Boxing is one of the most fun and engaging martial arts for kids and can lead to a lifetime of learning and appreciation for the sport.
As beginners who are building their strength and coordination, kids need to be equipped with the proper safety gear to stay protected as they learn how to punch.
This guide highlights the value of specialized youth boxing gear and what should be included as they hit the mat for the first time.
Why Kids Need Specialized Boxing Gear
Youth Safety & Proper Protection
In their growing stages, kids need youth-sized gloves to provide a secure fit and ample padding to protect their wrists, knuckles, and hands.
Comfort, Fit & Encouraging Participation
Also, as kids build their punching power and speed, youth combat sports gear should be lightweight, comfortable, and easy to put on.
Training-Appropriate Design
Smaller frames require youth-sized gear to promote mobility and allow young fighters to focus on training fundamentals without distraction.
Essential Youth Boxing Gear
To get started, kids should be equipped with hand wraps and the option of headgear, in addition to boxing gloves, to protect their bodies as they learn to punch and defend themselves.

Kids Boxing Gloves
As with adult boxing gloves, knuckle padding, wrist support, and durable construction are essential for kid sizes. Each design element factors into the safety and protection of a young fighter’s hands and knuckles.
Additionally, depending on the age and size of the child, kids boxing gloves should be lighter in weight, typically ranging from 6oz.-8oz.
Hand Wraps
Hand wraps add a layer of protection for the knuckles and wrists. In the early stages of boxing training, it also teaches kids to properly prepare and warm up before starting each class or session.
Hand wraps made with soft, stretchy material with a secure Velcro strap make it easier to wrap the hands and keep them secure before slipping on their boxing gloves.
Kids Boxing Headgear
Headgear is another protective option to reduce impact from accidental strikes during sparring or boxing drills.
Ensure kids boxing headgear has full coverage padding, without prohibiting vision, as well as strong cheek protection and secure chin straps.
Hayabusa E1 Kids Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa Ascend Youth Jiu Jitsu Gi
Hayabusa Hexagon Youth Fight Shorts
Hayabusa S4 Youth Epic Boxing Gloves
Additional Gear for Safe Training
As kids advance in their training and begin to spar with other students and coaches, additional youth combat sports gear may be necessary:
- Mouth Guards: Protection for the teeth, jaw, lips, and gums is important for close-combat situations. Some youth may prefer wearing a mouth guard versus full headgear, while other young fighters may opt to wear both.
- Shin Guards (For Kickboxing & Muay Thai): For cross-training in different martial arts and coverage when learning kicks, specifically, shin guards offer protection to vulnerable areas, such as the shins and knees, to prevent injury.
- Training Apparel: Comfort is key to motivating kids to stay consistent with their training. Lightweight, breathable fight shorts and silky smooth rash guards offer moisture control and unrestricted movement to keep kids protected and confident on the mat.
Choosing the Right Fit
All boxing safety gear for kids should fit snugly and securely, compromising neither agility nor flexibility.
Use the size guide for boxing gloves, fight shorts, and other training apparel and boxing equipment for kids to ensure a proper fit for elevated comfort and performance.
Starting a Young Boxer’s Journey Off Right
Investing in premium youth boxing gear made with durable materials and built-in security and comfort motivates young athletes to train safely as they develop their skills and build confidence.
Boxing gloves, hand wraps, and kids boxing headgear are all essentials for every young beginner to get them on the right path.
By using this simple buying guide, it’s easy to equip your young fighter with what they need to feel prepared and excited for their boxing training to begin.


