In this article we continue exploring the world of Kyokushin karate and explain what equipment an athlete will need for training.
In this article we continue exploring the world of Kyokushin karate and explain what equipment an athlete will need for training.

First, it is worth noting that Kyokushin karate is not a sport that demands serious spending on gear. A basic clothing and protective set will cost as little as 2,000-3,000 rubles. The necessary equipment can be found in almost any sports store or online shop.

Clothing for Kyokushin Karate

Dogi (Kimono)

Kyokushin karate classes are held in a kimono (dogi), but for the first few sessions you can get by without one — you can train in a t-shirt and shorts (or light sweatpants) for a while. For guidance on what kind of kimono to choose for Kyokushin karate, see this article. A basic children’s kimono in stores (including online shops) ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles. More experienced competitors who take part in tournaments usually buy a heavier, more durable kimono — from 3,500 to 10,000 rubles depending on the fabric weight, height, and brand. The more expensive options are genuine Japanese-made; the more affordable ones are Russian alternatives from popular online or offline retailers.

Belt

Beginners wear a white belt, which usually comes with the kimono. Athletes of other grades need to find a belt matching their rank. A plain colored belt without embroidery ranges from 500 to 1,000 rubles depending on thickness. A colored belt with a personal name and organization embroidery typically costs around 2,000-3,000 rubles.

Protective Gear for Kyokushin Karate

To avoid bumps and bruises, reduce the risk of injury, and train fully — whether drilling strikes with a partner, working on equipment, sparring, or competing — Kyokushin athletes need shin guards and forearm guards. A helmet is also recommended for children, and a chest protector is required for female athletes. For competitions, boys will need a groin protector.

Protective gear is now available in virtually any sports store. The minimum necessary set (shin guards and forearm guards) costs very little — around 1,000-1,500 rubles. A children’s helmet runs about 1,000 rubles, a chest protector for female athletes around 1,500-2,500 rubles, and a groin protector for boys about 500-1,000 rubles.

This is what shin guards look like:

This is what forearm guards look like:

This is what a helmet looks like:

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This is what a chest protector for female athletes looks like:

This is what a groin protector for boys looks like:

All of the above comes in various colors — most commonly white, blue, and red. For training purposes, the color of the protective gear does not matter, but at most competitions shin and forearm guards must be white, and helmets must be either red or white.

We hope this has answered any questions you had about what equipment you need to train at a Kyokushin karate club.