Getting Kitted Out 

If you want to train regularly you will also need to get one of the most recognisable elements of karate, the karate suit, or gi. A gi can cost anything from £15 upwards, we can order a gi at cost for you. If you pay for 2 months in advance - we offer a free gi.

Karate gis and other necessary bits and pieces

For their first few lessons most people will wear light trousers or shorts and a t-shirt but if you want to continue training for any length of time you will need to invest in a karate suit (gi). A gi usually consists of trousers (either draw-string or elasticated waist) and a jacket. Most gis come with a white belt included and are made from a stiff tough white cotton.

Cost of gis tends to range from around £15 to anything up to £160, obviously you get what you pay for. Cheaper gis will easily suit the beginner and are lightweight but have a habit of shrinking radically in the wash. As such it is always best to wash your gi at 40° and to let it drip dry (they shrink really badly in a dryer). More expensive gis are much longer lasting, much tougher and tend not to shrink as much. Some people like to stitch club badges on their gis or even have their name embroidered on it.

Apart from a gi and belt there is nothing else required as training is always conducted barefoot but it recommended that women who need them should invest in a sports bra.

The only other items you will be required to buy are later on, when you start doing semi-free and freestyle sparring (usually brown belt and above) you will need to buy some white sparring mitts (around £15) and a gumshield (from £5).

Adult students who want to do freestyle sparring may want to wear chest protection (women) or groin protection (men) but it is not required. Shin guards and similar protectors are discouraged as they can cause injury to sparring partners.

We can acquire most items of equipment on your behalf at cost or can recommend suppliers.