3. Uniforms & Equipment

You should purchase a karate uniform as soon as possible. Karate uniforms are designed for ease of movement, and wearing the uniform helps students get in the mood for training. The karate uniform is called a “gi” and the belt is called an “obi.”

• “Gi” is pronounced like “gear” without the “r.”
• “Obi” is pronounced like the letters “OB.”

Purchasing a Uniform

Please see your instructor to order a uniform. Please do not wear a uniform purchased elsewhere without permission.

Trying On Your New Uniform

Your karate uniform will feel very large when you put it on for the first time. This is normal. If the waistband fits and the bottom of the jacket falls between mid-thigh and your knee, you probably have the right size, but you will need to hem the sleeves and pant legs.

• Sleeves should end between your wrist and mid-forearm, and pant legs
• For safety, pant legs must be hemmed between your ankle and mid-calf.

Your Belt

The white belt that comes with your uniform will be extremely long. Whatever you do, don’t cut it! It’s designed to wrap around your waist twice, and be tied with a square knot, with enough left over for the “tails” to hang down between mid-thigh and your knees.

Your instructor can help you learn to tie your belt, but this YouTube video explains it well. If your belt is still too long, talk to your instructor.

Wearing Your Uniform

Once you have a uniform, you should wear it to every class (and please wash it after every class). Please wear the entire uniform together. Do not wear the belt without the jacket, or the jacket without the pants, etc.

You may wear a plain t-shirt under your uniform, but you should not wear your uniform over street clothes. Ladies may wear a sports bra and men should wear an athletic supporter with a cup.

You should avoid wearing your uniform in public, but please change into your uniform before entering the classroom.

Other Safety Equipment

All students participating in free-sparring drills must wear additional safety equipment: Everyone must wear a mouth guard and hand pads, and students under 18 must wear padded headgear. All of this equipment is available from your instructor.

What’s This Going to Cost?

A beginner’s karate uniform can be purchased for less than $50. When you’re ready for free-sparring, the additional gear you need, (headgear, hand pads, and a mouthguard) may be another $60.