Is your child starting Krav Maga? Boxing gloves, shin guards, a groinguard and a mouthguard are part of the equipment. They will also need suitable clothing and usually clean indoor sports shoes. With the right combination, your child will have their own gear for classes, from their first punching practice to partner exercises.
The main difference from standard kickboxing equipment is the clothing and training in shoes. Below, you can read what each item adds, which models to consider and how to choose individual items or a set. A sports bag is a handy optional extra for keeping everything together.
Basic equipment for Krav Maga
For regular classes, start with four protective items: boxing gloves, shin guards, a groinguard and your child’s own mouthguard. Trousers, a shirt and indoor shoes, if needed, complete the equipment. The school may have its own clothing requirements, such as the color of the trousers or the youth group’s shirt.
Ask what equipment is used for a trial class and whether loan equipment is available. For a trial class, the Krav Maga Union lists long trousers, a T-shirt, clean gym shoes with non-marking soles, water and a towel, among other things. That is one organization’s example; your child’s school will tell you what they need there.
If your child continues with classes, having their own equipment is convenient: you can choose the models, styles and colors for your child and keep personal items, such as their mouthguard, together.
- Boxing gloves Your child’s own pair of gloves for punching practice, in a suitable style and the required training weight.
- Shin guards Choose a model suited to the lower leg and the class. If your child trains in shoes, how the guards fit with them also matters.
- Long trousers and shirt Usually black long trousers with a club or federation shirt. Check the school’s clothing requirements.
- Groinguard Choose a suitable version for boys or girls separately; the size does not have to match the trousers size.
- Mouthguard Your child’s own mouthguard to protect their teeth. Have an adult help mold it according to the model’s instructions.
- Optional extras A sports bag keeps the equipment together. A water bottle and towel are practical extras for class.
Boxing gloves for children's classes
Boxing gloves are used for punching practice. Children's gloves have their own size range and come in different designs, materials and colors. The XPRT Competitor V1 is a synthetic model with a hook-and-loop closure; the XPRT Camo V2 has a double hook-and-loop closure. The leather XPRT Top Gloves are an alternative for those looking for that material. You can also compare other children's models with the Booster Combat and Champion. Choose the right size and available design within each model.
Choose a glove suited to use in a children's class. Oz indicates the glove's weight, not the size of the child's hand. So don't choose based on a number or age alone. Younger children need less room inside the glove, while teenagers may already use a larger size range.
The glove should fit comfortably, and you should be able to fasten the wrist closure securely. Those are the main things to consider; for exact sizing and a more detailed model comparison, read the linked glove guides.
Shin guards for training in shoes
Shin guards are used for kicking drills and contact exercises. For Krav Maga, consider not only the design around the shin but also how it works with shoes. You can choose between models with and without a foot piece. The fit of the combination you choose is what matters.
XPRT Protector V1
The Protector V1 is an elastic sleeve model without a foot piece. The instep remains uncovered. That makes this design an option for a children's class where shoes are worn. Use this model's own size range; don't assume a size letter will be the same for another type of shin guard.
XPRT All-Round V1
The All-Round V1 has a foot piece and is another option for children's gear. When training in shoes, the foot piece must work well with the shoe and stay in place during movement. Not every design fits over every shoe.
XPRT Pro V3 Midnight
The Pro V3 Midnight is a pre-shaped design with a foot piece. It has a different construction from an elastic sleeve model. Check its own size chart and the fit around the lower leg. For a children's class where shoes are worn, also check how it works with the shoe.
The compact overview shows the designs side by side. For the next step, use the model-specific sizing information and the linked size guide, rather than assuming age or clothing size corresponds to a universal shin guard size.
Clothing: long trousers and the right shirt
Black long martial arts trousers and a club or federation shirt are common for Krav Maga. Check the school's clothing requirements before buying trousers or a shirt. The correct shirt is sometimes supplied through the school. The youth group may have different requirements for a trial class than for regular classes.
Martial arts trousers allow room for movement during class. The XPRT Black and Bytomic Contact are separate long trousers with wide legs, an elastic waist and a drawstring closure. They are an option if you want to choose the clothing to go with the protective gear yourself.
Choose trousers that let your child move freely and whose legs do not cover their shoes. That's the practical starting point. The model's own size chart then helps you choose a size, without every piece of equipment needing the same size letter or height designation.
Groinguard: a separate piece of equipment
A groinguard, also called a cup, belongs on the Krav Maga equipment list. There are different versions for boys and girls. Choose a model that suits your child's build and include the groinguard in your purchase, whether you put together the equipment individually or as a set.
The XPRT Basic has separate versions for boys/men and girls/women. Check the size range for the model you choose: a small adult size is not necessarily the same as a children's version. The groinguard is a separate choice, just like the other protective gear.
A mouthguard for the youth class
A properly fitting children's mouthguard protects the teeth during contact drills. Use a separate mouthguard for each child. Choose one that suits your child's teeth and the drills in the youth class. A children's mouthguard is a useful place to start your search. The Bytomic Basic for children and the children's version of the SafeJawz Intro are two examples from the range.
Have an adult help with molding it and follow the instructions for that exact model. If your child has braces, ask the dentist or orthodontist which version is suitable. Rinse the mouthguard after use and let it dry before storing it. That way, it has a regular place among the personal items in the sports bag.
Shoes: usually part of training
Krav Maga is usually practised in shoes, but not at every school or youth group. That makes it important to find out in advance what the class requires. If shoes are needed, choose clean indoor sports shoes with non-marking soles: soles that won't leave marks on the training floor.
Put on indoor shoes inside, and don't use shoes your child has just worn outdoors. Bear in mind whether your child trains in shoes when choosing shin guards. A foot section should fit well over the shoe; a model without a foot section leaves the instep uncovered. The three models in the section on shin guards show the different designs.
Individual items, a set and optional accessories
You can choose individual items or put together a Children's Krav Maga Set. Buying items separately gives you the freedom to combine models and versions. A set lets you buy the items together. Either way, choose models and sizes that suit your child and their youth class.
When choosing a set, check what the selected version includes and which extras you can add. This also applies to the groinguard. The product page shows which items are included in your chosen configuration; a group photo does not always show the full list of contents.
A sports bag is a handy optional addition for the gloves, shin guards and clothing. A water bottle and towel are practical extras for class. This turns the individual items into a complete kit that's easy to bring to training.
Care: unpack, clean and dry after class
A regular routine keeps the gear fresh and ready for the next class. Unpack the bag at home and let the items dry separately. The table shows what to do and what to check for each item. A damp lining needs air and time, not just something to mask the smell.
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to clean the outside of gloves and protective gear. Care sprays are for use inside suitable gloves, not on the outer material. Boxing gloves and pre-shaped shin guards with fixed padding should not go in the washing machine or dryer or be submerged in water.
Conclusion: your own gear for Krav Maga classes
With boxing gloves, shin guards, a groinguard and a mouthguard, you have the basics for your child's Krav Maga gear. Add the clothing the school uses and, if the youth group trains in shoes, clean indoor sports shoes. A sports bag is a practical option to complete the gear.
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