Kids martial arts classes have exploded over the past 20 years or so, mainly due to the release of the original Karate Kid movie. That movie, and it’s sequels, brought Karate, and martial arts in general, to a huge audience.

In 1970, the Bruce Lee phenomenon did the same, but because a lot of martial arts still trained ‘underground’, it tended to be a mostly adult market.

Karate Kid made Karate look fun (remember “wax on, wax off”?), it also made it look easy to learn, and if there is one single criticism of the films, that is the only one.

Parents flocked to find out where they could get their kids into Karate, Judo, Taekwondo and all manner of martial arts (kung Fu, Kickboxing etc). That film franchise raised the whole profile of martial arts. It also showed that, not only could you learn to defend yourself, but you would also learn humility and respect.

Since then, martial arts classes have mushroomed, with many schools hosting clubs, as well as church halls and sports centres etc. Joining a club today has never been easier, nor cheaper!!

Apart from weekly subscription fees, martial arts is one of the cheapest forms of training available today. Choosing a martial arts is also made easier by the fact that most schools will let you train one lesson for free to see if you like it, many will not even ask you to formerly join up and purchase a licence for the first month, so you really can try a few out to see which martial art your kids prefer.

Once you know which martial art they want to practise, next comes the slightly harder bit of buying a uniform! Of th three popular styles (Karate, Judo and Taekwondo), they all have different styles of uniforms. All are a basic jacket and trousers set, with a few difference:

1. Karate: Karate Suits, (called a ‘Gi’), are a simple ‘wrap over’ jacket with either elasticated or tie wrap trousers. For Kids Karate Suits, Black Eagle sell a basic model in both polyester cotton (no shrinkage) or pure cotton. To make life easier, especially for the smaller kids, elasticated trousers tend to be the norm. Karate Suits come in different ‘weights’ which reflect the thickness of the material. A basic starter suit is usually around 8oz. As students improve, they start to increase the suit weight. Why different weights? Well, the heavier ‘canvas’ styles sit better in training, and, as you develop technique, will provide a ‘whip’ sound when punching and kicking etc, but, essentially, it is personal taste.

2. Judo: Judo Suits, (also call a ‘Gi’), and similar to Karate in the jacket and trousers style, however, they are manufactured differently to counteract the strng manhandling they will receive. Judo jackets have no ties and are made from a single weave fabric, which is softer on the body. Trousers are usually lined, especially around the knees. The weave of the jacket provides a degree of comfort when practising throws and doing ground work, and will not chafe in the same way a karate suit would. Also, the weeve means the jacket is much stronger, so will not tear. Again, they come in different weights. A beginner weight of around 450 grams is ideal ti start with. As you become more experienced, you will want to move towards medium and heavy weight suits, with provide more re-enforcements to the jacket and trousers, essential in higher grade competitions.

3. Taekwondo: Taekwondo suits (call a ‘Dobok’) are a little more difficult to consider, due to the different styles of Taekwondo. There are basically two styles, WTF (or Olympic Taekwondo) and ITF. WTF is the most popular in the UK, and this uses a pullover style jacket and nearly always elasticated trousers. Because Taekwondo is more about kicking and competition, the suits tend to come in one weight, light!!

When starting a martial arts class, always talk to the instructor about what uniforms and other equipment you may need. Many will offer to sell it to you, but you will also be free to source your own.

Never be afraid to phone a supplier to discuss what you need, we at Black Eagle are always more than happy to spend a few minutes helping you get the order right!

How To Choose The Right Size:

All martial arts suits are based on height and average build. When you see sizes like 120cm, 130cm etc., they represent the overall height of the person they are suited for. Because kids grow quickly, we usually recommend going one size up, where possible, so your child will grow into it, and you don’t have to come back for a new suit in 3 months! We at Black Eagle are very aware of the cost of kids clothing, so we would again be more than happy to help you get the best size for your child.

Kids martial arts classes have exploded over the past 20 years or so, mainly due to the release of the original Karate Kid movie. That movie, and it’s sequels, brought Karate, and martial arts in general, to a huge audience.

In 1970, the Bruce Lee phenomenon did the same, but because a lot of martial arts still trained ‘underground’, it tended to be a mostly adult market.

Karate Kid made Karate look fun (remember “wax on, wax off”?), it also made it look easy to learn, and if there is one single criticism of the films, that is the only one.

Parents flocked to find out where they could get their kids into Karate, Judo, Taekwondo and all manner of martial arts (Kung Fu, Kickboxing etc). That film franchise raised the whole profile of martial arts. It also showed that, not only could you learn to defend yourself, but you would also learn humility and respect.

Since then, martial arts classes have mushroomed, with many schools hosting clubs, as well as church halls and sports centres etc. Joining a club today has never been easier, nor cheaper!!

Apart from weekly subscription fees, martial arts is one of the cheapest forms of training available today. Choosing a martial arts is also made easier by the fact that most schools will let you train one lesson for free to see if you like it, many will not even ask you to formerly join up and purchase a licence for the first month, so you really can try a few out to see which martial art your kids prefer.

Once you know which martial art they want to practise, next comes the slightly harder bit of buying a uniform! Of th three popular styles (Karate, Judo and Taekwondo), they all have different styles of uniforms. All are a basic jacket and trousers set, with a few difference:

1. Karate: Karate Suits, (called a ‘Gi’), are a simple ‘wrap over’ jacket with either elasticated or tie wrap trousers. For Kids Karate Suits, Black Eagle sell a basic model in both polyester cotton (no shrinkage) or pure cotton. To make life easier, especially for the smaller kids, elasticated trousers tend to be the norm. Karate Suits come in different ‘weights’ which reflect the thickness of the material. A basic starter suit is usually around 8oz. As students improve, they start to increase the suit weight. Why different weights? Well, the heavier ‘canvas’ styles sit better in training, and, as you develop technique, will provide a ‘whip’ sound when punching and kicking etc, but, essentially, it is personal taste.

2. Judo: Judo Suits, (also call a ‘Gi’), and similar to Karate in the jacket and trousers style, however, they are manufactured differently to counteract the strng manhandling they will receive. Judo jackets have no ties and are made from a single weave fabric, which is softer on the body. Trousers are usually lined, especially around the knees. The weave of the jacket provides a degree of comfort when practising throws and doing ground work, and will not chafe in the same way a karate suit would. Also, the weave means the jacket is much stronger, so will not tear. Again, they come in different weights. A beginner weight of around 450 grams is ideal to start with for Kids Judo Suits. As you become more experienced, you will want to move towards medium and heavy weight suits, with provide more re-enforcements to the jacket and trousers, essential in higher grade competitions.

3. Taekwondo: Taekwondo suits (call a ‘Dobok’) are a little more difficult to consider, due to the different styles of Taekwondo. There are basically two styles, WTF Taekwondo (or Olympic Taekwondo) and ITF Taekwondo. WTF is the most popular in the UK, and this uses a pullover style jacket and nearly always elasticated trousers. Because Taekwondo is more about kicking and competition, the suits tend to come in one weight, light!! Kids Taekwondo Suits are the same as for adults. The only difference will be a white or black collar, depending on if you are a ‘colour’ belt or a Black Belt!

When starting a martial arts class, always talk to the instructor about what martial arts clothing and uniforms and other martial arts equipment you may need. Many will offer to sell it to you, but you will also be free to source your own.

Never be afraid to phone a supplier to discuss what you need, we at Black Eagle are always more than happy to spend a few minutes helping you get the order right!

How To Choose The Right Size:

All martial arts suits are based on height and average build. When you see sizes like 120cm, 130cm etc., they represent the overall height of the person they are suited for. Because kids grow quickly, we usually recommend going one size up, where possible, so your child will grow into it, and you don’t have to come back for a new suit in 3 months! We at Black Eagle are very aware of the cost of kids clothing, so we would again be more than happy to help you get the best size for your child.

Check our Size Guide for Martial Arts Uniforms for more information!

Still not sure? Call us on 0800 0433044 and we will be pleased to help!