Boxing and Kickboxing for Kids: What to Buy for the First Class
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Your child is starting boxing or kickboxing and you are not sure what to buy? A few items are enough for the first classes: gloves, hand wraps and a mouthguard. In this article you will find a size chart by age and weight, a list of what to buy right away and what can wait, and tips on not overspending while your child is growing.
Short answer
- Right away – boxing gloves (4–10 oz by weight), 3 m hand wraps and a junior mouthguard.
- For kickboxing – shin guards with velcro as well.
- Once sparring starts – a headguard, and a groin guard for boys.
- Clothing – a T-shirt, shorts and a water bottle. Boxing shoes are not needed.
Size chart by age and weight
Age Child's weight Gloves Hand wraps 4–6 years up to 20 kg 4 oz 2.5–3 m 7–9 years 20–30 kg 6 oz 3 m 10–12 years 30–40 kg 8 oz 3 m 13–15 years 40–55 kg 10 oz 3 m or 4.5 m 16 and older over 55 kg 12 oz and up 4.5 m The chart is a guide: choose gloves by weight first, not by age. Some clubs specify the glove weight for kids' sparring, so ask the coach before buying.
What to buy right away
- Boxing gloves. For teenagers, 10 oz Royal gloves from our own brand are a good fit, and for the youngest there are Venum Contender kids' gloves (4 and 6 oz). All models are in kids' boxing gloves.
- 3 m hand wraps. Royal 3 m elastic wraps from our own brand do not build a thick layer on the wrist and fit into small gloves. Our hand wraps guide shows how to wrap them.
- Mouthguard. Kids up to 10–11 need a junior size: the Royal junior mouthguard is fine to start, and OPRO kids' mouthguards suit regular training. Our mouthguard guide explains how to mould it.
- Clothing and a water bottle. A T-shirt, shorts and light flat-soled trainers. For kids we have Royal Muay Thai shorts and Venum T-shirts.
What you will need later
- Shin guards – for kickboxing and Muay Thai, once your child starts kicking a partner. Royal Kyokushin in size S, Leone JP Smart or Venum kids' guards work well. Our shin guards guide explains sizing.
- Headguard – when the coach allows sparring: the Royal leather training headguard in size S or the Venum Challenger kids' headguard. Our boxing headguard guide explains sizing.
- Groin guard – for boys in sparring, such as the Royal groin guard.
How not to overspend
Kids grow fast, so expensive leather gloves are not needed in the first year: mid-range synthetic gloves are enough. Replace gloves and the headguard when they get too small, and the mouthguard when teeth change. Before buying more expensive gear, ask the coach what the club requires.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can a child do boxing?
Many clubs take kids from 6–8 years old and allow sparring later. The coach will tell you more.What glove size does an 8-year-old need?
Usually 6 oz, but go by weight: if your child weighs over 30 kg, choose 8 oz.Can I buy gloves a size up to grow into?
No. Gloves that are too big slip off the hand and do not support the wrist. Buy the exact size, and a new pair a year later.Does a child need boxing shoes?
No. Light flat-soled trainers are fine for the first classes.How should I care for my child's gear?
After training, take gloves and guards out of the bag and air-dry them, and wash the wraps in a laundry bag.You can try your child's gear on at our store in Vilnius, Laisvės pr. 125A. Everything is in gear for kids. For an adult beginner, see "What You Need for Your First Boxing or Kickboxing Class".
