessions, striking classes, and sparring — and regular gym shorts with pockets and thick seams just don't cut it.
There are two types depending on what you're training:
Grappling Shorts — stretchy, close-fitting, no pockets or zippers. Built for movement on the mat without anything catching or snagging on your partner.
Muay Thai / Fight Shorts — looser cut, satin or lightweight fabric, split seams for high kicks. The go-to for striking sessions and Muay Thai classes.
Most MMA gyms use both. If you're only buying one pair to start, ask your coach which style your gym leans toward.
What we stock:
👉 See our Grappling Shorts collection
👉 See our Muay Thai Shorts collection
8. Mouthguard
Your teeth are irreplaceable. A mouthguard is one of the cheapest pieces of gear you'll buy and one of the most important. No gym worth training at will let you spar without one.
- Boil-and-bite options work fine for most beginners
- Custom-fitted mouthguards (from a dentist) offer better comfort and breathing — worth the investment once you're training seriously
9. Groin Protection
Required in virtually every gym for any contact work. Essential for both men and women.
Gear You'll Add Later
Once you're training regularly, you may look at adding:
- Headgear — for hard sparring or if your gym requires it
- Ankle supports — useful for heavy kicking training
- Sparring-specific MMA gloves — heavier padded versions for partner work
- Home training gear — heavy bag, focus mitts, kick shields, skipping rope
None of this is urgent on day one. Build your base kit first.
Buying Tips from the Team at MASA
Don't overbuy before your first class. Many people spend $1,000 on gear before their first session and quit three weeks later. Start with the essentials, train for a month, then invest more.
Fit matters more than brand. A well-fitting mid-range glove will outperform an expensive one that moves on your wrist. Always prioritise proper fit, secure straps, and comfort during movement.
Budget vs premium — what actually matters:
- Beginners: Budget to mid-range gear is fine for the first 3–6 months
- Once you're training 3x a week or more, invest in quality gloves and shin guards — they take the most punishment
- Premium gear lasts significantly longer and is worth it once you're committed
We work with gyms across Australia. If your coach handed you a list, we've almost certainly got everything on it. Come in or browse our collections — we'll point you in the right direction without overcomplicating it.
Quick Gear Checklist
Start with these:
- [ ] MMA Gloves
- [ ] Boxing Gloves
- [ ] Hand Wraps
- [ ] Shin Guards
- [ ] BJJ Gi
- [ ] Rash Guard
- [ ] Mouthguard
- [ ] Groin Protection
Add these later:
- [ ] MMA Shorts
- [ ] Headgear
- [ ] Ankle Supports
- [ ] Home training equipment
Shop by Category
Related Guides
Published:
- Best Gloves for Muay Thai Training in Australia
- How to Clean and Look After Your Boxing Gloves
- How to Clean and Look After Your Shin Guards
- 120 vs 180 Hand Wraps — Which Length Should You Buy?
- How to Wash Hand Wraps — Boxing and Muay Thai
- 14oz vs 16oz Boxing Gloves — Should You Own Both?
- Why Quality Gear Matters More When You Train Hard
- What to Wear and Pack for Your First Muay Thai Class
Martial Arts Supplies Australia (MASA) — supplying gyms and fighters across Australia with quality MMA, Muay Thai, and BJJ gear.