Student Uniforms Self Defense Course Students: The Self Defense Curriculum does not focus on level requirements, but focuses solely on learning how to defend against attacks. There are no levels or progression in this course. Therefore, Self Defense students are not required to wear a uniform or a belt. Students can wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. Pants should allow you to raise your knee to hip level. Long-sleeve shirts and long pants provide better protection. However, shorts and t-shirts will work fine. If desired karate pants by themselves (white or black), may be worn by students (without a belt).
Martial Arts Program Students: Martial Arts Students progress through levels and can choose to wear an entire martial arts uniform to class. Complete uniforms with belt are required to be worn for evaluations, promotions, and special events. Martial Arts Students students should wear white or black pants and shirts (plain or Flying Tiger shirt) to class when the full uniform is not worn. Beginning: White or black karate uniforms are recommended for beginning students. These uniforms can be purchased at most martial arts websites such as Karate Depot or at any local martial arts supply shop. Make sure the uniform is completely plain without any patches, logos, or words. A “Student” Uniform is best for children. A “Medium Weight” uniform is better for adults because it is made of a thicker material and wears better and longer. Intermediate & Advanced Students: White or black medium or heavy weight uniforms are best. Blue Levels and up are encouraged to wear black uniforms.
Sparring Gear Requirements
Note: Sparring gear is only required for Martial Arts students. At Yellow Level students can start using sparring gear. Students will be using their gear weekly. A basic starter set of gear can range from about $85 - $175 for an entire set. Purchasing items over time is recommended and much more manageable. Recommendation for each level: Yellow - Hands, Head, Mouth, & Groin protection Orange - Feet & Chest (Shins are recommended) Purple - Complete sparring gear will be required for advancement. This includes: hand, feet, head, chest, mouth and groin protection.
Equipment Recommendations: Colors - Black, Red, White, Gray & Blue (All others must be approved). Hands: Look for boxing style gloves not karate sparring gloves (fingers must be completely covered at all times). Adult 8 & 10 oz gloves are the best. Leather or synthetic leather with a velcro wrist strap. There are many gloves by Century and Everlast that will work great. The price range is $15-50. My recommendation: 1) Everlast Youth Boxing Gloves for Kids ($15-20 at Sports Authority, Target, & Walmart or $20 at KarateDepot.com) 2) For Adults Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves (8-16 oz. Red or Black, About $28 Available at Sports Authority & Online). Feet: Most sparring boots will work just fine. Avoid boots that have material covering the toes; they cause students to slip. Toes should be free to grip the ground. Price Range: $16-$50. Beginning Feet priced at $16-30 will work just fine.
Head: Foam headgear works just fine. Don’t buy a mask with a facemask. Soft, vinyl headgear works okay, but doesn’t provide as much protection. Price Range: $20-30. Chest: A chest guard should protect the entire chest and stomach. Avoid chest guards that only protect the ribs and stomach. Macho makes the best chest guards but they are costly ($60-90). Taekwondo Chest guards (white with blue/red circles) work well and are much cheaper ($21-50). Mouth: Any sport mouthpiece will do. Price Range: $2-20
Shin (Recommended): Foam or material shin protectors are great. Soccer or plastic shin guards are not allowed. Avoid shin guards with instep protection attached. Price Range: $12-20
Groin Protection: Required for all boys and men. Not recommended for girls and women. Price Range: $10-20.
Best Deals: www.karatedepot.com, www.karatestop.com, Sports Authority. Local Karate stores are more expensive, but you can get the perfect fit. Be careful of pre-packaged sets Hand gear in most of these sets will not protect your hands.
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