For anyone who’s interested in learning Muay Thai, training at a gym (or at a camp, if possible) is always the best choice. Having a trainer or instructor to teach you the basics, correct mistakes, give advice and guide you is extremely important, especially for beginners. However, not everyone has the luxury of having a Muay Thai gym nearby. Some may not have the time to go the gym at all, while others can’t really afford the training costs.

If you find yourself unable to go to a Muay Thai gym for some reason, then setting up a training area at home, complete with the necessary Muay Thai equipment is the next best thing.

Here are a few of the essential Muay Thai Equipment for those interested in setting up their own Muay Thai training area.

1. Mirror – Shadow boxing or shadow work is the foundation on which you build all your other training methods. To say that it’s important is the best way to put it. But, to get the most out of it, you’ll want to have a huge mirror in your training area at home, preferably one that can show your whole reflection as you move around and shadow box.

2. Hand wraps and boxing gloves – Hand wraps are pretty self-explanatory already. For boxing gloves, go for 16oz as they’re considered the standard for general use. Keep an extra pair in hand in case someone comes over and wants to train with you.

3. Skip rope – Every Muay Thai practitioner needs a skipping rope. It’s an essential piece of equipment will help develop coordination, footwork, cardiovascular endurance, and arm strength.

4. Heavy bags – If you can afford it, then by all means, buy yourself a heavy bag. Although, if you’re savvy enough and not that picky, you can actually buy one that’s been used online for a lower price. You can also make your own heavy bag too. Watch this video tutorial to learn how. 

5. Shin guards and head guards – Again, having an extra pair helps, as someone may want to come over to train with you, especially shin guards. Speaking of shin guards, even when training alone, you’re going to need them so as to help add protection for your shins while you’re doing some pad work.

Final Thoughts and Additional Tips

• Stay safe – If you’re not comfortable doing something, then don’t do it. If possible, try to learn everything you can from an actual gym or trainer first before trying to do things yourself.

• Concentrate on the basics – Since you won’t be under the supervision of a trainer, and given the probable lack of your Muay Thai equipment, you may want to stick with the basics. There’s no shame about that, though. Most professional fighters master the basics first before moving on, so why should you have any problem with that?

• Do your research – You’ll find plenty of info online about techniques, drills and so on, which will be very useful given your limited Muay Thai equipment at home.

• Watch fights – Do watch professional fights often. You can learn a lot from watching the best fighters go head to head.