Karate Equipment Global Market Report 2025

The karate equipment market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.1 billion in 2024 to $1.17 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the growing popularity of karate as a fitness and self-defense activity, an increasing number of karate schools and academies worldwide, rising government and sports federation support for martial arts, increasing consumer spending on sports and fitness equipment, and a rising adoption of branded and high-quality protective gear.

The karate equipment market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.48 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing recognition of karate as an Olympic sport, growing e-commerce sales, rising preference for eco-friendly and sustainable sports gear materials, growing popularity of online karate training and virtual coaching platforms, and rising adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies for sports gear. Key trends in the forecast period include developing eco-friendly karate uniform materials, integration of motion capture systems in dojo training, innovation in material science for high-performance gear, innovation in smart mouthguard and headgear technology, and innovation in wearable fitness and recovery monitoring systems.

The increasing investments in sports infrastructure are expected to propel the growth of the karate equipment market going forward. Investments in sports infrastructure refer to the allocation of financial resources for developing, upgrading, and maintaining facilities such as stadiums, arenas, training centers, and related amenities that support sports activities and athlete development. Increasing investments in sports infrastructure are due to the rising demand for modern training facilities that enhance athlete performance and support professional sports development. Increasing investments in sports infrastructure support the growth of karate equipment by providing modern training centers and competition venues that boost participation and demand for high-quality gear. For instance, in August 2025, according to the Government of Canada, approximately 0.082% of its total budget equivalent to $0.25 billion was allocated to sports from 2022 to 2023, reflecting increased public investment in athletic infrastructure and development programs that indirectly benefit martial arts disciplines such as karate. Therefore, the increasing investments in sports infrastructure are driving the growth of the karate equipment market.

Key companies operating in the karate equipment market are focusing on developing innovative solutions such as smart training wearables and ergonomic protective gear to enhance athlete performance and safety during training and competitions. Smart training wearables are technology-enabled devices that track performance metrics such as movement, speed, and impact during practice, while ergonomic protective gear is specially designed equipment that fits the body’s natural shape to provide maximum comfort and protection during training or competition. For instance, in December 2024, MOOTO Co. Ltd., a South Korea-based manufacturing and retail company, received World Karate Federation (WKF) approval for its Mooto Karate Kit Set in India. This certification confirms that the kit complies with the official safety and performance standards mandated for international karate competitions. As a result, athletes in India can now use WKF-approved Mooto equipment in both national and global tournaments, promoting uniformity and credibility in performance. This milestone also enhances Mooto’s market presence in India’s martial arts sector by increasing the availability of high-quality, competition-grade karate gear.

In July 2025, Century Martial Arts, a US-based manufacturer and distributor of martial arts equipment, acquired 2020 Armor for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Century aims to integrate advanced smart training and data-driven technology into its product lineup to enhance its technological capabilities and differentiate itself in the martial arts equipment market. 2020 Armor is a Canada-based company that provides training equipment for martial arts disciplines, including karate.

Major players in the karate equipment market are Adidas AG, Woosung Sporting Goods Co. Ltd., Green Hill Sports Ltd., RDX Sports Ltd., Century Martial Arts Supply LLC, Venum SAS, Hayabusa Fightwear Inc., Revgear Sports Co., Arawaza Co. Ltd., Tokaido Co. Ltd., ProForce Martial Arts Equipment, Kwon Inc., Shureido Co. Ltd., Kamachi Industries Limited., Mooto Co Ltd., Sports Master Athletic International Pty Ltd., Danrho Sportartikel Vertriebs GmbH, Budo Nord AB, Gokaido Sports Pvt. Ltd., BestSport International Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the karate equipment market in 2024. The regions covered in karate equipment report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the karate equipment market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sudden escalation of U.S. tariffs and the consequent trade frictions in spring 2025 are severely impacting the recreation sector, particularly in the supply of imported sports equipment, outdoor gear, and leisure products. Manufacturers and retailers are facing higher costs for items such as bicycles, camping gear, fitness machines, and gaming consoles, much of which are sourced from overseas with limited domestic alternatives. Small businesses operating in the recreational retail space are especially affected, with some reducing inventory or increasing prices to offset margin pressure. Event organizers and recreational facilities are also facing cost hikes for imported equipment and infrastructure materials. In response, the industry is exploring alternative sourcing from tariff-free regions, increasing reliance on local suppliers, and urging policymakers to consider exemptions for non-essential but widely used recreational products.

The karate equipment market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides karate equipment market statistics, including karate equipment industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a karate equipment market share, detailed karate equipment market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the karate equipment industry. This karate equipment market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Karate equipment refers to the specialized gear and accessories used for training, practice, and competition in the martial art of karate. These equipment are designed to ensure safety, improve performance, and uphold the discipline and tradition associated with karate practice.

The main types of karate equipment include karate uniforms, protective gear, karate belts, training equipment, footwear, and accessories. Karate uniforms, traditionally known as karategi, are specialized clothing worn by karate practitioners during training and competitions, designed to provide comfort, flexibility, and durability during movement. These products are made from various materials such as cotton, synthetic fabrics, leather, and foam-based protective materials. They are used across various applications, including professional karate schools, amateur karate clubs, fitness and training centers, and for personal use. Distribution occurs through multiple channels such as online stores, specialty sports stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets, and direct sales, catering to a diverse range of end users including adults, kids, and senior practitioners.

The karate equipment market consists of sales of karate uniforms, protective gear, belts, training pads and targets, and weapons and accessories. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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