what you need
Below is an outline of the different gear we'll use in our training. There's a couple of things you must have and some other things you can pick up along the way. Chat with us before you pick anything up though - we use Fuji Mae as our supplier and can make sure you get the right style and can arrange the order for you.
Things you need straight away:
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Enthusiasm and humility - If you've got those, you're ready to start learning!
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Water bottle - hydration is essential!! Please bring a water bottle.
All you need to wear to class is a short or long-sleeved t-shirt and a pair of flexible pants (shorts also fine). If you decide to join up you'll get a proper club t-shirt and we can order proper training pants as well, but none of that is essential to start with.
To kick off just find something comfortable and turn up!
Walking in the door is the first step, we'll help sort everything else out later. We'll train in bare feet too.
What to wear to training:
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Mouth guard
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Boxing gloves
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Groin guard for the blokes
Things you need in the first month:
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Talk to us about the gloves - we'll help make sure you get the right type and size. We also have a 'Train-to-Own' sponsorship policy for those who need it. For just $20 you can pick up a pair of leather gloves ($80-$100 full price) and if you are still training in 3 months time they're yours to keep. Thanks to www.thelocal.org.nz for sponsoring the rest of the fee.
We'll run a no mouth guard, no sparring policy. It's not fight club and no one's going to be purposely smacking you in the mouth, but it is a contact sport and we all get knocks. A mouth guard protects not only your teeth but also helps stop you accidentally biting your tongue or your cheek. You can get one from the chemist for about $10. It's a great investment.
Ankle protectors are also a brilliant piece of equipment that protect the skin on your feet when kicking the pads. These are normally around $25-$35. Not essential, but highly recommended.
Similarly, a groin guard will cost $25-$40 depending on the style you go for. Essential for blokes once you start contact sparring.
Leg guards are important for more advanced sparring as we start to bring legs into play a bit more. There are three different styles of these ( $40 to $120), so again have a chat to us and we'll help find the right ones for your needs.
Things you need a little later on:
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Leg guards
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Eskrima sticks
Eskrima sticks are something we'll introduce shortly. We'll have plenty to use at training but having a set to practice at home though. Again, not essential, but helpful. Costs range from $20-$50.
Option things you might also like:
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Training knife
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Female chest guards
Down the track we'll add some knife drills and knife defence. Again the club has a number of rubber training knives you can use. If you want to pick up your own to practice at home let us know and we can help you order those as well.
Female chest guards (around $60) are also available for those who want to do more advanced sparring. These are not required so it's totally a personal preference. If you'd like more information about the options let us know and we can point you in the right direction and assist with the order if you like.