When deciding to train in the martial arts, there are going to be equipment purchases involved. Depending on the style, more or less equipment may be necessary. To capitalize on this, many martial arts suppliers have a myriad of options available. Many of these supplies are completely necessary but some can be borrowed or omitted without too much trouble. To help with the both the choice of martial art as well as the supplies involved, this list shows differing types of martial arts and the equipment that may be involved.
Striking Arts such as Karate and TaeKwonDo
The striking arts involve those arts dedicated to using the various limbs of the body as weapons. They come from all over the world and differ wildly in their practice and execution. Some are more sport-orientated while others can be intensely self-defensive.
- Boxing Gloves - Some styles requires gloves to protect faces and fingers while sparring or fighting. Although borrowing some of these is likely an option, most will want their own pair.
- Target Pads - These are items that help develop strength and accuracy when striking. It is rare that a trainee will be expected to bring their own. However, when getting more serious, having pads to practice in your spare time can be advantageous.
- Protective Pads - For an art such as Olympic Tae-Kwon-Do, body protection is a must. They allow full contact sparring without repeated injuries.
Grappling Arts such as Judo, JuJitsu and Brazillian Jiu Jitsu
Some examples of grappling martial arts are Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, Sambo and Greco-Roman Wrestling. These arts involve getting very close to your opponents.
- Falling Mats - Without question, space to fall upon is necessary for grappling arts. Most clubs will have some but having space to train at home is a dream for many grapplers.
- Gi - When practicing arts with grappling components, a Gi is a great purchase to make. After a uniform is properly broken in, it will feel like a second skin. They usually last a long time!
- Mouth Guard - Grappling involves a lot of limbs flying near teeth. A prudent decision is to protect your enamel with a molded mouth guard.
Weapon Arts such as Kendo, Eskrima and Kali
There are as many types of weapons in the world as there are cultures. With so many destructive tools to study, the weapon arts can seem overwhelming.
- The Weapons Themselves - Swords, knives, staves, daggers, bows, guns, sticks, scythes, etc. The list goes on!
- Targets /Training Aides - These can include bamboo to slice through, bow targets to hit as well as "fake humans" to strike and cut.
- Uniform - Some arts (such as Kyudo or Hai-Dong Gumdo) require a uniform during practice. If serious about training, trainees will want to size themselves up and pick up their own gear.
This small list is an introduction to some of the supplies that can be used within the Martial Arts. In addition to equipment used for training, there are also a number of supplies relating to the artistic elements of the art. Beautiful katana, balanced decorative sai, ornamental bows, belt racks, dojo decorations and flags relating to the country's art that is being learned.
Despite the fact that there are many investments that can be made, it's possible to train in the martial arts without having to spend too much. Finding a dojo that has a good supply of gear that can be borrowed is not impossible and can serve as a great introduction when starting out. Put good thought behind which purchases are made, as quality will vary and having equipment that lasts is important.
