How to Dress for Karate
The official uniform worn by a karate student is called a "Gi." It offers the student maximum movement while practicing kicks and punches. There are also other components the student can wear as part of the karate uniform to safeguard against injury.
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Instructions
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Inquire about the style of Gi worn by the karate school you want to attend. Different styles of martial arts wear slightly different karate uniforms. The wrap-around front of the uniform is held together by small ties inside and secured around the waist with a karate belt. Gis are available in plain cotton, denim and satin.
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Purchase hand and foot pads to protect the extremities while punching and kicking the bag or sparring (a form of controlled fighting). These are often made of dense foam rubber and covered with smooth vinyl. Some foot pads have an extension that covers the shin for more protection. Pads come in a variety of sizes and prices. The karate instructor can recommend the best ones for the class.
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Choose a quality silicone mouth guard that can be individually fitted to the mouth. This is done by dipping the guard in hot water and biting down while it is warm to form it to your teeth. Mouth guards must be used in karate school sparring to prevent injuries from punches and kicks.
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Use a protective athletic cup in karate class. Male students must wear the cup under their karate Gi to protect themselves from kicks. Female students have the option of wearing a chest protector.
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Purchase additional equipment and accessories if more protection is desired for the elbows, chest or hands. Many karate schools will have shirts and jackets printed with their own logo for students to buy as part of the uniform.
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Tips & Warnings
Wrap hands with cloth athletic hand wraps before putting on pads to protect knuckles and fingers.
Follow the safety equipment rules of the karate school to prevent unnecessary injury.
