Karate Gear: Karate practitioners should posses a uniform (Gi), gear and personal protection.
- Karate Uniform is called a Gi. Self-Defense Concepts
practitioners are to wear a black Gi.
- Sizes are based on height and weight. Check with the supplier for size charts.
- 100% cotton breathes well, especially in warmer weather, but it will fade and wear more quickly.
- Nylon - cotton blends will save some money and last a very long time. A medium weight will give you many years of service.
- New Gi's should automatically come with a white belt. If you're a white belt, make sure your new Gi comes with a white belt.
- Best price on Gi's is Pro-Win Corp. Call them at 973-777-3340 or e-mail them at sales@prowincorp.com for customer service. Their website is still under construction.
- Great selection can be found at Kinjisan.com Their Ronin brand is very high quality.
- Sparring Gear consists of hand gear, foot gear, mouth piece and head gear
- Hand gear - purchase a pair of Kempo (or Jeet Kun Do) gloves. It will be about $50, but they will last for many years and protect both you and your sparring partner better than just about anything else available.
- Foot Gear - I recommend a style like Century's C-line. There is no strap on the bottom to slip while moving or kicking.
- Mouthpiece - Make sure to get a good quality mouthguard.
- Headgear - There are many good ones out there. The foam-dipped ones are good, but they're prone to wear over time.
- Personal Protection should be worn at all times during class, regardless of whether or not you will participate in sparring.
- Male groin protection
- Female groin protection
- Female chest protection
- Training aids such as punching bags are not required but will help develop certain skills as well as endurance and conditioning. Discuss these with your instructor before making training aid purchases.
- Weapons - No weapons will be necessary for training in karate
Kenjutsu Gear: Practitioners should possess a Hakama, kendo jacket and bokken. Eventually, you may with to purchase a practice blade (not sharpened) which is sometimes referred to as Iaido blade to practice drawing and wielding a katana.
- Uniform, Bokken and Swords can be purchased at the following:
Recommended Reading
- Book of 5 Rings - Miyamoto Musashi
- Karate Do Kyohan - Gichin Funakoshi
- Karate Do Nyumon - Gichin Funakoshi
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