What to Wear to MMA Class | Easily Explained
Getting ready for your first MMA class can become stressful, but it doesn't have to be.
In this page, we will cover what to wear to MMA class on your first day, explain a checklist of items to bring, and what to avoid bringing.
Table of Contents
What Should I Wear On My First Day of MMA?
On your first day of MMA you'll see students wearing a wide range of things that you may not have, and that's okay. You can simply wear an athletic t-shirt, and running shorts with no pockets.
If possible, you'll want to make sure that your shirt is a tighter fit, almost skin tight, in order to eliminate limbs getting caught on longer shirt, when throwing strikes.
Gloves For MMA
A large part of practicing MMA is using the correct safety equipment of (depending on which class as there's normally a rotation) heavy gloves, MMA gloves and shin guards.
For your first class, you'll want to ask ahead of time if they have any extra gloves that you may use for that session.
Be aware that if they do, there's a good chance that they're stinky (as you're not the only one that will have used them).
If they don't have one for you, you'll want to be prepared and bring your own.
Our Favorite MMA Gloves
Are the Liberlupus MMA gloves are they're cost-effective, solid padding and have all of the basics needed to get started in MMA class.
If you stick with MMA, you'll want to eventually upgrade to higher quality gloves, but these are a solid choice for beginners.
Our Favorite Heavy Gloves
Are the the RevGear Muay Thai Gloves, as they're:
- High quality
- Have plenty of padding to protect your hands
- Very durable
- Have the necessary space to use with hand wraps
- Can also use for Boxing
We've used many MMA gloves over the years, and this is the one that has proven to be the most reliable.
These gloves can be used when drilling with mitts, heavy bags, and even partners.
Why Shorts Without Pockets
The reason that you want to avoid pockets is due to the risk of the pocket catching someone's fingers or toes when throwing strikes.
If you've ever accidentally grazed your finger by the pocket, where it briefly becomes stuck inside the pocket, you'll know it's extremely painful.
Checklist of Items to Bring
- Athletic Shirt
- Athletic Short without pockets
- Heavy/MMA Gloves
- Water bottle
- Towel
- Spare change of clothes
The towel and spare change of clothes aren't necessary, but ultimately come down to preference.
MMA is one of the most cardio-filled sports in the world, which means that you're almost guaranteed to sweat.
A towel can come in handy, as you can quickly wipe off the excess sweat off before resuming your training.
When you're sweaty after practice ends, chances are that you still have to get in the car to drive back home.
By bringing an extra pair of clothes, you can quickly change into a new shirt/shorts, to prevent stinking up your car.
Everyone Had Had Their First Day
Although you may feel out of place wearing 'Normal clothes' next to everybody else, you'll realize that every single person in that room has also needed to take their first class.
The instructor and other MMA students will all be understanding, will do their best to help you, and make sure that everything is explained at a pace that you can follow.
What to Avoid Bringing to MMA Class
You'll want to avoid wearing:
- Any type of Jewelry such as a watch, chains, or even hairbands (on the arms)
- Shorts with any type of zipper or pockets
Additionally, you'll want to ensure that you're practicing good hygiene and are wearing deodorant, covering up any scabs, your clothes are cleanly washed, and that you are showing up clean to the practice in general.
Nobody wants to partner with someone who practices bad hygiene, and it's very quick to spot those people in a striking environment, as you'll be within inches of other students at times.
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