Kickboxing is a high-intensity martial art that combines boxing, karate, and Muay Thai techniques. It's a fantastic way to improve your fitness, learn self-defense, and have fun.
But if you're a beginner, you might be wondering what gear you need to get started. One of the most important pieces of equipment you'll need is a good pair of kickboxing gloves. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of choosing the best kickboxing gloves for beginners.
"Fighting is never good but sometimes necessary"
The Importance of Choosing the Right Kickboxing Gloves
Choosing the right pair of kickboxing gloves is crucial for both your performance and safety. The gloves you choose should offer adequate protection for your hands and wrists, especially during bag work.
Remember: The right gloves can make a significant difference in your training. They can enhance your performance, reduce the risk of injury, and even boost your confidence.
What to Look for in Kickboxing Gloves
When choosing the best kickboxing gloves for beginners, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look out for:
Size: Kickboxing gloves typically range from 8 to 16 ounces. For beginners, a 12 oz pair of boxing gloves is often a good choice. They offer a balance of speed and protection, making them suitable for both bag work and sparring.
Material: The material of boxing gloves can range from genuine leathers like Premium and Thai Leather, known for their durability and comfort, to more cost-effective alternatives like Synthetic and Hide Leather. While genuine leather gloves often come with a higher price tag, they offer a snug fit that adapts to your hand over time. Synthetic and Hide Leather gloves, on the other hand, provide good durability and comfort at a more affordable price, making them ideal for beginners.
Wrist Support: Good wrist support is essential in a kickboxing glove. It helps to prevent wrist injuries, which are common in kickboxing. Look for gloves with a secure Velcro closure or a lace-up design for the best support.
Padding: The gloves should have sufficient foam padding to protect your hands and wrists from the impact of your punches. The padding should be evenly distributed across the glove, with extra padding around the knuckles.
Brand: The brand of the gloves can also be an important factor. Some brands are known for their high-quality gloves, like Hayabusa T3, Fumetsu, Top Ten and others for their value for money. It's worth doing some research to find a brand that suits your needs and budget.
Our Top Picks
Here are some of our top picks for beginner kickboxing gloves:
Remember, the best kickboxing gloves for beginners will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Diving Deeper into Specific Models
Now that we've covered the basics of what to look for in kickboxing gloves and why they're important, let's take a closer look at some specific models that are ideal for beginners.
Fairtex BGV-X One Championship Boxing Gloves
The Fairtex BGV-X One Championship Gloves are a fantastic option for beginners. Part of our Fairtex collection, these gloves are made from high-quality leather and feature a tight fit for maximum hand and wrist protection. They're perfect for both bag work and sparring, making them a versatile choice for beginners.
Top Ten Fight Boxing Gloves
The Top Ten Fight Gloves are another excellent choice. These gloves from our Top Ten collection are designed for comfort and durability, with a secure Velcro closure for excellent wrist support. They're also lightweight, making them great for working on your speed and technique.
Fumetsu Ghost MK2 Boxing Gloves
The Fumetsu Ghost MK2 Boxing Gloves are a standout in our Fumetsu collection. Made from synthetic leather, these gloves offer a secure Velcro closure and ample padding for protection. They're a great budget-friendly option for beginners.
Bytomic Red Label Boxing Gloves
The Bytomic Red Label Boxing Glove from our Bytomic collection is a fantastic option for beginners. These gloves offer excellent value for money, featuring synthetic leather construction, a secure Velcro closure, and ample padding. They're a great choice for beginners looking for a balance between quality and affordability.
Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
The Venum Elite Boxing Gloves from our Venum collection are a premium choice for beginners. These gloves are made from high-quality synthetic leather and feature a unique design for maximum comfort and protection. They're a fantastic option if you're looking for a pair of gloves that offer both style and substance, however are a little more on the pricer side.
The Role of Gloves in Training
Kickboxing gloves play a pivotal role in your training. They're not just about protecting your hands; they're also about enhancing your performance. The right pair of gloves can help you perfect your technique and increase your power and speed.
Pro Tip: Switching between different types of gloves during your training can help you develop a well-rounded skill set. For example, you might use bag gloves for your bag work and heavier training gloves for your sparring sessions.
Understanding the Different Types of Gloves
There are several types of boxing gloves, each designed for a specific purpose. Here's a quick rundown:
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Bag Gloves: These are designed for bag work. They're typically lighter and less padded than other types of gloves, allowing you to work on your speed and technique.
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Training Gloves: These are all-purpose gloves that you can use for bag work, pad work, and light sparring. They're a great option if you're just starting out and want a pair of gloves that can do it all.
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Sparring Gloves: These are designed for sparring. They're heavier and more padded than other types of gloves to protect both you and your sparring partner.
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Competition Gloves: These are used in professional fights. They're typically lighter and less padded than sparring gloves to increase the impact of punches.
When choosing the best kickboxing gloves for beginners, a good pair of training gloves is often the best option. They offer the versatility you need as a beginner, allowing you to try out different aspects of kickboxing without needing to invest in multiple pairs of gloves.
Protecting Your Hands and Wrists
In addition to choosing the right gloves, it's also important to take steps to protect your hands and wrists. This might include wrapping your hands before training, doing exercises to strengthen your wrists, and using proper punching technique.
Our body protection collection and elbow pads & knee pads collection offer additional gear to keep you safe during your training sessions.
Remember: Safety should always be your top priority when training. Always use proper technique and wear the appropriate protective gear.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best kickboxing gloves for beginners can seem daunting, but with the right information and a bit of research, you can find the perfect pair for your needs. Remember to consider the size, material, wrist support, padding, and brand when making your decision. And don't forget to protect your hands and wrists by wrapping them before training, doing exercises to strengthen your wrists, and using proper punching technique.
Kickboxing is a challenging and rewarding martial art. With the right gear, you can train safely and effectively, improving your fitness, learning self-defense, and having fun. So what are you waiting for? Check out our boxing gloves collection and start your kickboxing journey today!
Note: For more tips and advice on kickboxing, check out our Beginner's Guide to Kickboxing.
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Or in this case, a single punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are entry level boxing gloves?
Entry-level boxing gloves are designed for beginners who are just starting their journey in boxing or kickboxing. They are typically made from synthetic leather or hide leather, which offers good durability and comfort at a more affordable price. These gloves often have ample padding, especially around the knuckles, to provide protection as beginners learn proper punching technique.
What size boxing gloves should a woman get for kickboxing?
The size of boxing gloves is usually determined by the weight of the glove, not the gender of the user. For kickboxing, women typically use gloves ranging from 10 to 14 oz. The right size for you depends on your body weight and the type of training you're doing. For instance, heavier gloves (14 oz and up) are generally used for sparring to provide more protection, while lighter gloves (10-12 oz) are used for bag work to improve speed and technique.
How do I know which boxing gloves to get?
Choosing the right boxing gloves for beginners depends on several factors including your level of experience, the type of training you'll be doing (bag work, sparring, etc.), your budget, and personal preference. For beginners, synthetic or hide leather gloves are a cost-effective choice. As you progress and start sparring, you might want to invest in heavier, more durable gloves made from premium or Thai leather. Gloves with IMF foam padding can offer additional protection.
How many pairs of gloves should I own?
The number of gloves you should own depends on the variety of your training. If you're doing both bag work and sparring, it's a good idea to have a pair of bag gloves and a pair of sparring gloves. Bag gloves are lighter and less padded, allowing you to work on your speed and technique, while sparring gloves are heavier and more padded to protect both you and your sparring partner.
How many Oz should kickboxing gloves be?
Kickboxing gloves typically range from 10 to 16 oz. Beginners usually start with 12 to 14 oz gloves, which provide a good balance of speed and protection. As you gain experience and start sparring, you might want to switch to heavier gloves (16 oz) for added protection.
How do you know if gloves fit right?
A well-fitting glove will snugly encase your fingers and thumb, without any excess space at the tips. The back of the glove should align with your wrist, not extending too far up your forearm. When you make a fist, the glove should feel secure but not too tight, and your fingertips should not be pressing against the padding.
What equipment do I need to start kickboxing?
To start kickboxing, you'll need a pair of boxing gloves, hand wraps to protect your hands and wrists, and comfortable workout clothes. If you plan to spar, you'll also need a mouthguard, headgear, and shin guards. A heavy bag and focus mitts can be useful for practicing your punches and kicks.
Do you have to be in shape to start kickboxing?
No, you don't have to be in shape to start kickboxing. Kickboxing is a great way to get in shape, as it provides a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. As with any new exercise regimen, it's a good idea to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as your fitness improves.
Is 40 too old to start kickboxing?
Absolutely not! You're never too old to start kickboxing. It's a great way to stay active and improve your fitness at any age especially knowing how to defend yourself. Just make sure to start slow, listen to your body, and consider working with a trainer who can help you learn proper technique and avoid injury.
How many months does it take to learn kickboxing?
The time it takes to learn kickboxing can vary widely depending on how often you train, your physical fitness, and your ability to learn new movements. Most people can learn the basics of kickboxing—basic punches, kicks, and defensive movements—in a few months of regular training. However, becoming proficient in kickboxing is a longer journey that involves learning more complex techniques and strategies, improving your fitness and flexibility, and gaining experience through sparring.