One of the first things you need to buy is your own Karate Suit (Japanese: Gi). Depending on the club they are usually white with very little or no design logos. The white suit’s history is apparently linked to how martial arts have evolved over the many years and is a tradition linked to teaching a wide range of people including people from poor backgrounds. By not having fancy or expensive training clothes it ensured that karate, and other martial arts, was accessible regardless of wealth.
Karate Suit
Today Karate Suits can range greatly in price and unfortunately a high price does not always mean a good quality suit. When buying a Karate Suit one thing to look for is the weight (usually in oz) as this is the standard measurement for a quality suit. A typically suit may weigh 10 oz but better quality ones would be either 12 or 14oz.
Another thing to know when buying a Karate Suit is that they often shrink when they are first washed so it is always best to check with the manufacture or retailer before buying to see what size they recommend. Some suits now come already pre-shrink, so always check.
When buying a karate suit it is always best to check with your club. The teachers at your club are very experienced and will know what you need and the best pace to buy it from.