Martial Arts Equipment

Uniforms
Most martial arts styles require a standardized uniform for training. Even within uniforms designed for a particular style, however, quality and fit can vary substantially. Pay attention to what your instructor suggests you need. Often your instructor will tell you what specific qualities to look for in your uniform

Karate
Karate uniforms are known as “karate gi.” Traditional karate uniforms are white, with only white, black or brown belts. Many schools, however, have different colors of patches or belts to identify their school or signify your level of study.

Judo
Judo uniforms, or “judo gi,” tend to be heavier than the karate gi, as judo involves throwing. Competition judo gi are in blue or white/off-white. The judo gi is sometimes called a “kimono.”

Aikido
Aikido uniforms are very similar to the uniforms worn by practitioners of other Japanese martial arts, with a loose fitting wraparound jacket and simple pants. Aikido systems usually add black or indigo pants known as Hakama. Sometimes these are reserved only for practitioners at the highest levels, so check with your instructor before buying Hakama pants. You may not qualify yet.

Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do uniforms are similar to karate uniforms, and the art is also practiced barefoot. Within Tae Kwon Do, however, belt color is not left to the individual schools, and the relationship between rank and belt color is standardized

Kung Fu, Tai Chi
Kung Fu and Tai Chi traditionally require specific, uniquely Chinese uniforms. They are very different from those required for Japanese or Chinese martial arts, and usually include soft-soled, slipper-style shoes, whereas most Japanese and Korean martial arts are practiced barefoot. Often, Tai Chi sifus allow the student to wear any comfortable, loose fitting clothing that allows them to move freely.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi is similar to a judo gi, but with tighter cuffs on the pants and jacket. This closer fit, provides less material for an opponent to grasp, more like street clothes. As is the case with judo, the term kimono is sometimes used to describe the outfit.

Krav Maga
Krav Maga is not a sport. It is a very direct, eclectic and potentially brutal means of self defense taught by the Israeli military. Unless your instructor or school require a uniform, there are no specific uniform requirements, and the student may dress as they would for any athletic training.

Boxing
Fitness training for boxers traditionally involves running and weight training. These require only standard physical training equipment, the same clothes and shoes you would wear for any athletic training. Sparring and competition, however, are a different story. Boxing shorts, called ‘trunks,’ arent’ terribly specialized but good quality boxing gloves are crucial both for your own safety and the safety of your opponent. Protective headgear is also a requirement for all but the highest levels of professional competition. Boxers also wear boxing-specific shoes, at least for sparring and competition.

Muay Thai
Muay Thai, or traditional Thai boxing, uses similar equipment to western boxing, except the gloves are considerably lighter. Also, since Muay Thai involves using the feet, boxing shoes are not used. There are also uniform requirements at some schools, and uniform regulations for competition.

Uniform Size and Fit
Your uniform size should correspond with your height and build. Size description may vary from one brand of uniform to the next. It makes sense to know your height and measurements for your hips, arms, waist and legs before you start shopping, especially if shopping online. Often, online shops have size charts. If shopping online, confirm that you can exchange your uniform if it doesn’t fit. Be sure you buy either a pre-shrunk uniform or oversized uniform if purchasing 100 percent cotton.

Uniform Features To Look For
If possible, get a drawstring waistband rather than elastic. Drawstrings secure the pants better while doing kicks and other moves. The hem should be twice the width of the string, so it won’t jam in the wash.

Shoes
Many martial arts are traditionally practiced barefoot, especially those involving kicking. However, many of these styles such as Tae Kwon Do allow sneakers for training, depending on the school and sub-style. These are specialized martial arts sneakers, not street sneakers, so make sure you get the right shoes for what you practice.

Weapons and Other Props
Some martial arts styles incorporate weapons for more advanced forms. There are even martial arts styles that are weapons-based, such as kendo, which evolved from samurai sword fighting.

Sparring Gear

Sparring gear should be chosen carefully. In many styles foam padded feet, shin guards, groin protection, hand and head protection gear  are a must. For durability, you might want to choose leather covered gear as well. In styles like Krav Maga where full contact fighting is often stressed, a moldable mouth guard is also recommended. Avoid getting head gear that simply wraps around the head and opt for full head gear that covers the temples, ears, chin, back of the head and also offer some nose protection as well. You might feel like a George Lucas Storm Trooper, but put it this way, many practitioners aim for the head when sparring, so be sure your head is well protected. Also avoid sparring gloves with metal inserts and metal reinforced knuckle guards. They are intended to offer hand support when doing bag training but are not suitable or appropriate for sparring.

Just Chillin’
If you want to express your passion for martial arts when you’re not training, consider martial arts leisure wear such as t-shirts, beanie hats, sweat pants, etc. Mixed martial arts, in particular, attracts a lot of leisure wear manufacturers, such as TapouT or if your passion is more hip hop, artistic, self expression and urban spirited you can check out Willie "The Bam Johnson's" Martial Fusion clothing line for those living the martial arts lifestyle.

Equipment Suppliers
Your instructor will tell you what kind of uniform, supplies and safety equipment you need to get started. You might see some things you want to have at home for practice, such as focus targets, punching pads, strike pads, or general fitness equipment like weights, but don’t go crazy buying tons of equipment all at once, or you may not be able to afford your actual classes!

Your instructor may recommend a supplier, have their own in-house pro-shop or may even order equipment for the class. You may also wish to shop over the internet, for a better selection and most likely better prices. Here are some well known internet martial arts equipment suppliers:

• Asian World of Martial Arts  (AWMA): offers wide selection for many kinds of martial arts. 
• KarateDepot.com: BizRate's top martial arts retailer.
• Century Martial Arts: offers a large supply of equipment.
• e-bogu.com: ships throughout the world.
• Bu Jin Design: offers equipment and apparel for aikido, kendo, iaido, karate, and kung fu.
• MartialArtsMart.com: has large supply of inexpensive gear.