When you first attend you are asked to wear sensible sports training attire: a plain t-shirt, tracksuit/sports trousers and sensible sports shoes.

After a month of training you are expected to start aquiring the following uniform and protective gear which are necessary to be a member of the Federation and to protect yourself and your training partners during sparring sessions.

When purchasing gear, sellers we recommend are Playwell.co.uk or Blitz. Although it is obviously advisable to make sure that the gear is comfortable for you before purchase.

To participate in any kind of contact sparring a student will require at least a gumshield and gloves. For a student to get the full benefit from sparring they should look at kitting themselves out with full sparring gear as listed below.

A full compliment of padding for all students allows intructors to teach some very valuable lessons. You will need full padding in order to spar and progress past your first grading.


T-Shirts:
Either plain white or club T-Shirt.

Bottoms:
Cotton
- durable - buy a size larger than you otherwise would as they do shrink slightly after washing. Elasticated or open ankles.



or Satin
- lighter, often more manouvreable.



Footwear
- should allow your foot to flex - avoid chunky-soles. They should also not have overly long laces or harsh protruding parts that may harm your training partners (no laces, buckles or straps). Puma generally have a selection of slip-on trainers with a good grip, which are ideal.



Sash
- at Hung Leng Kuen we wear satin kung fu sashes, not cotton belts.



To spar, the minimum you will need is a gumshield and gloves.

Gumshield
- it is essential that you purchase one that you can mould to your teeth.

Gloves
- should be well-padded and closed-fingered for the protection of your partner during training.
Bag mitts are NOT suitable for sparring.

Groin Protection
- available for men and women.

Chest Guard
- more necessary for women than for men, however, men are welcome to wear them also.

Shin Pads
- foam, not plastic. Foot protection is not essential as we do not spar barefoot.

Head Guard
- with fixed face grille.