I am getting ready to go to my first karate class. What do I need?
Fortunately for beginners, there is not a lot of equipment that a person studying karate needs to buy. Essentially, all that is needed is a karate uniform and a white karate belt. As a person progresses and begins to learn more about karate, there will be other belts and other equipment to purchase, however a beginner does not need to worry about any of these things. Instead, simply focus on learning the basics.

How many belts do I need to get until I obtain a black belt?
This is a question that is better to direct toward a sensei or somebody at the school in which a person is studying. The fact is that there are a number of different belts that can be obtained, but a large part of this depends on the dojo and type of karate. A person could obtain white, yellow, purple, green, blue, brown, orange and black belts, but not every dojo has all of these belts and some dojos have more.

Is there a certain kind of uniform I need?
In general, yes. A person should ask his or her sensei which kind of uniform is most appropriate to wear. Many dojos have uniforms that include the dojo’s logo or name on them. Karate practitioners are often encouraged to buy these uniforms. In general, pretty much all karate uniforms are similar in the way they are made and how they fit. It is best if the pants have a drawstring on them. Similarly, it is good to find a top loose enough to allow for freedom of movement, however it should be snug enough so that it does not fall of the person’s shoulders.