Karate, Kung Fu, Taekwondo, Judo & Jiu-Jitsu Equipment
Karate, Kung Fu, Taekwondo, Judo and Jiu-Jitsu are among the world's best-known martial arts. Each discipline has its own techniques, traditions, training methods and equipment requirements.
Karate and Taekwondo include striking and kicking techniques, while Judo focuses strongly on throws, gripping and groundwork. Depending on the style, Jiu-Jitsu combines different elements of standing and ground fighting, while Kung Fu covers a wide range of traditional Chinese martial arts.
At Vikingstore, you'll find selected martial arts equipment, clothing, protective gear and training accessories for different disciplines – from beginner training to competition preparation.
Equipment for Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, Kung Fu & Jiu-Jitsu
The right equipment depends heavily on the martial art you practise.
A Judoka requires different equipment from a Taekwondo athlete. There can also be considerable differences between individual styles of Karate, Kung Fu and Jiu-Jitsu.
Depending on the discipline and our current range, you can find equipment for:
- Karate
- Taekwondo
- Judo
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Kung Fu
- technique training
- partner training
- sparring
- competition preparation
- strength and conditioning
Karate Equipment
Karate combines technique, speed, precision and body control.
Depending on the style and training method, sessions can include basics, kata, partner drills and kumite.
The Karate equipment you need therefore depends on how you train.
In addition to suitable martial arts clothing, different types of protective equipment may be required for partner training and kumite.
Official competitions can have additional federation-specific requirements.
Taekwondo Equipment
Taekwondo is particularly well known for its fast and dynamic kicking techniques.
Mobility, distance control, speed and explosive movement are important parts of the sport.
Depending on the type of training, different Taekwondo protective equipment may be used for partner work and sparring.
Official competitions can have specific requirements for clothing and protective equipment, so regular training gear is not automatically suitable or approved for every competition.
Judo Equipment
Judo focuses on throws, gripping, control and groundwork.
Its equipment requirements are therefore quite different from those of striking-based martial arts.
Suitable Judo clothing is particularly important because it is actively gripped, pulled and placed under considerable stress during training.
Competitive Judoka should also check the current requirements of their federation before purchasing competition-specific equipment.
Jiu-Jitsu Equipment
Jiu-Jitsu can refer to different styles and training systems.
Depending on the discipline, training may include throws, joint locks, holds, groundwork and other self-defence or combat techniques.
The required Jiu-Jitsu equipment can therefore vary considerably.
Before buying specialised clothing or competition gear, check which style and rules are followed by your club or martial arts school.
Kung Fu Equipment
Kung Fu is a broad term covering many different Chinese martial arts styles.
Training methods, movement patterns and equipment requirements can differ significantly between schools and systems.
Depending on the style, training may include forms, partner exercises, striking and kicking techniques or other traditional methods.
Kung Fu equipment should therefore always be selected according to your specific style and the requirements of your school.
Martial Arts Clothing for Training & Competition
Clothing plays an important role in many traditional martial arts.
It must provide sufficient freedom of movement while meeting the requirements of the individual discipline.
Depending on the sport, different uniforms, jackets, trousers, belts and other clothing may be required.
In Judo and certain Jiu-Jitsu styles, clothing also needs to withstand repeated gripping, pulling and groundwork.
For official competition, always check whether particular clothing is required or approved under the current rules.
Protective Equipment for Karate & Taekwondo
Depending on the training format, martial arts involving controlled punches and kicks may require various types of protection.
These can include:
- hand and fist protection
- foot protection
- shin guards
- headguards
- mouthguards
- groin protection
- chest or body protection
The equipment actually required depends on the discipline, style, age group, training format and applicable rules.
You can find additional equipment in our combat sports & boxing accessories section.
Focus Mitts & Strike Pads for Martial Arts Training
Focus mitts and strike pads can be valuable training tools for Karate, Taekwondo and various Kung Fu styles.
They can be used to work on:
- punching techniques
- kicking techniques
- combinations
- speed
- accuracy
- distance
- timing
- explosive movement
For partner and technique training, discover our focus mitts & strike pads.
Strength, Conditioning & Mobility
Regardless of the individual martial art, good physical preparation supports technical training.
Strength, endurance, coordination, speed and mobility provide an important athletic foundation.
Karate practitioners, Judoka, Taekwondo athletes, Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and Kung Fu athletes can therefore complement their regular sessions with targeted physical training.
For additional equipment, explore our training accessories.
What Martial Arts Equipment Does a Beginner Need?
If you are just starting out, you do not need to buy everything immediately.
Ask your instructor or martial arts school which clothing and equipment are actually required.
This is particularly important because the requirements for Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, Kung Fu and Jiu-Jitsu can differ significantly.
Clubs may also have specific recommendations regarding uniforms, colours, belts, protective equipment or competition gear.
Training vs Competition Equipment
There is an important distinction between equipment for everyday training and equipment for official competition.
A product can be excellent for regular training without meeting the requirements of a particular federation.
Before competing, check:
- which clothing is required
- which protective equipment is mandatory
- whether specific approvals are required
- whether particular colours or designs are specified
- which current competition rules apply
Your instructor, club and the current competition regulations are the best sources for sport-specific requirements.
Martial Arts Equipment for Children & Juniors
Many children start Karate, Judo, Taekwondo or Jiu-Jitsu at a young age.
Equipment should be selected in an appropriate size and according to the requirements of the individual club.
Children should not simply train with oversized adult equipment.
For protective equipment and competition gear, also check the requirements for the relevant age and weight category.
Equipment for Martial Artists, Clubs & Martial Arts Schools
This category is not only intended for individual athletes.
Coaches, clubs and martial arts schools also require equipment for regular training, classes and competition preparation.
Vikingstore offers martial arts equipment for:
- beginners
- children and juniors
- recreational athletes
- experienced martial artists
- competitive athletes
- instructors and coaches
- clubs
- martial arts schools
Martial Arts Equipment at Vikingstore Switzerland
Whether you practise Karate, Kung Fu, Taekwondo, Judo or Jiu-Jitsu, Vikingstore offers selected equipment for different traditional martial arts.
You can also explore our combat sports & boxing accessories, focus mitts & strike pads and training accessories to complement your regular training.
Order online or visit our Vikingstores in Bern and St. Gallen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need different equipment for each martial art?
Yes. Clothing, protective equipment and competition requirements can differ significantly depending on the discipline, style and federation.
What equipment does a beginner need?
That depends on your martial art and club. Ask your instructor which uniform and protective equipment you need before purchasing specialised gear.
Can I use Karate protective gear for Taekwondo?
Not automatically. Equipment requirements can differ, particularly for official competitions. Always check the intended use and applicable rules.
Can I use a Judo uniform for Jiu-Jitsu?
Not necessarily. Depending on the Jiu-Jitsu style, requirements for cut, material and construction can differ.
What equipment do I need for competition?
This depends on the rules of the relevant federation and event organiser. Check the current regulations well before your competition.
Buy Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, Kung Fu & Jiu-Jitsu Equipment
Whether you're starting martial arts, training regularly or preparing for competition, Vikingstore offers selected equipment, clothing, protective gear and training accessories for traditional martial arts.
Discover martial arts equipment online at Vikingstore Switzerland or visit our stores in Bern and St. Gallen for personal advice.
