WKF-Approved Karate Equipment

Date: 23/09/2026
Labels: WKF, WKF Approved, WKF-godkjent

Sources checked on 23 September 2026. Rule version and scope are given below.

Kumite and kata have different requirements

This equipment overview applies to WKF kumite, rule version 2026.01, valid from 1 January 2026. Kata has its own rules for uniforms and competition. Also check whether your Norwegian event uses WKF rules or a different karate rule set.

Equipment from Combat Store's WKF range — From our range. Check the product information for the specific model and variant.

Mandatory protection in WKF kumite

WKF-approved mitts and shin and foot protectors in red or blue according to the draw, plus a mouthguard.
Body protector for men; chest and body protection or an integrated chest/body protector for women. Men must wear an approved groin guard.
Under 14: WKF-approved headguard and external body protector. Girls under 14 must also wear an approved chest protector.

The requirements are set out in article 2.2.7. Read the WKF Kumite Rules 2026.

Uniform and model approval

The kumite rules require an approved white karate gi. At official WKF events, rules on shoulder embroidery according to the draw also apply, with specific exceptions. Check the specific uniform model and the event bulletin before you order. WKF's list of approved equipment.

Norwegian events

The Norwegian federation NKF publishes several karate rule sets. A document with «sportskarate» in its name does not in itself confirm that the event follows the international WKF table. Ask your coach or the organiser to confirm the rule set and the rules for children. See NKF's overview of rule sets.

Hayashi and WKF karate

Combat Store is the exclusive Norwegian distributor of Hayashi. Through our Hayashi team and our work with Norwegian athletes we combine product knowledge with experience from training and competition.

Hayashi is our karate brand for uniforms and protective equipment. The manufacturer Budoland shows, among others, WKF-marked «TSUKI» mitts, shin/foot protectors and the «HEIAN» karate gi. The manufacturer also has a separate «Tsuki» version for training. See Hayashi's model information from the manufacturer.

This makes the choice of model important: look for the WKF approval on the specific competition model. For kumite, protectors and uniform must suit the class and the event; for kata, the uniform must be checked against the kata rules.

Clubs should list uniforms and kumite protection as separate items on the purchase list, with model number, size and red/blue variant where the rules require it.

Get to know Hayashi · See our WKF range

How to recognise the approval mark

Hayashi TSUKI with WKF APPROVED on the product. Photo: Budoland, the manufacturer's product documentation. Checked on 23 September 2026.

Compare the marking on your model with the documentation and the current competition requirements. The image shows a documented example; placement and design can vary between products. Feel free to take a photo of the label and item number when you ask your club or us.

Checklist before buying and competing

Identify the event, rule set, discipline and class together with your coach.
Check the exact model and item number, colour, size and any required label. A brand name alone is not sufficient documentation.
Compare the product information with the federation's approval and the event invitation. Ask for documentation when anything is unclear.
Find out what the organiser provides and what you need to bring yourself. Try the equipment on before the event.

For clubs and buyers

Make an equipment list per discipline and class before a group order. Record model, variant, documentation link and the date it was checked. Keep competition equipment separate from other training equipment, and check fit and wear before lending it out. If the requirements are unclear, send the organiser the model number and a photo of the label before you order.

Training, competition and product marking

For training, the choice of equipment should be agreed with the coach based on the drills and level of contact. A competition mark does not replace that assessment. The guide explains the rules; the product's own documentation must show what applies to the chosen variant. A clickable badge in the shop is a route to information, not a new certificate.