Karate Gear
| Item | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gi (karate uniform) | Yes | White is standard. School may have specific requirements |
| Belt | Yes | Comes with first gi usually. Earns new belts through testing |
| Mouthguard | For sparring | Required for kumite |
| Sparring gloves | For sparring | WKF-approved for competition |
| Shin guards | For sparring | Required for most competitions |
| Chest protector | For sparring | Required for youth in many organizations |
| Groin protector | For sparring | Required |
| Headgear | Youth sparring | Required for younger competitors |
Dad Pro Tip: Don’t buy expensive gear until your kid has been training for at least 3-6 months and wants to continue. A basic gi and belt is all you need to start.