Kickboxing is not one form of competition but several. An athlete in point fighting and one in full contact need different gloves, and the gloves are not interchangeable in competition. That single fact saves more beginners from a wrong purchase than any other.
Here you get an overview of the disciplines, which glove type belongs to each, how to choose weight and size, and what WAKO approval means in practice.
The disciplines in kickboxing
| Discipline | Contact | Glove |
|---|---|---|
| Point fighting | Semi-contact, stopped on points | Point fighter or open hand |
| Light contact | Light, continuous | Point fighter or light boxing glove |
| Kick light | Light, with kicks to the leg | Boxing glove |
| Full contact | Full, above the belt | Boxing glove, 10 oz in competition |
| Low kick | Full, with thigh kicks | Boxing glove |
| K-1 style | Full, with knees and clinch | Boxing glove |
The first three are the most common entry points for new athletes in Norway. If your club trains across several disciplines, it is worth knowing which one they actually compete in.
The glove types
Point fighter and semi-contact gloves
Light gloves with open fingertips and padding concentrated over the knuckles. They weigh little, so the hand keeps its speed through a whole bout, and the open fingers give a better feel for distance. They are not made for hard sparring or for the bag.
Open hand
A version with a completely open palm, used in some semi-contact disciplines and in ITF circles. Even lighter, with correspondingly limited protection.
Boxing gloves
Regular boxing gloves are used for all the full-contact disciplines. In competition, 10 oz is standard for most weight classes. For training you use heavier gloves, for the sake of both yourself and your partner.
Weight and size
| Use | Recommended weight |
|---|---|
| Semi-contact, competition | Point fighter, weight as specified by the organiser |
| Full contact, competition | 10 oz |
| Sparring | 14 to 16 oz |
| Pads and mitts | 12 to 14 oz |
| Bag | 12 to 16 oz |
For training, choose the weight based on your body weight: 12 oz up to 70 kilos, 14 oz up to 85 kilos, 16 oz above that. For sparring, it is common to go up one size from this.
What does WAKO approved mean?
WAKO is the international kickboxing federation and sets the requirements for competition gear. A WAKO-approved glove has been tested against these requirements and carries markings that referees can check.
In club training it makes no difference. If you are going to a competition, it makes all the difference: without approved gear you cannot compete. Always check the organiser's invitation for which requirements apply, and which colours are required.
Training or competition?
If you are only going to train, buy a good all-round glove in 14 oz. It covers bag work, pads and light sparring, and you can use it for years.
If you are going to compete, you need two sets: your training gloves, and a pair of approved competition gloves in the right weight and colour. The competition gloves are only used for fights, not for training, and then they last a long time.
Fit and closure
Always try the glove on with wraps. When you make a fist, your fingertips should reach the padding without being squeezed together, and the glove should not be able to rotate on your hand.
Velcro for training, since you take the gloves on and off yourself during the session. Laces give more even support and are mostly used in competition, where you have someone to help you.
Our recommendations
Best starting point
An affordable and robust training glove that is also approved for Norwegian amateur competitions.
All-rounder
A solid glove for bag work, pads and sparring. The classic in many Norwegian clubs.
For competition
WAKO-labelled competition glove. Buy before the competition, not the day before.
When you train a lot
Genuine leather that moulds to your hand and lasts longer than synthetic leather.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use point fighter gloves on the bag?
No. The padding is too thin, and both the glove and your hand will be damaged.
What weight is used in competition?
10 oz is standard in most full-contact classes. Always check the organiser's invitation.
Does the glove have to be WAKO approved?
Only for competitions under WAKO rules. For club training, regular gloves are fine.
Can I use boxing gloves for kickboxing?
Yes, in all the full-contact disciplines. For semi-contact you need point fighter gloves.
Do I need two pairs?
If you are going to compete, yes: one for training and one approved pair for fights. If you only train, one good pair is enough.
What is the difference between kickboxing and Muay Thai gloves?
The Muay Thai glove has a more open palm for clinching. See our comparison of boxing gloves.
