Section 2: Equipment
Attire and protective equipment are governed by Article 2. Competitors wear a plain white karategi without stripes or piping, with the national emblem or flag as permitted by that Article (Article 2).
One competitor wears a red belt (Aka) and the other a blue belt (Ao) so officials and spectators can distinguish them (Article 2).
WKF-approved protective equipment is mandatory for Kumite, and the items required are specified in Article 2 together with the approval requirement (Article 2).
Items capable of injuring an opponent — including hard or metal-framed eyewear and jewellery — are not permitted, and compliance is checked before a bout (Article 2).
Equipment that does not comply may result in the competitor being refused permission to compete until it is corrected (Article 2).