Karate Uniforms & Equipment

Karate is a popular sport around the world and, like other sports, it requires the proper equipment to ensure safety. While anyone can practice and learn karate without a uniform, the uniform is meant to create unity among students and allows for movement. The equipment involved in karate is meant to enhance the teachings and to protect students from harm.

  1. Dogi

    • The karate uniform is called a dogi in Japanese, but is often referred to as a gi. The uniform consists of two pieces--loose fitting pants (zubon) and a wrapped top (uwagi). The top has ties that keep it from opening. Both are made from cotton and are white. Gishin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate, designed the uniform to replace the traditional loincloth or fundoshi.

    Belt

    • The karate belt denotes what level the wearer is in her karate studies--from beginner to expert. Belts are awarded through examinations of karate techniques and classified in three-month increments. There are 10 degrees of belts (kyu) ending with the black belt, and then 10 more grades of black belt (dan). The belt is tied in a specific manner to keep it from loosening during sparring. A loose or gaping top can catch an opponent’s hand or foot and cause unnecessary injury according to the book, “Freestyle Sparring.”

    Practice

    • Punch and focus pads are used during karate practice and training to hone a skill. Punch pads are typically long and slender like shields and are held by one person while the other practices kicks to different points. Focus pads are worn on the hands to block hits from a practice partner's hands and feet and are used mainly for drills. According to the book “Mastering Karate,” focus pads allow karate students to make contact rather than stopping their hits and kicks short of a target.

    Crash Mats

    • Crash mats are typically used on the floor in karate for young children or in competition to avoid injury. A crash mat is the same as a gymnasts’ mat in that it is made in sections that fold up for storage and can be combined with other mats to make a larger padded surface.

    Protective Gear

    • Protective equipment for sparring practice consists of a head guard and a mouth guard but can also include protection for the rest of the body. Some karate schools use groin, chest, shin, arms, hands and foot protection in one combination or another for contact practice. “How to Improve at Karate” suggests women wear a hard plastic shield over their chests during sparring and competition for safety.