superflotsam

My boyfriend has expressed an interest in mixed martial arts for quite some time so I was thinking of getting him some gear and paying for a few classes as a christmas present this year. He loves working out and he has a few friends who do mma so I'm pretty sure it would be worth the money (and I also can't think of anything else to get him!). So I was wondering if someone knowledgeable in this area could tell me what gear he would need to get started, what brands are best, etc...I don't know too much about it myself and I don't want to get the wrong thing. I found a few gyms nearby that are possibilities but if anyone knows of any good places in the Monroe or Charlotte, NC area it would be great if I could get some recommendations. Thanks!