How much does Karate Cost?

Lessons

Most people attend at least two Karate lessons per week.
Karate lessons vary in price from club to club (please check our Dojo pages for more information.)

Club Membership and License

You will require to join the Club you intend to train at.
For this you will receive your License and Insurance.

This varies from club to club (please check our Dojo pages for more information.)

Karate Gi

Karate Gis are available in a wide variety of Qualities and it is advised that the beginner chooses a basic Gi to start their training.
Prices can Range from approx. £20.00  to over £140.00!!

Basic Gis

These are less expensive and are lighter in weight (and therefore easier to move in).
While not as robust as the more expensive versions, beginners are unlikely to need the extra durabilty of the specialised Kata Gi and Kumite Gi.

The more expensive Gis are generally made from heavier or more technical fabrics.
Most people who enter Karate Competitions will upgrade to a more expensive Gi.

Kata Gi

Kata Gis tend be heavy and stiff, not ideal for tough training sessions but ideal for competition displays as they hold their shape very well and add some "Snap" to the Kata movements.

Kumite Gi

Kumite Gis tend to be light weight, often with increased ventilation to help keep you cool under tough fighting conditions.
While Kumite Gis are lightweight they also need to be durable.
Lots of the more experienced Karateka will use their competition Kumite Gi for Club Training because of the increased cooling and durability. 

Careful fabric selection and modern design have come a long way in the last few years to achieve these results.

Karate Gis can be purchased directly from your Sensei or from online shops like www.budouk.co.uk

Hand Mitts

Hand Mitts help protect you and your sparring partner from injury.

Prices range from Approx. £15.00 to Approx. £25.00 per pair.

They are "Open Handed" and generally held on using elasticated velcro straps.

For Club use, only one pair of mitts is required.

Karateka who enter competitions will need to purchase two pair of mitts (one pair of Red mitts and one pair of Blue mitts.)

If the competition is a WKF event, then WKF Approved equipment is required. If it's WUKF then it's white insted of Blue.
Please consult your Sensei for further information.

Karate equipment from www.budouk.co.uk

Gum Shield

Gum shields are available in various qualities.

Prices vary from Approx. £2.00 to over £70.00

Basic Gumshield

This is the clasic "Boil and Bite".
They offer the very basic protection and can be purchased for just a few pounds.

Intermediate Gumshield

The intermediate gumshield also tends to be a "Boils and Bite" type but with much more advanced technology.

Often utilising layered construction, gels, and advanced shapes to dissipate energy.
The more advanced of these offer protection that is approaching similar levels as custom made gumshields!

Custom Made Gumshields

These offer the highest level of protection.

A mould of your teeth and gums is taken and a gumshield is made to fit.

This work is normally done by a dentist or a specialised manufacturer (e.g Opro)

Link to Gumshields

This is the main kit that is needed, below is a list of other items that would also be useful :-

• Sports Bag / Holdall
• Water Bottle
• Sports Drink
• Foot and Shin Pads (Red and Blue for Competitions)
• Competition Belts (Red and Blue for Competitions)
• Sports Towel
• Track Suit
• Strike Pad
• Focus Mitts
• Chest Guard (for Female Karateka)
• Groin Guard (for both Male and Female Karateka)