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 affordable.

 

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.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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, www.martialartsmart.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 and are not allowed to be used in class.  

 

 

These do not protect your fingers and are not allowed to be used in class. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Starter Set: §         Hands - $15-30 §         Feet  - $15-30 §         Head - $20-30 §         Chest - $20-50 §         Mouth - $2-5 §         Groin - $10-15

Additional Items: §         Shin Protection - $11-20 §         Gear Bag - $5-20 §         Mouth Guard Case - $5

Advanced / Long-lasting Set §         Hands - $30-50 §         Feet - $30-50 §         Head – Same as Basic §         Chest - $50-70 §         Mouth – Same as Basic §         Groin – Same as Basic