Uniform and Equipment for Class

Our recommendations for uniforms and equipment are not restrictive. The only mandatory items are mouthguard (male and female students) and groin cup (for male and female students). Currently, we suggest purchasing from the following sources:

Mouthguard and groin cup
Karatedepot.com has a an entire section for these items and more (see the "Protection" category on the left side of their website when it loads).
Dick's Sporting Goods (the Niles store)
The lowest cost (pictured at left) is sufficient. However, for the most comfort, you might consider a higher priced item.


Uniform
We encourage individuality in our classes. That is, if you prefer a particular colored uniform—or style—you are free to choose it. However, we recommend black or white color mediumweight or heavyweight Karate uniforms. A thicker weave—Judo/Jujitsu style top—is optional. Thicker weave tops will not rip as easy as other tops during throwing and grappling practice. Some students own both a mediumweight Karate uniform and a thicker weave Judo/Jujitsu top.

Sparring Gear
With the exception of mouthguards and groin cup, we keep all the basic sparring gear you might need to use in class. However, if you prefer to use your own gear—worn only by you—then Karatedepot has the sparring gear you need.

Class Forms and Records
Every student is required to have an Attendance Card. This is available from instructors. It will allow you to have full accounting of your attendance and techniques required for promotion tests. It is important to keep the Attendance Card and other documents in sheet protectors in a binder. You will need it because of the wear-and-tear that comes with physical training. You will be given other worksheets and handouts throughout your stay with us and it is critical that you use a binder to stay organized.

Other documents required are available for download:
1. Par-Q Form.
2. Manual.
3. Basic Training Homework Form.

Chon-Ji by Jhoon Rhee

Books and Videos
The Founder of the Evanston Dojo of Gen-Ki Karate and Kung-Fu, Sensei Zachary Bradley was a student of traditional Taekwondo for many, many years. He passed that tradition on to his students with the forms/kata/hyung explained in Master Jhoon Rhee's series of Taekwondo books. These books will enhance your martial arts education for our particular method of fighting. There are some minute differences in how we apply some of the moves. Other than that, what we teach and what is in the books are identical. Highly recommended for serious students!

Also available at Barnes & Noble

For regular immersion in the wide world of martial arts, we also recommend subscribing to Black Belt Magazine. This publication showcases various martial arts and practitioners from around the world. Each issue is quite educational. Click the free trial issue button at the top right corner of the website when it loads.

We also highly recommend videos from the Junsado style formulated by Master Sang H. Kim. Focusing on self-defense and fitness, these excellent videos will augment what you learn in class. Master Kim is an excellent instructor from the Taekwondo and Hapkido traditions, with a great appreciation for all other martial arts. His company, Turtle Press, publishes books and videos from all styles of martial arts.