MMA gyms are a great way to get in shape and learn how to defend yourself if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. If you’re thinking about opening an MMA gym, it’s important to know the ins and outs of your equipment before you dive in head-first. This guide will walk through what MMA gym equipment is required for startup gyms.
Punch Bags
Punch bags are a great way to work on striking, both for beginners and advanced students.
There are many different types of punch bags available for use in your gym, but some of the most common include: heavy bag, speed bag, double end bag and Muay Thai kickboxing bag. Each one has its own benefits.
When buying a new punch bag, you should consider the following factors:
- Durability – You want something that will last through years of use by yourself or other members of your gym. Punching is an intense workout so make sure that whatever you buy can withstand repeated blows from any type of strike (punches, kicks etc.).
- Material – The best material choice is leather because it’s durable enough not to split over time but also soft enough not to be damaged by repeated strikes against hard surfaces like concrete floors or walls.
- Size – How much room do I have available? What size bag suits my needs and size as well as my students?
- Height – How tall are you? Does the height of the bag suit your size as well as your students?
- Weight – Will you be using heavy bags? Or standard-weighted boxing bags?
Gloves
When you are starting out, you may not have the resources to buy all the equipment that you need. In this case, it is a good idea to invest in some basic items first. Gloves are an important part of every mixed martial arts gym and should be considered by almost any new coach or athlete.
Choosing the right pair of gloves will depend on what your goals are as a coach or student. If you plan on teaching more advanced classes, then consider getting heavier gloves with more padding that will last longer than standard MMA gloves. However, if your goal is just to get started quickly and cheaply while still ensuring safety for yourself and others around you, then standard MMA gloves could work just fine!
Coaching Equipment
Coaching equipment should be a priority for any beginner MMA gym. It’s not just for coaches, it’s also used by members as well. The better quality your coaching equipment, the better results you’ll get from your training sessions.
Some of the most popular pieces of coaching equipment include:
- Focus mitts and pads – focus mitts are very useful in boxing; they protect both fighters’ hands and give them something to hit on the bag or pad holder’s gloves. Pads can be used with either fists or elbows, depending on preference and what part of their body a fighter wants to train. In both cases though, it is important that these tools are made using high quality materials so that they last longer than cheaper alternatives!
- Thai pads – Thai pads use two striking surfaces instead of one which allows more flexibility during training sessions
- Kicking shields – Kick shields provide cover when kicking techniques are practiced as well as protecting legs during sparring matches
Protective Equipment
When you’re investing in gym equipment, proper protective equipment is the most important thing. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Safety first! This means gloves, headgear, shin guards and groin protection for your sparring partners. Mouth guards are also a must if you plan on involving sparring.
- Depending on the type of training you’re doing (sparring/gym) there are a variety of options for hand wraps and knee wraps as well as shin guards and chest protectors. Make sure that whatever gear you choose is comfortable yet provides proper support so that it doesn’t hinder your performance during workouts or training sessions!
- When purchasing new equipment, it’s always best to try it out before buying – especially when it comes to sizing. You should be able to try different sizes until finding one that fits properly without being too tight or too loose squeezing into place comfortably around all parts of your body where they need protecting most (i.e., wrists/ankles).
Training & Fitness Gear
Your gyms should also focus on basic fitness equipment for strength and conditioning. If you’re just starting out, there are a few basic pieces of equipment you’ll want to look at as a priority, such as:
- Jump ropes. These can be used by anyone and are great for conditioning. They’re also lightweight and easy to store.
- Chin up bars. This is another piece of equipment that can benefit everyone at the gym, but especially beginners who are still learning how to properly execute chin ups and pull ups.
- Weight machines: These come in several varieties depending on what part(s) of your body you want to work out. There are many different types out there; find one suited for your needs!
Mats & Wall Padding
It’s important to know the difference between padded mats and wall padding. Padded mats are used for most martial arts, like boxing or kickboxing. They help absorb the impact of any collisions with the floor which could result in injury.
Wall padding is mostly used for grappling sports such as wrestling and judo. Some walls have hard corners which can injure someone if they fall into it during a match, so it’s good to have some soft material around the edges of your room in case something happens unexpectedly!
What else do you need to get started?
Now that you know what kind of equipment to buy, let’s take a look at some other things you should consider when opening your MMA gym.
Do I need a license?
If you plan on teaching martial arts classes in your gym, then yes! It’s important that instructors have the proper training and certification so that students get the best experience possible. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for acquiring instructor certifications at affordable prices.
Do I need insurance?
Yes! If someone gets injured during training or at an event hosted by your business, then it’s important that they can seek compensation from the gym owner or operator—and for this process to work smoothly, it must be properly insured against these claims. We offer coverage specifically designed for small businesses like MMA gyms.
The type of insurance coverage you need will vary with each individual situation, but there are some commonalities among all MMA gyms that make certain types of coverage necessary. Contact us to find out which insurance policies can be tailored to you and your business, or check out our blog; “What Insurances Do Martial Arts Instructors Need?”
Starting an MMA gym?
By now, you should be ready to go out and buy the necessary equipment for your gym. Remember that you can always adjust your equipment later as necessary but having a base of knowledge is essential to making good choices at the outset.
It’s important not only to always have the right pieces of equipment available, but also to make sure they’re being used properly by every member of your team! We hope these guides have been helpful in helping you understand what goes into setting up an MMA training facility from scratch. Setting up a new MMA gym? Contact us to get on the right track.