| Whether you're taking karate, judo, taekwondo, | | | | reinforced stitching and medium-to-heavy material |
| or some other form of martial arts, you might | | | | to prevent rips during your training. You are more |
| feel overwhelmed when it comes to buying | | | | likely to find lower prices (but also lower quality |
| martial arts supplies and uniforms. There are | | | | material) at a local chain store than at a specialty |
| many items you'll need to get started, but there | | | | shop. If you must spend less, check online martial |
| are also many supplies you won't need right away. | | | | arts stores first. Online retailers often carry quality |
| If you're not careful, you'll overspend and buy | | | | brand names at lower prices, such as Arawaza, |
| unnecessary items. Here are some tips on how | | | | Tokaid, BudoNord, and others. |
| and where to buy martial arts supplies. | | | | You can also buy used items through consignment |
| Buying Martial Arts Uniforms | | | | shops, online auctions, and so forth. But again, |
| Karate, judo, taekwondo, jujutsu, and other types | | | | beware of low quality items or overly used |
| of uniforms are usually available at many martial | | | | uniforms. The material might be worn or |
| arts schools. Unfortunately, even if your school | | | | stretched if it has been used often. On the other |
| does sell uniforms, the choices might be limited. | | | | hand, a person who took a class and quit after |
| Many schools only carry certain brand names, and | | | | the first few lessons might offer you a "like-new" |
| often have limited sizes or styles. These styles | | | | uniform at a very low price! Buying |
| are likely designed to meet the school's | | | | Other Martial Arts Supplies |
| requirements, but this doesn't mean you can't | | | | If you're just getting started with a martial arts |
| shop around at other sources. If you need a | | | | class, only buy the basic necessities for starters. |
| special size or design because of your body's build, | | | | Ask your instructor to provide a list of what you'll |
| then feel free to shop around at local stores that | | | | need as a beginner. You should be able to test |
| sell martial arts supplies or you can shop online. | | | | the waters to see if you will enjoy learning martial |
| There are also many choices for both men and | | | | arts without spending a fortune. Get the |
| women. | | | | necessary protective equipment as needed for |
| Before shopping for martial arts uniforms, know | | | | certain training - you might not need it all at once. |
| what you're looking for and what your school | | | | Protective gear includes head gear (with face |
| requires in a uniform. Know your precise size | | | | cage), fist protectors, foot mitts, ankle braces, |
| measurements to ensure comfort during training | | | | shin and instep guards, knee guards, male or |
| and practice. Also, become familiar with the | | | | female groin guards, armor, female chest guards, |
| terminology associated with martial arts. For | | | | and gum protection. |
| example, the words "karategi" or "gi" are common | | | | Along with your uniform, you might need shoes |
| words used for karate uniforms and are of | | | | and workout clothes including workout pants, |
| Japanese origin. The word "judogi" means judo | | | | sweatshirts, or tank tops. These items can be |
| uniform. The word "obi" means training uniform | | | | found online easily using keyword searches |
| belt. A "dobok" or "do bohk" is a uniform worn by | | | | through the search engines or by visiting a |
| martial arts practitioners. Knowing these terms | | | | website that sells martial arts supplies. Brand |
| can be useful when searching for supplies online. | | | | names such as Arawaza, Tokaido, BudoNord, and |
| Some companies will also provide martial arts | | | | many others can often be found at one website |
| embroidery, patches, crests, or badges for | | | | so you can easily shop for your uniform and |
| personalization of your uniform. | | | | accessories at one place. |
| Beware of Low Quality Uniform Material | | | | Shop around and gather information through online |
| A martial arts uniform must be flexible, but also | | | | research or by asking your instructor before |
| very durable because you will be moving around | | | | buying martial arts supplies. This can save you |
| quite a bit. Choose material that allows you to | | | | time and money as you prepare for your new |
| move and breathe. Make sure the uniform has | | | | sport! |