Equipment

I am interested in starting karate, what do I need to wear?

There is no need to go out and buy yourself a karate suit before you start training.  At the Kugatsu Karate-Do, we are keen to ensure that our students and prospective students do not waste their money.  If you would like to join in with one of our classes, all that you require to wear is a t-shirt and a pair of jogging trousers or similar. 

I am sure that karate is for me, what equipment do I require?

Once you are sure that karate is for you, then you should think about buying yourself a karate-gi (suit) and a pair of sparring mitts.  Students can obtain both from the Kugatsu Karate-Do at extremely competitive prices or they can buy them from a sports retailer or martial arts equipment supplier.

Do I require any other equipment?

At the Kugatsu Karate-Do, students are encouraged to wear a variety of additional protective equipment during kumite (sparring) practice, i.e.

-    groin guard (male & female)
-    chest guard (females)
-    gum shield
-    shin and / or instep protectors

All other training equipment, i.e. impact pads, etc., are generally supplied by the Kugatsu Karate-Do.  However, students are welcome to obtain their own if desired. As with karate-gi and sparring mitts, all equipment can be purchased from the Kugatsu Karate-Do.