What you need for a self-defense workshop

A self-defense workshop needs more than training space and a qualified trainer. Participants need a clear, open floor, suitable practice equipment, and basic safety supplies before the warm-up begins. Plan equipment quantities around the number of attendees, and check that every item is ready before doors open. Drinks, cups, registration materials, and first aid supplies are easy to overlook when the focus is on the training session.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Training matsqty 30
Chairsqty 35
Tablesqty 6
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Boxing glovesqty 20
Hand wrapsqty 30
Focus mittsqty 12
Stairs and bump cushionsqty 8
Rubber training knivesqty 10
Training polesqty 10
Marker conesqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 3
Whistlesqty 3
Resistance bandsqty 10

Equipment

Flip chart
Markersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3
Phone chargersqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Serving jugsqty 3
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Safety

First aid kit
Ice packsqty 6
Nitrile glovesqty 20

Hygiene

Hand sanitizer dispensersqty 4
Disinfecting wipesqty 6
Towelsqty 12

Registration

Name badgesqty 40
Pen setsqty 10
Participant formsqty 40
Program leafletsqty 40

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 60 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Paper coffee cups - 50 pieces
- Stir sticks - 50 pieces
- Mini ice lollies - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Cheese slices - 1.5 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilo
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Allow one training mat for each pair of participants, with enough clear space around the outside rows for instructors to move safely. Lay out the mats before participants arrive rather than during registration.
Prepare one pair of boxing gloves, hand wraps, and focus mitts for each active practice pair. If equipment will be shared, add time between exercises for cleaning and changing gloves.
Keep at least one first aid kit, several ice packs, and a box of nitrile gloves at the registration or instructor area. Check these supplies before the workshop, not when an injury occurs.
Set aside one registration table, chairs, the participant forms, and working markers before opening the venue. Bring at least two phone chargers and extension cords if attendance is recorded or materials are shown digitally.
For refreshments, plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks in coolers in advance and prepare enough reusable cups, plates, and cutlery for the full group.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a self-defense workshop?: At minimum, prepare training mats, boxing gloves, hand wraps, focus mitts, marker cones, stopwatches, and whistles. Add practice-specific items such as rubber training knives, training poles, stairs and bump cushions, or resistance bands only when they are part of the program.
How many training mats do I need for a self-defense class?: Plan one mat for every two participants working together. For 20 participants, prepare at least 10 mats and leave a clear walkway around the training area for the trainer.
What safety supplies should I bring to a self-defense workshop?: Bring at least one fully stocked first aid kit, two or more ice packs, and nitrile gloves. Keep them immediately accessible, and check the contents on the day before participants arrive.
How much water and coffee do I need for a self-defense workshop?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one drink per person for every extra hour. For a three-hour workshop with 20 people, that means roughly 80 to 100 drinks, depending on the weather and activity level.

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