Welcome to my "karate gear for kids" review!

Immersing children to sports at a young age has been common to majority of people. As part of growing up, kids have probably experimented on different activities on their own determination, or with their parents guide.

While sports that involve balls are popular, there are quite a number of children who took the path of Martial Arts training. Interestingly, Karate is one of the disciplines that is often enrolled because children are interested in it.

Taking up Karate, a student will be expected to have several equipment and gear to be worn. If you are a supportive parent and have the desire to follow with your kids passion, then this is the article for you!

In this review, I will provide some of the essential things to consider in choosing which gears your kids can use. I will also give my top karate gear suggestion in each section.

You may also be interested with other reviews I've written like the Best Boxing Gloves for Training or Best Percussion Massager.

Essential Karate Gear For Kids

1. Karate Gi/Uniform

A Gi is a type of uniform that has been worn throughout several culture of martial arts, and Karate is one sport that practices wearing it. Wearing a Gi is not only for the looks, but it is rooted to deep meanings such as retaining the integrity of the art, and many more.

For a Karate Gi, it is normal to be thinner and lighter in compared to other martial art Gi's. This is to support fast movements while aiding in punching and kicking.

You may also notice that karate uniforms seem to look alike, but they actually differ depending on what purpose you're using it for. The uniforms vary depending on whether your kid would use it as a costume or for actual karate training.

Buyers' Guide

Aside from the abovementioned factor, you may also consider the quality of the uniforms. The reason for such is that the heavy and higher the quality is, the more expensive the uniforms are.

Also, take note that each class of uniforms may have specific benefits for the user. The following are things to consider if your kid would use it for karate or other martial arts training:

• Lightweight – these types of uniforms are the most affordable, which would only cost you less than $30. Also, they are recommended for growing kids.
• Medium – price range is around $100 or less. Unlike the previous uniform, they are more durable and generally made of 100% cotton. Therefore, it makes the uniforms suitable for cold and warm environments.
• Heavyweight – as the term implies, the uniforms are heavy but more durable comparing to the two previously explained previously. But they are more expensive, which could cost you over $100.

Since the uniforms are to be used by your kids, then the ideal class is lightweight.

You can find the best karate uniforms in either your local department stores or online. But if you ask my opinion, I would recommend Namazu Children's Karate Gi.

It is one of the quality karate uniforms around. It is made of 55% cotton and 45% polyester, which makes the uniform comfortable to wear and breathable.

However, they only offer one color as of now, and that is the traditional white uniforms. If you're looking for a variety of colors, then you may also want to check out Ronin Karate Gi

2. Karate Gloves

The fighting stance in Karate is a bit different from boxing. Thus, you may find a different set of sparring gloves between the two combat sports. 

Karate gloves are lighter and is different in construction, having thinner paddings. However, it is not a thing to worry about because in Karate, aggressive striking is not allowed.

Buyers' Guide

Since your children will use it, protection must be your number one priority. And in choosing which brand to buy, it is important to be particular of the foam.

There are also brands that are specially made for children, so be sure to check on that. But to give you one example, a brand that I recommend for kids is the Venum Karate Mitts.

Venum is a reputable manufacturer of martial arts gear but surprisingly, their Karate Mitts aren't that expensive. An additional feature which would be extremely helpful is the thumb protector.

The gloves are suitable for 5 to 12 years. And it is available in black and blue colors. Another notable feature is the gloves ventilation that keeps the palm dry during karate classes.

If you're looking for a much premium brand, then you may want to check out Whistlekick Karate Sparring Gear.

3. Karate Headgear

If your kid wants to take up martial arts like karate, then it is of extreme importance to keep things safe. Aside from safety, you also have to consider comfort, is your kids' headgear just right and doesn't wobble or weigh them down as they move around.

Also, having the right gear not only protect your child from injury but also improves their performance during training sessions.

Buyer's Guide

In buying which headgear is excellent for your child, it is important to note the quality of foam and comfortability. For the headgear, I recommend the RDX Maya Hide Leather

RDX Maya is one of the best safety gear in the market. Other headgear can positively provide protection, but the protection feature of RDX Maya

From the first sight, you could immediately surmise that the headgear is designed not only to protect your kids' heads but their faces as well.

It includes a detachable face mask which enables the user to prevent their eyes, nose, and mouth from being hit and injured. Overall, it's a good value for money.

If you're looking for an alternative, then you may also want to check out Pro Force Lightning.

4. Mouthguard

Another safety gear to consider is the mouthguard or mouth protectors.

Although the headgear has the capability to protect your kid's face, adding extra protection as a mouthguard would somehow assure parents that they won't be hurt.

The purpose of the mouthguard is to cushion blows to the mouth if it occurs. It primarily covers your upper teeth to prevent injuries to soft tissues in the mouth, Therefore, it reduces the risk of broken teeth and any injuries to the jaw, tongue, and lips.

Buyer's Guide

For the mouthguard, you have to take note of elasticity and durable. Also, since the gear would be put into your kids' mouth, you have to make sure that the materials used are non-toxic.

One of the best of the mouthguards I could think of is the Vanmor 6 Pack Youth Mouthguard. The mouthguard is tasteless, shock-proof, elastic, and made of EVA. In addition, the gear is lightweight and comfortable to use.

If you're looking for an alternative product, then you may check out Menoly 5 Pack Youth Mouthguard.

5. Groin Protector/Cups

The purpose of cups is self-explanatory. It is to protect the groin section.

Buyer's Guide

For the cups, you have to consider durability and comfort. But most importantly, you have to check the gel linings and firmness of the paddings to ensure protection from potential injury.

The best brand I could think of is the Century White Compression Shorts with Cups. The gear is available in two child sizes—small (20 to 26 inches) and large (26 to 32 inches).

The notable feature includes a non-slip grip and breathable fabric.

You may also try this alternative product—Shock Doctor Compression Shorts.

6. Karate Shin Guard

When it comes to protection, we have to give it all out. This is especially true if our child is interested in combat sports like Karate or Taekwondo.

Since karate involves kicking, wearing a shin guard doesn't only protect your child but also their sparring partner.

Buyer's Guide

Shin guards are of extreme importance, especially to beginners, children, and even to advanced fighters.

The reason for such is that they may have no control over their selves at the spur of emotion during sparring sessions. And to protect the wearer and opponent, they have to wear shin guards.

Our shins are hard bones that can inflict severe damages.

When looking for shin guards, the recommended is that the paddings should be made of leather or synthetic leathers.

One of the top brands that come to mind is the Farabi Kids Shin Pads The gear is made of quality synthetic leather, which makes it durable and easy to clean.

Aside from its protective features, the shin pads are also comfortable to wear. Thanks to its G-strap closure, it allows the pads to fit your kids' shins perfectly.

You may also want to check out Mytra Kids Shin Guard if you're looking for alternative brands.

Final Thoughts

Several of the gears presented in this list are optional.

Actually, the uniforms alone are sufficient during karate classes. The gears I presented are excellent if your child is going to engage in sparring sessions.

Lastly, I'd like to emphasize again that our number one priority here is safety. I believe that the cost of the gears can't compensate for the peace of mind that quality brands could provide.

Thank you for your time and for reading my karate gear for kids review.