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Karate Equipment

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The study of Karate can trace its roots to cultural exchanges between the Chinese and the residents of the Ryukyu Islands of Japan during the 14th and 15th centuries. The practice of banning weapons from the populace over the following few centuries encouraged the development of this form of unarmed combat.

Being an “unarmed” technique, Karate equipment is fairly limited in scope. While weapons training is practiced in some forms of Karate, most do not require anything aside from a clean uniform and a dedication to training. This is especially true for beginners and those who study Karate strictly for exercise purposes.

The most basic piece of Karate equipment is the uniform, or karategi. The gi was adopted from uniform of those studying Judo. Originally designed by Kirgoro Kano (a renowned Judo master) in the late 19th century, the uniform was modified in cut and material to more easily accommodate the speed and mobility required by Karate students. The modern karategi is the descendant of these early adaptations.

A basic karategi consists of three pieces; a jacket (Uwa-gi), pants (Zubon) and a colored belt called an Obi. The pants and jacket are designed to be comfortable and loose fitting. There are generally two types of gi, traditional and tournament. Traditional cut uniforms cover the entire length of the arm and leg. Tournament cut uniforms, on the other hand, leave the forearm and shin exposed. This particular cut is designed to eliminate the possibility of tripping or entanglement while performing.

The Obi is often the most myth-oriented piece of Karate equipment. There are many legends about the meaning of the different colors used in the belt ranking system. However, the truth is a much more practical matter. Originally used in Judo as a means of grouping students of similar abilities, the system was quickly adopted by Karate instructors. The belts color becomes darker with each advancement in rank not because of some mystical tradition, but rather because each time a belt is dyed the new color must be darker than the previous if it is to completely cover the underlying hue.

Sparring (called Kumite in Karate) is a common method of practicing the various techniques studied in martial arts. Because of the physical nature of this practice, there are required pieces of karate equipment that must be used in order to maintain a relative level of safety. Sparring equipment most often consists of some form of protective headgear, along with padded gloves for the hands and boots for the feet. Other pieces of safety equipment often include mouth guards, facemasks, as well as breast and groin protection.

For the dojo, karate equipment can include a number of items designed to help improve the student’s technique and abilities. Heavy bags and other padded striking surfaces can provide a combat target while reducing the chances of injury. Focus targets are often used to increase the students punching and kicking accuracy.

The centuries old practice of Karate can be an excellent way of increasing your physical strength and mental acuteness. Very little equipment is necessary to enjoy the benefits of Karate, which may explain its continued popularity.

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