The dojo where my kids just started classes are asking $45 for a new child's karate uniform. I don't even know if my 4 and 6 year old are going to love it yet and that seems a lot to shell out (on the high end.) Anyone know of a rental place or a swap site where people trade them?
Try Craigslist. You could also try making them. My husband made his own uniforms for his students when he taught and gave them to his students free of charge. They are ridiculously expensive aren't they?!
I would mention that most of the martial arts schools around here include a "free" uniform for new students (I say "free" because the lessons are plenty expensive to make up for it). Obviously as they grow, they need new uniforms, but you might be able to get the first one free by mentioning this two the director/instructor.
Second, you can order martial arts supplies and uniforms online. My son's taekwondo school requires the uniforms with the school logo (and he's young enough not to get too sweaty so I don't mind just rotating between the two he has) but when I used to do taekwondo in college I ordered some practice uniforms online. I don't remember the websites but a google search should get you there. It'll be a lot less than $45.
HTH
T.
Yes, they can range in price from $35-45. Or less.
There are different quality gi's. And different fabrics/fiber. Thus the range in prices.
This is a brand, that my daughter's classmates has:
http://www.kiintl.com/1/home.php?cat=267
My daughter takes Karate.
We paid $35.
It was from her Karate school.
Some schools, karate or not, also have a "registration" fee, annually, as well as the monthly tuition.
They have to sustain themselves too... for equipment/sparring equipment to help train the kids.
Its a "sport" or class like any other... and there are things to get for it. Whether it be marital arts, football, art class, dance classes, soccer etc.
My daughter, needed a Gi... and also head-gear/ chest protector/gloves for sparring.
My daughter LOVES Karate.
A child, probably will not know, just after 1 class if they like it or not.
Because 1 lesson is not enough/long enough to tell if they like the class.
If cost is a hardship, just talk to the Instructor. Really. It does not hurt to ask.
Or, ask them if you can hold off on getting the Gi, until you know if your kids like it. BUT, it would only be fair to designate a time-frame... maybe 1 week or 2. To decide. But then they would have to let others do that as well.
all the best,
Susan
Most classes will let your child wear their own cloths until they decide if they want a gi, most Dojos do not require them in the beginners classes at all.
