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Guides
In-depth guides about martial arts equipment: uniforms, sizing, protection, weapons, care and training, with practical advice from instructors.
Aikido hakama guide: when it is worn, fabrics, sizing and foldingA practical guide to the aikido hakama: fabrics, sizing by height, tying, folding and care.
Beginners' first gear: what you actually need to startWhat to buy first for karate, judo, BJJ, taekwondo, boxing and kendo, what can wait, and how to borrow gear as a beginner.
Belt Guide: Widths, Materials and TyingHow to choose, tie and care for a martial arts belt, with a step by step tying method and notes on colour systems.
BJJ Gi Guide: Fabric, IBJJF Rules and SizingHow to choose a BJJ gi: fabric weaves, ripstop trousers, IBJJF rules on colour and fit, and A0 to A5 sizing.
Boxing gloves sizing guide: weight, purpose and fitChoose the right boxing glove weight for your bodyweight and training, and understand lace versus velcro closures.
Gi care and washing: keeping your uniform in shapeA practical guide to washing temperatures, drying, stain removal, odour control and belt care so your training uniform lasts.
Gi Sizing and Shrinkage GuideGeneral size charts by height and weight, pre-shrunk versus untreated fabric, and how to control gi shrinkage.
Setting up a home dojo: space, mats and mounting a bagHow to plan a home dojo, from space and flooring to mirrors, bag mounting, ventilation and everyday etiquette.
Judogi Guide: Weave, Weight and IJF RulesA clear guide to judogi construction, weight, IJF fit rules, blue and white competition gi, and sizing.
Karate Gi Guide: Cuts, Weights and SizingEverything you need to choose a karate gi that fits your training: cuts, weights, fabrics, competition rules and sizing.
Kendo equipment guide: shinai, bogu and keikogi explainedUnderstand shinai sizing, the four pieces of kendo armour and how to look after your keikogi and hakama.
Kids' martial arts gear: sizing, safety and motivationA practical guide to sizing for growth, safety gear, uniforms, belts and motivation in children's martial arts equipment.
A history of the martial arts: origins and foundersThe documented origins of judo, karate, taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kendo and aikido, from Kano Jigoro to Ueshiba Morihei.
Mats and flooring for martial arts trainingA comparison of puzzle mats, tatami and roll out mats, thickness by art, and how to clean and store them.
Mouthguard guide: boil and bite, custom fit, fitting and hygieneCompare boil and bite and custom mouthguards, learn how to fit one properly and how to keep it clean.
Shin guards guide: cloth vs shell, sizing and choosing by sportUnderstand cloth versus shell shin guards, instep protection, sizing and how needs differ by sport.
Taekwondo Dobok Guide: Styles, Fabric and SizingA guide to taekwondo dobok styles, from WT V-neck sparring uniforms to ITF cross collar and poomsae doboks.
Weapons training guide: bo, jo, bokken, sai, tonfa and nunchakuA practical overview of bo, jo, bokken, sai, tonfa and nunchaku, covering sizing, safety and storage.