--- title: "Equipment List: What You Need for Safe Training" url: https://www.shockwavejujitsu.co.uk/articles/equipment-list-what-you-need-for-safe-training updated: 2025-08-23 --- # 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](https://www.amazon.co.uk/RDX-Grappling-Pre-Curved-Ventilated-Kickboxing/dp/B08NDW84F4/) – 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](https://www.amazon.co.uk/RDX-Kickboxing-Protection-Elasticated-Protector/dp/B0C4Q3Q6L2/) – 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](https://www.amazon.co.uk/SAFEJAWZ-Mouthguard-Martial-Contact-B073CZHSRS/dp/B073CWQ6PD/) – 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](https://www.amazon.co.uk/RDX-Kickboxing-Ventilated-Adjustable-Protection/dp/B0CLNX4SSV) - 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](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dr%C3%A4ger-X-pect-4200-Anti-Scratch-Polycarbonate/dp/B0BBN4FYQC/) - 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](/classes)** * **[View pricing and membership options](/pricing)** — 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](/contact)** — 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](https://www.amazon.co.uk/RDX-Grappling-Pre-Curved-Ventilated-Kickboxing/dp/B08NDW84F4/) (£20-30) – **most students buy early** - [ ] [RDX Shin Guards](https://www.amazon.co.uk/RDX-Kickboxing-Protection-Elasticated-Protector/dp/B0C4Q3Q6L2/) (£15-25) – **most students buy early** - [ ] [SafeJaws Mouthguard](https://www.amazon.co.uk/SAFEJAWZ-Mouthguard-Martial-Contact-B073CZHSRS/dp/B073CWQ6PD/) (£10-20) ### Optional (Month 2-3) - [ ] [RDX Groin Cup](https://www.amazon.co.uk/RDX-Kickboxing-Ventilated-Adjustable-Protection/dp/B0CLNX4SSV) – optional (£15-25) ### Specialized (Month 4-6) - [ ] [Safety Goggles](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dr%C3%A4ger-X-pect-4200-Anti-Scratch-Polycarbonate/dp/B0BBN4FYQC/) (£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**