Preparing for your first WAKO kickboxing competition?
Having the right equipment is an important part of getting ready for fight day. WAKO competitions have specific equipment requirements, and what you need can vary depending on your discipline and age category.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential WAKO kickboxing equipment you need for competition, what to look for when choosing your gear, and the key differences between WAKO disciplines.
We’ll also cover what to check before buying your competition equipment in the UK.
Always check the latest WAKO rules and regulations and your event organiser’s requirements before competing, as rules and equipment requirements may be updated.
Quick WAKO Competition Equipment Checklist
Your equipment needs to meet the requirements for your discipline and age category.
While some protective equipment is common across most kickboxing competitions, other items may only be required for certain disciplines or competitors.
| Equipment | Required? | Depends On |
|---|---|---|
| Kickboxing Gloves | ✓ | Discipline |
| Head Guard | ✓ | Discipline and category |
| Mouth Guard | ✓ | Fighting discipline |
| Hand Wraps | ✓ | Competition rules |
| Groin Protection | ✓ | Competitor and category |
| Shin Guards | ✓ | Discipline |
| Foot Protection | ✓ | Discipline |
| Elbow Protection | Some disciplines | Point Fighting |
| Face Mask | Some categories | Age and discipline |
| Breast Protection | Applicable competitors | Category |
| Competition Clothing | ✓ | Discipline |
Planning your competition kit? Don't assume that equipment suitable for training is automatically suitable for a WAKO event.
Check the required equipment and approval requirements for your specific discipline before you buy.
What Does WAKO Approved Mean?
When shopping for kickboxing equipment for competition, you may see products described as WAKO approved.
But what does that actually mean, and is it different from the equipment you normally use in training?
WAKO has specific requirements for competition equipment, including protective gear used by competitors.
The equipment you need can also vary depending on your discipline and age category, so it's important to check the requirements that apply to your event rather than assuming that any kickboxing equipment will be accepted.
What Is the WAKO Approval Label?
The WAKO approval label is a marking used to identify equipment that has been approved for WAKO competition.
When you're choosing competition gear, don't just look for terms such as professional, competition grade or tournament ready.
Check for the appropriate WAKO marking and make sure the equipment is suitable for your particular discipline.
WAKO's official equipment documentation includes information about its approved equipment markings, so it's worth checking the latest information before purchasing your gear.
Does All My Equipment Need to Be WAKO Approved?
The answer depends on what you're competing in and which equipment you're using.
WAKO has specific equipment requirements for its different disciplines, and some items have particular approval requirements.
For major WAKO competitions, competitors are expected to use equipment that meets the organisation's approved-equipment requirements.
This is why it's important to identify your discipline first. The equipment needed for Point Fighting, for example, isn't exactly the same as what you'll need for K1 Style.
Can I Use My Normal Training Equipment?
Not always.
The gloves, shin guards or head guard you use at your gym may be suitable for everyday training but still not meet the requirements for your WAKO competition.
Before taking your existing equipment to a tournament, check:
- Whether it has the required WAKO approval
- Whether it's suitable for your discipline
- Whether it's the correct type and size
- Whether it meets your event's requirements
- Whether it's clean and in good condition
If you're buying new equipment specifically for competition, it's better to check these points before placing your order rather than waiting until the equipment inspection.
How Do I Check Whether Equipment Is Approved?
Start by checking the product itself for the relevant WAKO approval marking.
You can then compare the equipment with the latest WAKO requirements and your tournament information.
If you're still unsure, your coach, national federation or event organiser should be able to confirm what is permitted for your competition.
This is particularly important when buying equipment online.
A product being marketed as suitable for kickboxing or martial arts doesn't automatically mean it is approved for every WAKO competition
What Happens If My Equipment Isn't Compliant?
Your equipment may be checked before you compete. If something doesn't meet the applicable requirements, you may need to replace or correct it before you're allowed to compete.
The exact procedure can depend on the competition and the equipment issue, so checking your gear before travelling to the event is the easiest way to avoid last-minute problems.
What Changed for WAKO Equipment in 2026?
WAKO has introduced several rule changes for 2026, including updates affecting areas such as K1 Style, gender, nationality, participation in other organisations, and seeding and ranking.
Because WAKO rules can be updated, it's important to use the latest WAKO rules and competition information when preparing your equipment.
The WAKO website currently provides its 2026 rule updates alongside its Equipment Book, which covers approved equipment and its permitted use across different disciplines and age categories.
Before buying your competition gear, check the requirements for your specific discipline, age category and event with WAKO or your tournament organiser.
WAKO-Approved Equipment for Competition
Once you know which equipment your discipline requires, the next step is choosing gear that meets the appropriate competition requirements.
Fight Co stocks a selection of Top Ten WAKO-approved equipment, covering gloves, head guards, shin protection, elbow protection and foot protection.
Top Ten WAKO Boxing Gloves – WAKO-approved gloves designed to provide reliable protection and a secure, comfortable fit for competition.
Top Ten Avantgarde Head Guard with WAKO Label – A lightweight Bayflex head guard designed to provide protective coverage while maintaining visibility and ventilation.
Top Ten Fight Head Guard with WAKO Label – A shock-absorbing head guard with an adjustable rear strap for a secure and comfortable fit.
Top Ten WAKO Shin Guards – WAKO-approved shin protection designed to provide coverage while allowing the movement needed for kickboxing.
Top Ten WAKO Reversible Elbow Guard – A reversible WAKO-approved elbow guard offering practical protection and two colour options for applicable competitions.
Top Ten Superfight 3000 Leather Kick – WAKO-approved foot protection made with genuine leather and Bayfill® PPS cushioning for impact protection.
WAKO Competition Equipment Mistakes to Avoid
Getting your equipment ready before competition day can save you from unnecessary stress.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing for a WAKO event:
1. Choosing Equipment for the Wrong Discipline
WAKO equipment requirements can differ between disciplines.
Make sure you know whether you're competing in Point Fighting, Light Contact, Kick Light, Full Contact, Low Kick or K1 Style before buying your gear.
2. Assuming Any Kickboxing Gloves Will Be Accepted
Not all kickboxing gloves are suitable for WAKO competition.
Check the required glove type, weight and applicable approval requirements for your discipline.
3. Leaving Your Equipment Check Until the Last Minute
Don't wait until you're at the venue to find out that something isn't suitable. Check your gloves, head guard, shin protection and other required gear well before competition day.
4. Relying on Outdated Information
WAKO rules and competition requirements can be updated.
If you've found an equipment list online from a previous year, verify it against the latest WAKO rules and your event information.
5. Buying the Wrong Size
Competition equipment needs to fit securely without restricting movement. Check the manufacturer's sizing information before ordering, particularly for gloves, head guards and protective equipment.
6. Using Different Gear in Training and Competition
If possible, train with the equipment you'll use on competition day. This gives you time to get comfortable with the fit, weight and feel of your gear before you compete.
7. Forgetting to Check the Condition of Your Equipment
Even approved equipment may not be suitable if it's damaged or excessively worn.
Inspect your gear before the event and replace anything that no longer provides adequate protection.
WAKO Competition Equipment FAQs
What equipment do I need for a WAKO competition?
The equipment you need depends on your WAKO discipline and age category. Common competition equipment includes gloves, a head guard, mouth guard, hand wraps, groin protection and, depending on the discipline, shin and foot protection.
Does WAKO require approved equipment?
Yes. WAKO requires approved and verified competition equipment. From 1 January 2026, WAKO Europe's guidance states that equipment used at its competitions must be verified, approved and marked with the appropriate WAKO label.
How do I know if my equipment is WAKO approved?
Look for the WAKO label on the equipment and make sure the product is suitable for your discipline. WAKO also provides official equipment information and lists approved equipment manufacturers through its resources.
What size gloves do you use in WAKO?
For Point Fighting, WAKO lists open-palm 8 oz gloves. The other main fighting disciplines—including Light Contact, Kick Light, Full Contact, Low Kick and K1 Style—use 10 oz gloves.
Do I need foot guards for WAKO?
It depends on your discipline. WAKO lists foot protection as mandatory for tatami disciplines and Full Contact, while different protective equipment applies to Low Kick and K1 Style.
Can I use normal boxing gloves for WAKO?
Not automatically. WAKO competitions have specific requirements for glove type and weight, depending on the discipline. Choose gloves that meet your competition's requirements and carry the appropriate WAKO approval.
Where can I buy WAKO-approved equipment in the UK?
Fight Co stocks a selection of Top Ten WAKO-approved equipment, including gloves, head guards, shin guards, elbow protection and foot protection. Check your discipline's requirements before choosing your competition gear.