Boxing Essentials for Beginners
Let off steam, strike, show speed and mental sharpness: all these elements make you want to start boxing. Budo-Fight has put together a list of the must-haves for beginner boxers. Follow the guide!
Essential Equipment for Starting Boxing at a Club
No matter the type of boxing or its specifics, a few essential pieces of equipment are mandatory and/or recommended for practicing the sport. Here are some items no boxer should go without. We’ll detail below, case by case, which items are recommended for each type of boxing.
Boxing Gloves
A good pair of boxing gloves is the #1 piece of equipment when starting out in this discipline. You should choose gloves suited to your practice and skill level. Boxing gloves are mandatory and essential to protect both yourself and your training partners, and they also allow you to work on your striking technique safely.
Which gloves should you choose to start boxing?
Hand Wraps
Hand wraps or boxing inner gloves will protect your joints and extend the life of your gloves. For beginners, it’s often easier to slip on a pair of inner gloves than to wrap each hand with hand wraps.
Mouthguard
Essential for protecting your teeth from accidental blows and mandatory during sparring, the mouthguard will save you a lot of trouble. There are gel models that are comfortable to wear and will likely become your best allies.
Boxing Shoes
While you might think only your fists matter in boxing, it’s highly recommended to get boxing shoes. Thanks to their specific high-top design, they protect your feet and ankles and are lighter than standard sneakers. If you choose not to wear boxing shoes, opt for lightweight, non-slip sports shoes that offer good ankle support.
Appropriate Clothing
To practice boxing, you’ll need comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Your outfit should be loose enough for optimal freedom of movement, but not so baggy that it hinders your sparring partner. Boxing shorts and a tank top are classic choices for boxing gear.
Groin Guard
Last but not least, the groin guard is recommended. It is invaluable for protecting your groin area from accidental blows. There are both male and female models. You can also find chest guards for women who want to protect this area of their body.
Must-Haves for Starting English Boxing
English boxing only allows strikes above the belt, which is why it requires the least equipment. The essential gear listed below will be sufficient for this type of boxing.
Which gloves should you choose for English boxing?
Must-Haves for Starting French Boxing
To start French boxing, you can use the same gear as for English boxing, with the addition of shin guards since kicks are allowed. Your boxing gloves should also be suited for French boxing.
Which gloves should you choose for French boxing?
Must-Haves for Starting Thai Boxing
In Muay Thai, shin guards are mandatory to protect against kicks. Elbow and knee guards are optional but can be useful during sparring sessions. Of course, the rest of the previously mentioned equipment is still recommended. You will definitely need Muay Thai boxing gloves specifically designed for this discipline.
Which gloves should you choose for Muay Thai?
Essential Equipment for Training at Home
If you want to progress quickly and also train at home, here are some pieces of equipment that will help you improve your boxing skills.
Punching Bag: A True Ally for Building Power
The punching bag is usually a ball suspended from the ceiling; it simulates the presence of an opponent and offers resistance due to its weight and swinging motion. It allows you to maintain intense physical effort while developing the ability to throw precise and powerful strikes.
Skills developed: strength and power, endurance during intense physical effort, movement synchronization, improved reactivity, reflexes, and anticipation.
Speed Ball: Essential for Precision and Reflex Training
The speed ball is lightweight and attached directly to a platform, unlike the punching bag which hangs freely. It is lighter and offers a faster, more direct rebound. Training with the speed ball involves a repetitive and constant motion, helping to improve hand-eye coordination.
Skills developed: punch speed, hand-eye coordination, strike precision, quick reaction, respiratory capacity.
Jump Rope: Developing Coordination and Agility
Jump rope is a very complete exercise: it strengthens the legs while engaging the core and requires the use of the arms. As a cardio exercise that works many muscles, it improves footwork and endurance while optimizing focus and coordination.