Uniforms
Karate uniforms
Karate gis come in two broad weights: light kumite gis around 8oz that move fast, and heavy kata gis of 12oz or more that snap audibly. For WKF-sanctioned competition the gi and the protective equipment must be from the WKF approved list — a gi that is not on it will not pass inspection, however good it is.
Kumite or kata
A kumite gi is light and cut close so it does not slow the hand. A kata gi is heavy, stiff and cut fuller so it cracks on a technique — the sound is part of the score. Buying one for the other is the most common mistake in the category.
Sizing children
Karate gis are sized by height in centimetres, not by age. Buy the height that fits now; sleeves that cover the hands cost points in kata and get in the way in kumite.
Stock landing soon
We are not listing karate uniforms yet. When we do, every one will carry the same thing our gis already carry — a verdict on whether it passes, checked against the body that governs your sport and dated.