FIGHT EQUIPMENT
Tyne Valley Martial Arts is a not for profit club which has been entirely funded by its members and founders.
We don’t ask much but we do ask that all members listen to over 30 years of experience in regards to what is actually a more complex subject than many realise. TVMA founder Alex is widely known in the industry and widely respected as an expert in the field of Martial Arts Equipment. He owns Fightstorepro.com so whilst we know the items we recommend are not the only options, we trust the gear we recommend. Therefore please only use approved gear at the club.
TVMA is committed to providing a safe and fun environment for its members so please help us continue to do so and support us!
GEAR NEEDED
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
BJJ requires a Gi or “Kimono” to actually do the class. Please note BJJ gis are cut differently to other Gi sports such as Judo or Karate whose Gi’s are not perfect for Jiu Jitsu. We often have some TVMA or HALO branded merchandise available which are top quality so please ask!
REQUIRED
BJJ Gi – Preferably a club gi.
White Belt (Unless graded)
Recommended
Long or short sleeve rash guard
Mouth guard
Additional
Knee pads
Groin protection
NEW MEMBERS with previous training experience..
If you are coming to join us from a position of having trained somewhere else prior we are happy for you to bring your previous kit assuming it is of a sufficient quality for safe training. This applies to both BJJ & Kickboxing.
Most of the rules on kit written here are to avoid poor quality or inappropriate fight gear being bought by beginners.
FIGHT GEAR NEEDED TO TRAIN AT TVMA
Martial Arts requires some specialised “Fight” equipment. All the equipment listed is needed for the classes. We have some gear for people to use whilst trying a class out but we would ask people to get the required equipment within 4 weeks of their first class.
Required means you must have these items. Recommended means you probably should be using these.
Additional means it’s your choice but will come in handy.
Experienced practitioners who join the group already with equipment are not required to purchase new equipment unless its deemed dangerous by an instructor but members joining without existing gear are asked to only buy from our partners at Fightstorepro.
BJJ GEAR
The #1 thing you need at TVMA for Jiu Jitsu is a Jiu Jitsu Gi & the correct size and rank of belt.
We sometimes have club Gi’s available which are made by top American Fight brand REVGEAR. The recommended Gi’s are 400 - 500 Gsm and of a good quality. Do not buy on Amazon or Ebay!
Gi Sizing is between A0 & A5
Think of A0 as XS, A1 Sm, A2 M, A3 L and A4 XL. A5 is really massive and do not buy unless you are certain. However Alex owns Fightstorepro.com and has a physical store where you can choose the right BJJ Gi and get the right size for you.
The next item you will almost certainly need at some point is a Rashguard . This is a top that doesn’t rip and will protect you from Gi and mat burns.
After that a mouthguard and if you feel needed a groin guard. Then really you’re set. Most guys who train regularly have more than one Gi.
KICKBOXING GEAR
To train Kickboxing any loose fit shorts without zips or buttons is acceptable, albeit specialised MMA or Thai shorts are ideal.
There is quite a lot of gear for Kickboxing but to start the only thing that you really need are Boxing gloves.
The range of sizes and more importantly quality of boxing gloves is huge. Price does not always denote quality and there are good reasons for martial arts clubs to insist on certain brands and sizes.
Gloves are measured by their weight and do not have sizing like S M L.
At TVMA we use minimum 14 or 16oz for sparring. For tech drills and pads we allow 10’s.
After gloves, you need shin pads, a mouth guard and potentially a groin guard.
TVMA is strict on its gear policy and we WILL reject some equipment at the club for safety reasons.