Martial Arts Buying Guide

There are numerous varieties of martial arts, and each will have specific equipment requirements. Many forms of martial arts will require little more than a shirt and a pair of shorts. First, you will need to choose your fighting style:

  • Aikido (Japanese)-- Primarily a self-defence art.  Incorporates Zen philosophy. 
  • Arnis (Filipino)-- Stick fighting. Weapons introduced first, followed by foot and hand techniques. Also known as Escrima or Kali.
  • Jiu jitsu (Japanese; Brazilian)-- Considered the predecessor of all Japanese martial arts. Adopted by Carlos Gracie in Brazil and turned into its own style. Tends toward grappling and empty-handed techniques.
  • Judo (Japanese)-- Strips Jiu jitsu of its striking techniques and concentrates on grappling, throws, trips, holds and chokes.
  • Karate (Japanese)-- Free-hand fighting, primarily a striking art.
  • Kempo (Japanese)--"The Law of the Fist".
  • Kendo (Japanese)-- Art of fencing taught by Samurai. 
  • Tae Kwon Do (Korean)-- Involves extravagant kicking and spinning techniques. Heavily influenced by Karate and Kempo.
  • Tai Chi (Chinese)-- Practised slowly to develop self control, relaxation, balance, coordination, and most importantly, breathing. 
  • Wushu (Chinese)- Commonly misunderstood as Kung Fu, it refers generally to Chinese martial arts. 

 

Uniforms and Belts

Adidas 
Arawaza 
Hakama 
Kamikaze 
Keikogi 
Tokaido 

Sparring Equipment

Chest Protectors 
Fist Gear 
Gloves 
Groin Protection 
Mouth Guards 
Shin Guards 
Striking Pads 
Targets and Shields 

Weapons

Kendo Shinai 
Bos, Jos, and Spears 
Escrima Sticks 
Fans 
Kamas 
Kubotans 
Nunchakus 
Sais 
Sectional Staffs 
Swords 
Tonfa 

 Training Equipment

Bags 
Conditioning Machines 
Double End Striking Balls 
Mats 
Stretching Machines 
Striking and Breaking Equipment 
Targets and Shields 
Wing Chun Wooden Dummy 

Accessories

Belt Rack 
Gear Bags 
Headbands 
Necklaces 
Posters 
Patches 
Weapons Cases