A variety of supplies are required for the proper study of karate. The martial art is taught with a pseudo-military structure, requiring a uniform and rank insignia. Other supplies are needed for protection while practicing karate and as targets for striking. Weapons are also important supplies used by many students of karate.
Gi
The Japanese word for karate uniform is “gi.” Most karate gis are loose-fitting white cotton garments, though some are other colors such as black, blue and red. They consist of baggy pants and a lightweight coat with lapels that cross in front. The left lapel always goes on top of the right lapel. Karate schools require students to wear specific patches on their gi indicating the school and martial art.
Belt
A karate belt indicates the rank of a student. Karate belts come in an assortment of colors. In general, the darker the color of the belt, the higher the rank of the student. Beginners start with a white belt. Each karate school has its own belt system, but a typical progression is yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, red, brown, then black.
Pads
An important part of studying karate is sparring. This practice fighting involves contact between combatants. Students wear pads during sparring to prevent injury from contact. Pads are typically worn on the hands, feet, shins, head and chest. Mouthpieces protect the teeth. Men also wear athletic cups over the groin area.
Targets and Bags
Karate targets and bags provide a way for karate students to strike a physical object without harming themselves or others. Often, a partner will hold the targets while the karate student punches and kicks them. This improves accuracy and form. Bags stand on sturdy supports or are hung from a strong support structure. Karate students can strike bags with full power to increase strength.
Weapons
Karate students study the use of a wide variety of martial arts weapons. Among these are a six-foot stick called a bo, a shorter stick called a jo, a hand-held three-pointed pitchfork called a sai, a stick with a handle called tonfa, throwing stars called shuriken, and a pair of sticks connected by a cord or chain called nunchaku.
Reference Material
Many martial arts schools require students to have a written curriculum. This is commonly a pamphlet or book outlining everything the student needs to know as he advances toward the rank of black belt. The curriculum can be augmented by videos and DVDs demonstrating the karate techniques.
About this Author
Kent Ninomiya has 23 years’ experience as a TV news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. He holds black belts in three martial arts, and writes extensively on health and fitness issues. Ninomiya has a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences from the University of California at Berkeley.
