Equipment List: What You Need for Safe Training

What do I need to bring to class? How much will this cost me?

Smart questions. Understanding the equipment requirements upfront helps you budget appropriately and arrive prepared for effective training.

Here's the complete breakdown of what you need for safe training at Shockwave Jujitsu — from your first intro class through advanced levels.

The Short Answer: Start Simple, Build Gradually

For your intro class: We provide everything you need
For your first month: Essential training gear including gloves and shin guards (£45-75)
For ongoing training: Safety goggles for weapon defence (£60-100 total)

Total investment for complete training setup: £60-100 for quality gear that will last years

This isn't a hidden cost — it's a transparent investment in your safety and training effectiveness.

Trial Class: We've Got You Covered

What We Provide for Your First Visit

Light boxing gloves: For any sparring exercises in your intro class
Leg pads: Basic shin protection (if kicking but not likely)
Training mats: Professional-grade mats for all floor work
First aid kit: On-site for any minor issues
Clean training environment: Regularly sanitized equipment and facilities

For your first few classes: We'll continue to provide light boxing gloves and leg pads until you're ready to invest in your own gear.

What You Need to Bring

Loose clothing: Tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt work perfectly
Footwear: Most students train barefoot or in grippy socks
Water bottle: Stay hydrated during training
Small towel: For wiping sweat (optional but recommended)
Positive attitude: Most important piece of equipment

No need to buy anything before your intro class. Come as you are and see if the training suits you first.

Month 1-2: Essential Personal Gear

Once you decide to continue training, you'll need some basic personal equipment for hygiene and safety reasons.

Priority 1: Essential Training Gear

Most students are keen to purchase their own gloves and shin guards early, as these make training much more comfortable and hygienic.

MMA Gloves

Why high priority: Most students want their own gloves quickly for hygiene and fit
Type needed: Fingerless design allows grabs and locks
Cost: £20-30
Specific recommendation: RDX MMA Gloves – pre-curved and ventilated

Why fingerless: Unlike boxing gloves, MMA gloves allow you to grab holds and locks while still protecting your knuckles.

Shin Guards

Why high priority: Personal fit is much more comfortable than shared equipment
Type needed: Sock-like style that won't rotate during training (get size M or above)
Cost: £15-25
Specific recommendation: RDX Shin Guards – elasticated protection

Why sock-style: These guards are less likely to rotate or slip during standup sparring.

Gum Shield (Mouth Guard)

Why essential: Protects teeth and reduces concussion risk during standup and ground sparring
Type needed: Mouldable gel mouthguard for comfortable fit
Cost: £10-20
Specific recommendation: SafeJaws Mouthguard – quality boil-and-bite guard designed for martial arts

Why this specific guard: Gel construction moulds well to your teeth, designed for contact sports, good protection-to-comfort ratio.

Priority 2: Optional Personal Protection

Groin Protection (Men - Optional)

Why optional: Recommended only if you are especially sensitive in this area
Type needed: Cup and supporter or compression shorts with built-in protection
Cost: £15-25
Specific recommendation: RDX Groin Cup - ventilated and adjustable

Note: Most students train without groin protection as we spar at 50% intensity. Only needed if you're particularly concerned about this area.

Groin Protection (Women - Optional)

Why optional: Less essential but available if preferred
Type needed: Female-specific protective gear
Cost: £20-30
Where to buy: Martial arts suppliers

Priority 3: Training Clothing

Training Bottoms

Requirements: Full-length, flexible, won't tear easily
Good options: Tracksuit bottoms, shorts over spats, martial arts (gi) trousers
Avoid: Overly loose clothing, delicate fabrics, jeans
Cost: £15-40

Training Tops

Requirements: Comfortable, allows full range of motion
Good options: T-shirts, rash guards, martial arts (gi) jackets
Avoid: Clothing with zips, buttons, or loose parts that could catch
Cost: £10-30

Total for Month 1-2 essentials: £45-75 (including MMA gloves and shin guards)

Optional Club Gear

Shockwave Jujitsu T-Shirt

When available: Once you've become an established member
Purpose: Show your club affiliation and training commitment
Cost: Contact club for current pricing
Note: Not required for training, but popular among regular students

Month 3-6: Specialized Training Equipment

As your training progresses, you'll add specialized equipment for weapon defence and advanced drills.

Optional Protection

Headgear

Not required: We spar at 50% intensity, so headgear isn't needed
Alternative: For heavy striking practice, we use a 'Punch BOB' free-standing punch bag/man
If you prefer protection: Open-face design for visibility (£30-50)

Why we don't require headgear: Our controlled sparring intensity means head protection isn't necessary for safe training.

Specialized Training Gear

Safety Goggles

When needed: Knife defence drills, particularly against random and ground attacks
Type: Shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses
Cost: £15-25
Specific recommendation: Dräger X-pect 4200 Safety Goggles - anti-scratch and shatter-proof

Why needed: Protects eyes during weapon defence training where unpredictable movements occur.

Training Knives

Club provides: All training knives for weapon defence drills
Why club-provided: To ensure quality and safety standards
Student policy: We don't permit students to bring their own training knives
Cost to you: £0 – no purchase needed

Focus Mitts/Pads

Club provides: Focus mitts and pads for partner striking drills
Why club-provided: Shared equipment ensures consistency and hygiene standards
Cost to you: £0 – no purchase needed

Total for Month 3-6 additions: £15-25 (safety goggles only – training knives and focus mitts provided by club)

Equipment Progression Timeline

Month 1: Intro Class and Essentials (£0-75)

Use provided equipment for intro class
Buy MMA gloves, shin guards, gum shield and basic clothing if continuing
Most students purchase gloves and shin guards quickly for hygiene and comfort

Month 2-3: Optional Additions (£15-40)

Add groin protection if desired
Invest in additional training clothing
Personal water bottle and towel

Month 4-6: Specialized Training Gear (£15-25)

Safety goggles for weapon defence
Training knives and focus mitts provided by club

Year 2+: Quality Upgrades (Variable)

Replace worn equipment with higher-quality versions
Additional training clothes as needed

Where to Buy: Recommended Suppliers

Online Martial Arts Suppliers

Amazon: Convenient, competitive prices
Blitz Sport: Good range, competitive prices, UK-based
Martial Arts Shop: Comprehensive selection, regular sales

Local Sports Shops

Decathlon: Basic protective gear, good value
Sports Direct: Limited selection but accessible
Independent sports shops: Often better advice and service

What We Can Help With

Advice on specific products: Ask instructors for recommendations
Group buying: Occasionally organize bulk orders for discounts
Equipment checks: Ensure your gear meets safety standards

Why We Recommend RDX

Reliable manufacturer: Consistent quality across their product range
Good range of sizes: Comprehensive sizing with practical size guides
Easy to try before buying: You can try on fellow students' RDX equipment to judge size and fit before purchase
Value for money: Good quality at reasonable prices for beginners

Pro tip: Ask other students if you can try their RDX gloves or shin guards during class to get a feel for sizing before ordering your own.

Equipment Care and Maintenance

Hygiene Essentials

After Every Class

Air-dry all equipment: Prevents bacteria and odors
Wipe down protective gear: Use antibacterial wipes
Wash training clothes: Regular washing cycle

Weekly Maintenance

Deep clean protective gear: Follow manufacturer instructions
Check for damage: Replace worn or damaged equipment
Organize gear bag: Keep everything accessible and clean

Extending Equipment Life

Storage Tips

Dry storage: Avoid damp conditions
Proper ventilation: Allow air circulation
Separate storage: Keep clean and used gear apart

Replacement Indicators

Protective gear: Cracks, loose strapping, reduced padding
Training clothes: Tears, excessive wear, lost elasticity
Safety equipment: Any damage that compromises protection

Quality vs. Budget: Making Smart Choices

Where Quality Matters Most

Safety Equipment

Gum shields: Proper fit prevents dental damage
Protective gear: Quality padding reduces injury risk
Training surfaces: We provide professional-grade mats

Training Effectiveness

Hand protection: Good gloves improve technique development
Appropriate clothing: Proper gear allows better movement

Where You Can Save Money

Aesthetics Over Function

Brand names: Function matters more than logos
Color coordination: Focus on fit and durability
Latest designs: Last year's model often works just as well

Non-Essential Items

Gear bags: Any sports bag works initially
Training accessories: Add these as interest develops
Duplicate items: One good set is better than multiple cheap sets

The Bottom Line: Investment in Your Safety and Progress

Equipment costs are a one-time investment in your training safety and effectiveness. Quality gear lasts years and makes training more comfortable and productive.

Cost Comparison

Gym membership: £30-50/month ongoing
Personal training: £30-50/session
Martial arts equipment: £60-100 one-time investment

The equipment pays for itself through safer training, better technique development, and longer training lifespan.

What You Get for Your Investment

Safety: Proper protection reduces injury risk
Hygiene: Personal gear maintains cleanliness standards
Progress: Appropriate equipment enables skill development
Longevity: Quality gear supports years of training

Ready to Get Started?

For your intro class: Just bring comfortable clothes and a positive attitude. We'll provide everything else.

Book Your Free Intro Class
View pricing and membership options — class fees and equipment budget combined

Questions about specific equipment? Contact us before your first class — we're happy to provide detailed advice based on your situation and goals.

Get Equipment Advice — we'll help you make smart choices about gear that fits your needs and budget.

Equipment Checklist: Your Shopping List

Essential (Month 1-2) - High Priority

[ ] RDX MMA Gloves (£20-30) – most students buy early
[ ] RDX Shin Guards (£15-25) – most students buy early
[ ] SafeJaws Mouthguard (£10-20)

Optional (Month 2-3)

[ ] RDX Groin Cup – optional (£15-25)

Specialized (Month 4-6)

[ ] Safety Goggles (£15-25)
✅ Training knives – provided by club (£0)
✅ Focus mitts – provided by club (£0)
✅ Strike pads – provided by club (£0)

Total investment for complete setup: £60-100