Is Karate Kid: Legends giving you Karate fever? Do you want to train like Li Fong and Daniel LaRusso?
AWMA has exactly what you need to start waxing on and waxing off.
The latest addition to the expanding Karate Kid universe, Karate Kid: Legend, is in theaters now. The feature length film tells the story of Li Fong, a teenage Kung Fu prodigy who is trying to adjust to his new life in New York City. When Li Fong is attacked by a local Karate champion, his sifu, Mr. Han (played by the legendary Jackie Chan), and the original Karate Kid himself (Ralph Macchio) team up to give the young martial artist some guidance. Using a mix of Kung Fu and Karate training, they prepare him to compete in the Five Boroughs Tournament.
The movie is a welcome new chapter in the Karate Kid franchise and a great reminder of the power of martial arts. And if it’s anything like the original, it’s going to inspire a whole new generation of Karate enthusiasts. If you or your kid is one of those potential new martial artists, we can help get you started on your journey. You’ll have to find your own Mr. Han or Daniel LaRusso, but we can take care of all of the gear you’ll need from your first session to competition day.
Here’s the AWMA Blog’s Karate Kid Starter Pack:
1. A Karate Uniform
The first thing you’ll need to start your Karate journey is a proper Karate uniform, also known as a Karate gi. There are two serious reasons for this: First, Karate uniforms have been developed to accommodate the specific demands of Karate training and competition. A high quality and well-fitting gi like the ProForce® Gladiator Karate Uniform (available in white and black) will keep you cool and comfortable, support you through your full ranges of motion, and allow you to focus on doing your very best. Second, a clean and presentable Karate gi has great symbolic value for martial artists. It demonstrates your respect and your commitment to your instructors, your training partners, and yourself.
On a less serious note, your first gi will make you feel very cool and get you even more excited about the new challenge you’re about to take on.
2. A White Karate Belt
Like the uniforms they hold together, martial arts belt also have practical and symbolic purposes. They keep your gi top in place so that you can focus on your training without distractions. But they also represent where you are in your Karate training journey. And it all starts with the white belt.
The white in a white martial arts belt represents the beginning of that journey. At this point in your training, you’re only starting to figure out how to control your mind and body, but the white in your belt symbolizes your clean slate and your willingness to learn. (Check out our blog on Karate belts and their meanings for more info on this topic.)
Some ProFoce martial arts uniforms, like the ProForce® Gladiator Karate Uniform, come with a free white belt to get you started. Or you can choose one from AWMA.com‘s wide range of martial arts belts.
3. Target Training Tools
If you are taking Karate lessons, your dojo will have most of the target and sparring equipment that you’ll need to get started. Personal items like gis, mouth guards, and personal support equipment like knee and elbow guards are your responsibility. But most gyms will provide training gear like focus pads that everyone can use.
But if you really want to kickstart your Karate career, you can also practice on your own between classes. To do that properly, you will want to invest in some target training equipment of your own. This extra practice can help you develop your hand-eye coordination, reflexes, focus, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. All of which will make you a stronger, more focused, and all around better martial artist.
If you have someone at home who can hold pads for you, the ProForce® Velocity Square Hand Target and ProForce® Foam Shield are both practical multi-purpose focus training tools that will up your game without taking up too much space in your home or your budget.
If you prefer to work on your own, the ProForce® Target Master can be your training partner.
4. A Training Weapon
Serious martial arts weapons training usually comes later in your Karate journey. Your sensei will probably make sure that you have a solid command of hand to hand techniques before you start working with other tools.
If you want to get a head start on some of the basic skills required for martial arts weapons training, though, you can start practicing at home. Escrima sticks like the Proforce® Rattan Escrima II are an excellent choice for this kind of work. They’re good for use and storage in small spaces, beginner-friendly, and multi-purpose. Learning and practicing basic drills with a pair can help you develop the grip strength, coordination, focus, and control that you’ll need for more formal weapons training later in your Karate career.
5. A Headband
If you want to be the Karate Kid, you’ve got to look the part, too. Top off your training gear with a classic martial arts accessory like the Tie-On Headband Rising Sun headband.
