Complete MMA Gym Equipment Checklist for New Australian Gym Owners

Just buying heavy bags and dropping mats on the ground isn't all that's involved with opening a MMA facility. As they consider MMA gym equipment in Australia, they should find out what equipment they can afford at the first stage, how much space they'll require for each station and what can be delayed until they have more members.

A BJJ school that has two or three classes a week will be different from a boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai and MMA school that has classes everyday. Thus, the first step in the best equipment list is not products, but your programs, class size, and room dimensions.

This guide will cover all of the equipment needed, supplies to run your gym, your buying priorities and some common mistakes made when setting up a new MMA gym in Australia.

Planning for equipment is important.

Equipment has an impact on the flow of a class

Too few punching bags can result in excessive waiting time for members. If the mat surface is crowded with equipment and/or the mat is permanently set-up, there might not be sufficient safe training space for grappling classes. Class changes may also be delayed due to poor storage, with wet gloves or pads being stored in inappropriate places.

Once you have a plan for your equipment, you can:

• Safeguard the initial budget

• Ensure purchases are in line with class schedule

• Reduce unused equipment

• Improve training-space organisation

• Improve class transitions

• Ensure cleaning and inspection can be done

• Plan future expansion

• Avoid overcrowding

Planning is also important because a combat sports facility has a variety of potential hazards, including moving people, heavy equipment, hanging bags, wet floors and manual handling. Safe Work Australia recommends that businesses assess the hazards and risks, and take action rather than performing a once only safety check.

The information contained in this article is general and for planning purposes only. Relevant professionals, insurers and state / territory authorities should be consulted regarding installation, workplace safety, building and first-aid requirements.

Before buying gym gear, make a plan for your gym

It's important to determine what your MMA gym business will provide before you put together an MMA gym equipment list.

Write down:

• Disciplines taught

• Weekly class timetable

• Expected opening membership

• Maximum class capacity

• Junior and adult programs are available.

• Beginner and competition classes, which are designed to build the skills needed for competition.

• Personal-training services

• Open-mat sessions

• Strength and conditioning sessions are included.

• Whether it is possible for two classes to run concurrently

Next, develop functional areas in the facility.

A mixed martial arts gym could consist of:

• Main grappling area

• Punching-bag zone

• Pad-work area

• Space where boxers train in a cage or ring

• Strength and conditioning corner

• Equipment storage

• Reception and retail area

• Changing facilities

• Cleaning station

• First-aid location

In determining size, remember the number of square feet that can be used, not the square footage in the lease.

Space for training is limited by columns, reception furniture, storage racks, doorways, bathrooms and equipment clearance areas. A large facility may have fewer stations in operation when the equipment is installed than it had in mind.

Complete MMA Gym Equipment Checklist

Mats are available for training, while also protecting the floor.

One of the most important investments that is usually made in an MMA gym is flooring as almost every class requires it.

Grappling and BJJ mats

The mat area should be able to support:

• Ground movement

• Positional sparring

• Rolling

• Guard passing

• Controlled takedowns

• Wrestling transitions

• Technical demonstrations

The surface to be secured in place, reasonably level, and with no unnecessary gaps or raised edges.

Striking-area flooring

Striking classes should be taught at on a stable surface that allows for footwork without unnecessary slipping and tripping.

Some facilities have separate striking and grappling surfaces. If you do, make sure to note the movement from one zone to the other. The edge of the mat can be a problem if the mat is lifted or loose during fast movements.

Strength-area protection

Use the right protective flooring over the following:

• Dumbbell racks

• Kettlebells

• Weight benches

• Sleds

• Medicine-ball stations

• Other strength equipment

This can help to separate the lifting area from the main combat-sports mat and can also help to minimise damage to the facility floor.

Wall padding

Padding for walls may be beneficial if a class consists of:

• Wall wrestling

• Clinch pressure

• Takedown defence

• Cage-style movement

• Leaving areas of containment

Do not use a regular wall for contact training.

As you place an order for flooring, you need to inquire from the supplier:

• What activities is it designed for?

• How will it be fastened?

• What are the connections between the sections?

• What's the best way to clean it?

• Do any parts need to be replaced?

• What kind of underlay do you need?

• Are there special storage or maintenance instructions for the product?

A punching bag and striking station are available

Punching bags are an essential part of boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA striking training and conditioning.

The quantity needed will be determined by:

• Class size

• Whether the student(s) work on their own or in groups of two

• Available mounting points

• Safe distance between stations.

• Rotation-based class programming

• Space and ceiling height

• The type(s) of striking taught

Standard Heavy Bags

Heavy bags support:

• Basic combinations

• Power development

• Conditioning rounds

• Body punches

• General kicking practice

Long or Thai Style Bags.

Longer bags enable athletes to practise:

• Low kicks

• Body kicks

• Knees

• Punch-to-kick combinations

• Different striking heights

Bag Style: Angled/Uppercut

These are more specialised and may be added later. They are able to handle hooks, uppercuts, and tight range combinations.

Double-end bags

Double end bags can carry:

• Timing

• Accuracy

• Rhythm

• Defensive movement

• Hand-eye coordination

They can provide technical variety at the same time taking up less room than another large heavy bag.

Freestanding bags

Free standing bags may be suitable in rented premises where it is not permitted to mount on the ceiling or wall. But their bases take up ground area and they need to be strong enough to be used for what they are made for.

Mounting equipment

The following may be required for a hanging-bag station:

• Mounting bracket

• Chains

• Straps

• Swivel

• Carabiners or connectors

• Suitable fixing hardware

The mounts should be assessed and installed according to the actual building construction and the dynamic load applied. Do not assume any beam, roof or wall can hold a commercial punching bag.

Make sure to check bags and supports for:

• Damaged straps

• Connectors that are worn or bent.

• Loose mounting points

• Split stitching

• Uneven filling

• Torn covers

• Unusual movement

Large bags may also be a risk when moving them and installing them by hand. Safe Work Australia has determined that lifting, pushing and pulling are types of work that may need risk controls particularly if an object is heavy, awkward or is performed repeatedly.

Boxing Gloves & MMA Training Gloves

Pair of gloves to share for trial classes and for beginners who have not yet bought their own gloves.

But, not all gloves sizes will fit every member or activity.

Boxing gloves

Your initial investment could be in gloves for:

• Junior participants

• Smaller adults

• General bag training

• Pad sessions

• Technical drills

• Controlled sparring

Purchase according to members you anticipate and their types.

MMA gloves

MMA gloves can be utilized for:

• Technical striking

• Controlled partner drills

• Grappling-to-striking transitions

• Ground-and-pound positioning

• Competition preparation

Training gloves can be different in terms of padding and protection as compared to competition style gloves. It is important for coaches to select the type of glove that is appropriate for the activity, as opposed to using the same style for all classes.

Hand wraps

Consider stocking:

• Cloth Hand Wraps - Reusable

• Quick wraps for trial participants

• Junior sizes

• Retail packs

• A set of laundry bags to store used wraps separately

Shared gloves and wraps should also have good cleaning, drying and replacement procedures.

Take equipment off the line when it is:

• Exposed padding

• Torn outer material

• Broken closures

• Loose stitching

• Heavily compacted padding

• Odours that are difficult to treat and persist

• An unstable or damaged fit is another potential cause of urinary incontinence.

 Focus Mitts, Thai Pads and Kick Shields

One of the most versatile pieces of combat-sports gym equipment available in Australia is pads - they're effective in group classes, private coaching sessions, and technical drills.

Focus mitts

Focus mitts support:

• Boxing combinations

• Accuracy

• Speed

• Defensive responses

• Footwork

• Coach-led drills

Thai pads

Thai pads support:

• Punch-and-kick combinations

• Body kicks

• Knees

• Elbows where appropriate

• Striking in Muay Thai and MMA

Kick shields

Kick shields can be used for:

• Power kicks

• Front kicks

• Knees

• Conditioning drills

• Beginner target practice

Body protectors

Coaches can have controlled body attacks and combination work with body protectors.

A number of pad sets that have multiple uses and are built to last will be more useful to a new gym than a pad designed for a specific purpose.

Inspect pads for:

• Torn handles

• Loose straps

• Compressed foam

• Cracked surfaces

• Failed stitching

• Worn closures

Grappling And Wrestling Equipment

Clear and space Grappling Space is the most important resource.

Other tools should be used to develop technique only not the full training area.

Grappling dummies

Training with grappling dummies can be used to practice:

• Positional repetition

• Guard-passing sequences

• Mount transitions

• Back-control drills

• Armbar entries

• Kimura sequences

• Wrestling movement

• Ground-and-pound positioning

These can be great for demoing and for solo drill stations but will not give the full feeling of a reaction, balance or resistance of another training partner.

There are various different types of dummy designs for various different purposes.

Seated dummy could work great for BJJ positions and a standing dummy or elongated dummy could be better for throws, takedowns, or other drills.

Crash mats

Crash mats might be helpful for appropriately instructed throwing and takedown drills.

Do not think that they are the same as a well designed training floor.

Small grappling tools

Suggested inexpensive add-ons include:

• Resistance bands

• Grip-training tools

• Agility markers

• Training belts

• Floor cones

• Movement lines

• Round timers

These can help coaches to make stations that do not occupy large floor space permanently.

Member Protective Equipment

All protective equipment should be suitable to the activity and sized for the individual.

The stock that you share or sell at retail may include:

• Shin guards

• Headgear

• Groin protection

• Chest protection

• Knee pads

• Elbow pads

• Ankle supports

• Please purchase individual mouthguards.

Equipment that is in close contact with the mouth or that absorbs a high amount of sweat is more feasible to be owned by each individual.

Shared protective equipment should have:

• Defined storage

• Cleaning instructions

• Size labels

• Inspection records

• Replacement criteria

Don't assume that all the protective products work well together. The athlete should be able to perform training and communication safely in the use of a combination of gloves, headgear and a mouthguard.

Boxing Ring and MMA Cage Equipment

A ring or cage can be good focal point, but is not a must on opening day.

Inquire if it enables:

• Your regular timetable

• Competition preparation

• Private coaching

• Events

• Athlete development

• Member demand

• Business branding

Boxing ring equipment

An entire boxing ring may consist of:

• Frame

• Platform

• Underlay

• Canvas

• Ropes

• Turnbuckles

• Corner pads

• Rope separators

• Steps

• Side skirts

• Installation hardware

Be aware of the ring's need for space and access to inspect and maintain.

MMA cage equipment

A full cage can hold:

• Wall wrestling

• Clinch work

• Pressure escapes

• Takedown entries

• Competition-specific preparation

However, it consumes a lot of space.

A padded wall or cage-training panel may be more feasible for a smaller facility for the early stages of training.

Strength and Conditioning Equipment

A new MMA gym doesn't have to be a complete commercial weightlifting center.

Utilize multipurpose equipment that is conducive to combat-sports conditioning.

Useful items include:

• Kettlebells

• Dumbbells

• Medicine balls

• Slam balls

• Skipping ropes

• Resistance bands

• Pull-up equipment

• Plyometric boxes

• Sandbags

• Battle ropes

• Weight sleds

Prioritise items that:

• Support several exercises

• Can be stored efficiently:

• Coach in accordance with your knowledge level

• Suit member experience

• Never remove excessive mat space

• Can be inspected easily

Do strength training somewhere else other than sparring, bag work, and grappling.

Dumbbells and kettlebells should not be passed to or from a member in the rolling area.

Hygiene and cleaning supplies: 

Equipment used for cleaning should be included in the startup costs, and not acquired after.

Your facility could require:

• Mat-compatible cleaning products

• Equipment-safe disinfectant

• Mops

• Cloths that are either washable or disposable

• Cleaning gloves

• Closed waste bins

• Laundry containers

• Drying racks

• Hand sanitiser

• Paper products

• Shoe-storage areas

Have separate procedures for:

• Mats

• Gloves

• Pads

• Punching bags

• Strength equipment

• Bathrooms

• Reception areas

• Shared protective equipment

A simple cleaning log can indicate:

• What was cleaned

• When it was cleaned

• Who completed the task

• What was the product used?

• If any damage was found.

Never soak gloves, pads or dummies unless manufacturer has stated otherwise. Equipment should be completely dry before being returned to enclosed storage.

First Aid and Safety Equipment

You must consider the type of gym you are using when developing your first-aid plan and not just a general first-aid kit that is stored behind reception.

Safe Work Australia advises conducting a risk assessment to assess the need for first-aid equipment, facilities and training. These include hazards in the workplace, size, location and the number and type of persons present.

Your plan may contain:

• Accessible first-aid kit

• Trained first-aid personnel

• Emergency contact details

• Incident-reporting forms

• Cold treatment materials (icepacks etc.) suitable for the purpose

• Emergency exits are clearly marked for use

• Information about fire and evacuation

• Member emergency-contact process

• Equipment-damage reporting procedure

Details will need to be confirmed with the appropriate state/territory regulator, insurer and competent adviser.

Storage and Facility Organisation

Storage impacts safety, cleaning and class efficiency.

Being poorly organised can lead to:

• Blocked walkways

• Damp gloves

• Damaged pads

• Missing equipment

• Slow class transitions

• Trip hazards

• Unnecessary replacement costs

Useful storage may include:

• Open drying shelves

• Heavy-duty wall racks

• Labelled glove sections

• Pad trolleys

• Member cubbies

• Lockable retail storage

• Cleaning cupboards

• Vertical kick-shield racks

• Separate damaged-equipment area

There should be a place for all items that are used often.

A coach should be able to move between BJJ, boxing and MMA classes without having to pass through a lot of unrelated rooms moving equipment.

Other Class-Management Equipment

Little things can make a big difference as far as class flow.

Consider:

• Large round timer

• Whistle

• Portable speaker

• Whiteboard

• Floor markers

• Cones

• Tablet/Attendance system

• Wall clock

• Competition scales

• Technique-display screen where appropriate

• Coach’s first-aid pouch

• Cleaning checklist

These are not as costly as the big equipment but can help to create structured, professional sessions.

Equipment List for a small MMA Gym

The following is an example only, and may not be required.

Imagine that the gym would like to provide classes of about 12 people.

Grappling zone

• Paired-drill mat space

• Single or pair of grappling dummies for demonstration purposes

• Floor markers

• Resistance bands

• Round timer

Striking zone

• Six stations for work in pairs.

• 6 Coaching Pads/Shields

• Distributed different sizes of gloves to be shared.

• Shin guards for trial use on players

• Hand-wrap stock

Conditioning zone

• Small kettlebell range

• Several dumbbell pairs

• Medicine or slam balls

• Skipping ropes

• Resistance bands

• Pull-up station

Operational equipment

• First-aid station

• Cleaning trolley

• Drying shelves

• Equipment racks

• Member cubbies

• Reception system

This will help you to pass around without taking up too much space. As the membership grows, the owner can add bags and shared equipment as necessary, according to attendance.

How to spend your first budget.

Make purchases in three stages.

Phase 1: Additional essential equipment

Prioritise:

• Training flooring

• Core punching bags

• Mounting hardware

• Shared beginner gloves

• Coaching pads

• Basic protective equipment

• Cleaning supplies

• First-aid equipment

• Storage

• Round timer

• Basic conditioning equipment

These purchases will be to support all classes on the initial timetable.

Phase 2: Capacity improvements

If more names are added, add the following:

• Additional bags

• More glove sizes

• Specialist pads

• More grappling dummies

• Junior-specific equipment

• Crash mats

• Additional storage

• More conditioning tools

• Cage-wall training section

In Phase 3 the major facility upgrades are completed and the project goes into effect.

When the business has established adequate demand consider these factors:

• Full boxing ring

• Full MMA cage

• Personalized canvas and branding.

• Large retail inventory

• Expanded strength area

• Competition equipment

• Second training room

This staged approach minimises the risk of making a large investment in equipment that members seldom use.

How to Evaluate Commercial MMA Gym Equipment

Equipment to be bought for repeated use by groups, not for home use.

Inquire with suppliers on the following.

Intended use

Does the product meet for multiple workouts?

Dimensions and weight

Verify measurement and weight delivered.

Materials and construction

Review:

• Outer material

• Padding

• Stitching

• Handles

• Closures

• Mounting points

• Replaceable components

Installation

Ask whether:

• Hardware is supplied

• Professional installation is required or not

• If the product needs to be supported or not

• If the installation will have an impact on the warranty.

Cleaning requirements

Make sure to check which ones are usable and the correct way to dry equipment.

Replacement parts

Ask about the separate availability of wear items, such as:

• Straps

• Covers

• Chains

• Corner pads

• Ropes

• Closures

• Bag filling

Delivery access

Measure:

• Doors

• Corridors

• Staircases

• Lifts

• Loading areas

• Storage entrances

There may be something that fits in the training room but not in the entrance.

Warranty and returns

Keep:

• Purchase invoices

• Product specifications

• Delivery photographs

• Model details

• Installation documents

• Supplier communication

5 MMA Gym Setup Mistakes

Buying Equipment Prior to the Finalisation of Timetable

The purchases must not be made in order to determine the program accidentally.

Spending more than necessary on a ring/cage

While a centrepiece can look great, it should not be at the expense of basic mats, pads and shared gloves.

Underestimating Storage

When equipment can't be dried and organised well, it will be harder to maintain.

Sealing the whole floor surface.

Open mat space is a facility resource; it is valuable in and of itself.

Only One Glove Size is available for purchase.

Members are of different ages and differing hand sizes and they have different training aims.

Wearing the same gloves for all activities

Equipment requirements can differ from bag training, drilling and sparring.

Ignoring Professional Installation

Through guesswork should not be used for punching bags, wall pads, rings and cage sections.

Forgetting Ongoing Replacement Costs

Costs include gloves, pads, straps, cleaning materials and protective gear, which are all continuous costs.

Buy on basis of lowest price only.

The initial cost may be the most attractive price, but installation, maintenance and replacement costs are also important considerations.

Openings for which an Inspection System is not provided.

A system of checking, cleaning, repairing and replacing defective equipment should be in place at all facilities.

Final Pre-Opening Checklist

Before opening, check that:

• The equipment is as per the timetable

• The class size has been trialled in the actual room.

• Edges and joins of mats have been inspected

• The condition of the bag mounts has been professionally evaluated

• There is adequate operating clearance for each bag

• Shared gloves are marked as size

• There is specific storage for pads and shields.

• Protective equipment is kept in good conditions and cleaned.

• The cleaning products are suitable for the materials

• The need for First Aid have been assessed

• Staff are aware of emergency procedures

• Damaged equipments can be isolated

• Walkways and exits are maintained.

• Strength equipment is not placed in the way of classes and activities.

• Supplier and Warranty documents are kept

• An alternative budget has been made up

Have a staff-only test day prior to opening.

Complete all of the class formats you've developed. This can provide an indication of equipment queues, storage problems, and congested areas, before the paying members arrive.

Conclusion

The initial considerations for a full MMA gym equipment checklist should be your programs, class size and space.

Highlight consistent flooring, quality striking equipment, coaching pads, shared beginner equipment, cleaning, first aid and organised storage. Consider adding specialist bags, a boxing ring, cage equipment and a larger strength area only if there is a genuine demand from members for these.

When it comes to MMA Gym Equipment in Australia, it's not always the most expensive equipment that's the most useful. It's the gear that helps you get your calendar on track, fits in your facility, gets proper care and allows coaches to deliver a consistent, organized class.

Add to the gym gradually, regularly inspect equipment and ask lots of questions before ordering larger commercial equipment.

10 Short FAQs

1. What are the fundamentals to open an MMA gym?

Typical items include mats, punching bags, gloves, coaching pads, protective gear, cleaning supplies, storage, first-aid supplies, and a round timer.

2. What is the optimum number of punching bags in a new MMA gym?

This will depend on the number of students in the class and the rotation plan. If there is a gym where they work in pairs, then they may require one bag per pair of people training.

3. Does MMA gym require a boxing ring?

No. While a ring is great for boxing and for setting up a bout, many gyms can rely on smats, bags and organised training areas.

4. Does a new MMA gym need a full cage?

Not always. Wall wrestling drills are possible in a padded wall or cage panel without having to use the floor area of a cage.

5. What type of flooring is best for an MMA gym to use?

The flooring should be suitable for the sports/disciplines taught and installed as per supplier's instructions. Grappling, striking and strength areas may require different things.

6. Do MMA gyms need to supply shared boxing gloves?

Sharing gloves is helpful for trial members and novices. There are a number of different sizes and there are clear procedures for the cleaning, drying and replacement of the sizes.

7. Do grappling dummies have a place in MMA gym?

Yes. They can be beneficial for demonstration and repetition, but won't replace the movement and resistance of a live partner.

8. What are a few of the safety requirements of an MMA gym?

Safety planning involves first-aid supplies, protective equipment, clear exits, emergency procedures, and an equipment inspection system, based on the risks in the facility.

9. What should be the first priority in the budget for the equipment of a new gym?

Get the equipment necessary for classes first. Add more specialised bags, rings, cages and larger strength stations after attendance patterns have been established.

10. How frequently is the MMA gym equipment to be checked?

Regular inspection and check should be carried out for frequently used equipment and when damage is reported. Discard anything that has damaged hardware, loose or exposed padding, or broken straps.