Best Karate Starter Kit UK — Everything a Beginner Needs
Starting karate is exciting — but knowing what equipment you actually need for your first lessons can be confusing. This guide covers everything a beginner needs, what to buy straight away and what can wait until you’re more established at your club.
What Do You Need to Start Karate?
For your very first lesson, most clubs will let you train in comfortable sportswear. But once you’re committed to training regularly, you’ll need a proper karate gi. Here’s what a complete beginner starter kit looks like:
1. Karate Gi (Uniform)
The karate gi is the most important purchase. For beginners, a lightweight 7oz or 8oz suit is ideal — affordable, comfortable and easy to move in. Many beginner gi come with a free white belt included.
Recommended for beginners:
- Cimac 7oz or 8oz Karate Gi — Great value, durable and comfortable. Available with free white belt. Ideal for kids and adults.
- Owari Student Karate Suit — A step up in quality for those who want a premium beginner gi.
- Adidas Adistart — The entry-level Adidas gi, WKF approved and suitable for club training and gradings.
Browse our full karate starter kit collection or shop kids karate gi and adult karate gi separately.
2. Karate Belt
Most beginner gi come with a white belt included. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to buy one separately. As you progress through the grades, you’ll need to replace your belt with the appropriate colour. Browse our full range of karate grading belts.
3. Mouthguard
A mouthguard is essential once you start any contact or sparring work. Even at beginner level, most clubs require one for sparring sessions. The SISU mouthguard range is popular with karateka — slim, comfortable and available in custom-fit options.
4. Sparring Protection (When You’re Ready)
You won’t need full sparring gear from day one, but as you progress to kumite training you’ll need:
- Karate mitts — Lightweight hand protectors for controlled sparring
- Shin and instep guards — Essential lower leg protection
- Foot protectors — Lightweight foot pads for controlled contact
- Head guard — Required for junior sparring and many club sessions
Browse our full karate sparring equipment range.
5. Kit Bag
A decent kit bag keeps your gi, belt and sparring gear organised and protected. The Adidas 2-in-1 Combat Sports Holdall is a popular choice — spacious enough for a full kit and doubles as a backpack.
What Can Wait?
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with a gi and belt, add a mouthguard when you begin contact work, and build up your sparring protection as your training progresses. Your club instructor will advise on what’s required and when.
Shop Karate Starter Kits at Budo Online
Browse our karate starter kit collection at Budo Online — everything a beginner needs in one place, stocked in our UK warehouse with free delivery on orders over £70.
Leave a comment