Karategi for kata and kumite

What the WKF rule requires for the karategi

The karategi differs from the judogi by its lightness: in karate, you strike and move, and grabbing is minimal. In competitions, the World Karate Federation, the WKF, lays out specific rules for its cut. Tightened by the belt, the jacket must cover the hips without going beyond three-quarters of the thigh; its sleeves should stop just at the wrist crease, never before halfway down the forearm, and they must not be rolled up. The trousers must cover at least two thirds of the shin without going below the ankle bone. Fighters are distinguished by a red or blue belt, while the karategi remains white.

The rest of the equipment

Karate and taekwondo also have:

• Gloves.
• Belts.
• Protective gear.
• Accessories.

All karate and taekwondo items can be found on the karate and taekwondo page.

Kata or kumite karategi: thickness and fit

The kata, a codified sequence judged on power and precision, requires a thick, heavy cotton karategi, which makes a loud sound with each technique and maintains a crisp look for the judges: this is the purpose of the Kwon Kata and Kata Tanaka, ten-ounce, the adidas Kata Shori, or the Mizuno Shodan. The kumite, or sparring, on the other hand, needs a light outfit, often made from a polyester and cotton blend, that dries quickly and doesn’t hold back any kicks: the adidas Adizero and Kwon FullContact, weighing eight ounces, meet this requirement. Both disciplines became Olympic events in Tokyo in 2021.

Women's cuts, children's sizes, and club karategi

For training in clubs, the versatile karategi Kwon Clubline Basic, Danrho Shiro Plus, Mizuno Kiai in polyester and cotton or Metal Boxe are easy to wash and withstand multiple sessions a week. The women's cuts, like the Kwon Clubline Shadow, and girls', like the Renshu, are tailored for the female physique, fitting more closely at the shoulders and waist. For children, the Kwon Basic and the adidas children's karategi are chosen in centimeters according to height. One size up is recommended for unshrinkable cotton, which shrinks on the first wash, without going beyond: an overly loose jacket hinders techniques.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance sales, sales, and Black Friday. The new items feature the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday late in autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a karategi and a judo kimono?

The judo kimono, thick and reinforced, is designed to withstand grabs and throws. The karategi, being lighter and more flexible, prioritizes freedom of movement for kicks and quick movements; it does not replace a judogi on the tatami.

How to tie a karate belt?

Place the middle of the belt on your waist, cross it behind your back, and bring both ends to the front. Pass the top end under both layers, then tie a flat knot. Both ends should fall to the same length.

How to wash a karategi without damaging it?

Wash it at thirty or forty degrees, turned inside out, with a gentle detergent and no bleach, which yellows and weakens the cotton. Dry it on a hanger in the open air, and iron the jacket while it is still slightly damp to regain its shape.

What does the weight in ounces of a karategi mean?

An ounce indicates the weight of the fabric given a specific area, with one ounce being about twenty-eight grams. An eight-ounce karategi is lightweight and suitable for sparring, while a model weighing ten to fourteen ounces, which is thicker, is suitable for kata.

Is a WKF-approved karategi mandatory in clubs?

No: approval is only required in competitions that follow the World Federation's regulations. For classes and belt tests in clubs, a clean, white, properly sized karategi is more than sufficient.