Karate

A karategi is the traditional uniform used to practice karate. It consists of three main parts:

1. Jacket or Uwagi: A long-sleeved jacket, usually straight-cut and open at the front. It is secured with internal and external ties for a proper fit.

2. Pants or Zubon: Loose and comfortable pants that allow freedom of movement, essential for karate techniques and footwork. They are adjusted at the waist with a drawstring or elastic band.

3. Belt or Obi: A belt tied around the waist, with its color indicating the practitioner’s level of experience or rank. The colors range from white for beginners to black for advanced practitioners.

Karategis are typically made from materials designed to be durable, breathable, and capable of withstanding the intense movements of karate. They are usually white, symbolizing purity and simplicity, although in advanced practices or competitions, black karategis may also be used.

Basic Instructions for Washing Your Karategi

1. Wash at a low temperature: Ideally, wash your karategi at a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Higher temperatures may shrink the fabric and alter its shape.

2. Avoid bleach and harsh whiteners: These products can weaken the fabric fibers, causing premature tears. For whitening, opt for mild, bleach-free products.

3. Do not use a dryer: Excessive heat from the dryer can damage the fabric and cause shrinkage. Air-drying is best, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent brittleness or loss of the bright white color.

4. Iron without steam at a low temperature: If you wish to iron your karategi, ensure the temperature does not exceed 110°C (230°F). This helps maintain the fabric’s integrity.

5. Wash dark karategis and colored belts separately: If you have a black karategi or colored belts, wash them separately to prevent dye transfer onto other garments or the uniform itself.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Your Karategi

In addition to following official instructions, experienced karate practitioners have developed their own methods to keep their karategi in top condition. Here are some useful tips based on their experience:

1. Use short wash cycles: Most karatekas opt for wash cycles under 60 minutes. A short cycle is enough to clean the karategi without unnecessary wear.

2. Don’t overuse fabric softener: While some use a small amount, it is generally not recommended to use fabric softener regularly, as it can affect the fabric’s natural stiffness, which helps maintain the karategi’s structure.

3. Pre-treat tough stains: For sweat stains or heavily exposed areas like the collar or hips, apply some liquid detergent or dish soap before washing. A soft brush can also help for deeper cleaning.

4. Proper drying: Air-dry your karategi in the shade, either hung on a hanger or folded, depending on your preference. This helps maintain its whiteness and prevents sunlight damage.

5. Iron when completely dry: If ironing, make sure your karategi is fully dry. While some practitioners use steam, others avoid it to preserve the fabric’s resistance.

6. Wash sparingly: Washing only when necessary extends the karategi’s lifespan. A weekly wash is sufficient for regular use, while competition uniforms may require less frequent washing.

7. Use grease removers or specific stain removers: For tough stains like those on collars or underarms caused by sweat, use anti-grease or stain removal products before washing, such as KH7 or similar detergents.

Maintaining your karategi in excellent condition requires balancing official guidelines with practical tips. Wash with cold or warm water, avoid harsh products, and pay attention to proper drying and ironing to ensure the fabric’s longevity. With these tips, you can keep your karategi clean and well-preserved for much longer. Remember, a pristine karategi reflects respect and discipline for yourself and your martial art!

On December 5th, Daedo organized a photo shoot to welcome the new members of Team Daedo. This special event featured kata karatekas Paola García Lozano and Izan López Tomás, both ranked #7 in the world, along with our kumite world champion and current #2 in the world ranking, María Torres García, who is already a key figure within the team.

Preparations for the Photo Shoot

The photo session started at 8:00 AM with the arrival of photographer Marc Sellarès from Estudi16, followed by Gisella Bolaños, the makeup artist responsible for perfecting every detail of the athletes’ look. Finally, the karatekas joined in, arriving with full enthusiasm for a photo shoot day at Daedo’s facilities in Barcelona.

Given the chilly December temperatures, the Daedo team prepared heaters to keep everyone warm. However, the intensity of the work quickly got everyone moving and warmed up. The photo shoot was a constant whirlwind of activity, with a dynamic pace that kept everyone focused and energized.

Karate at Its Finest

During the photo session, we managed to capture the essence of each karateka. Paola García Lozano and Izan López Tomás impressed with poses that highlighted the precision and elegance of their katas, while María Torres García stood out with her style and strength in kumite stances. Every shot was designed to convey the spirit of karate: strength, discipline, and beauty in motion.

The Daedo facility transformed into the perfect stage for this event, showcasing the connection between our brand and the sport. The atmosphere was vibrant, full of energy and collaboration, ensuring every moment was immortalized in the best possible way.

What Happened After the Photo Shoot?

The session wrapped up around 1:30 PM, and to celebrate the successful day, the team gathered with the athletes at a nearby restaurant. It was a great opportunity to get to know each other better, share stories, and strengthen the bonds among everyone involved.

Daedo’s Commitment to Karate

This photo shoot marks the beginning of a new chapter for Team Daedo with the addition of two new talents and the continued support of our world champion. We are proud to support athletes who embody the essence of karate and the values of our brand.

Success for Spain and Memorable Moments with Sandra Sánchez and Damián Quintero

The city of Pamplona hosted the World Cup Karate 2024, a prestigious event that brought together the world’s top karatekas. This year, Daedo stood out as the official and main sponsor of the event, reinforcing its position as a key brand in the karate world. The Spanish company also showcased its commitment to the sport by sponsoring the team from the Royal Spanish Karate Federation (RFEK), which proudly took home three bronze medals.

Event Competition Schedule

The Pamplona event featured an exciting competition program:

Friday, November 22, 2024

• 09:00h – 10:30h: Women’s Kata
• 10:30h – 14:40h: Men’s Kumite, Groups 1–2
• 14:40h – 18:50h: Men’s Kumite, Groups 3–4
• 19:00h – 19:10h: Women’s Kata Quarterfinals
• 19:10h – 20:00h: Men’s Kumite Quarterfinals

Saturday, November 23, 2024

• 09:00h – 10:30h: Men’s Kata
• 10:30h – 13:00h: Women’s Kumite, Groups 1–2
• 13:00h – 15:30h: Women’s Kumite, Groups 3–4
• 15:30h – 15:40h: Men’s Kata Quarterfinals
• 15:40h – 16:10h: Women’s Kumite Quarterfinals
• 16:30h: Opening Ceremony
• 17:30h – 17:40h: Women’s Kata Semifinal
• 17:40h – 18:30h: Men’s Kumite Semifinal
• 18:30h – 18:40h: Men’s Kata Semifinal
• 18:40h – 19:10h: Women’s Kumite Semifinal

Sunday, November 24, 2024

• 11:00h – 11:15h: Men’s Kata – Bronze Medal
• 11:15h – 11:30h: Men’s Kata – Final
• 11:30h – 11:45h: Award Ceremony
• 11:45h – 12:15h: Women’s Kumite – Bronze Medal
• 12:15h – 12:45h: Women’s Kumite – Final
• 12:45h – 13:00h: Award Ceremony
• 13:00h – 15:00h: Lunch Break
• 15:00h – 15:15h: Women’s Kata – Bronze Medal
• 15:15h – 15:30h: Women’s Kata – Final
• 15:30h – 15:45h: Award Ceremony
• 15:45h – 16:45h: Men’s Kumite – Bronze Medal
• 16:45h – 17:45h: Men’s Kumite – Final
• 17:45h – 18:00h: Award Ceremony
• 18:00h: Closing Ceremony

Spain’s Success on the Tatami

The RFEK team showcased their excellence across multiple categories, with Spain proudly celebrating three bronze medals that marked their participation in this prestigious event:

• Women’s Kata: Paola García, María López, Raquel Roy Rubio, and Gema Morales displayed precision and elegance to secure the bronze medal.

• Men’s Kata: Damián Quintero, Sergio Galán, and Raúl Martín demonstrated impeccable technique and commitment, earning bronze.

• Women’s Kumite: María Torres, Isabel Nieto, Carlota Fernández, Sonia Pérez, and Indira Zúñiga García exhibited courage and skill in intense bouts, claiming another bronze medal for Spain.

These victories not only reaffirmed Spain’s position as a powerhouse in karate but also highlighted the effectiveness of Daedo’s equipment, which continues to offer high-quality products that enhance athletes’ performance.

Unforgettable Moments with Sandra Sánchez and Damián Quintero

One of the event’s most memorable highlights was the participation of two legends in Spanish karate: Sandra Sánchez, Olympic champion and global icon in women’s kata, and Damián Quintero, Olympic medalist and an emblematic figure in men’s kata. Both athletes, ambassadors for Daedo and Spanish karate, were present at the Daedo booth, signing autographs and engaging with fans.

• Saturday, November 23 (12:00 – 13:00): Sandra Sánchez and her coach and husband, Jesús del Moral, took time to connect with fans, who queued eagerly to meet their idols.

• Sunday, November 24 (13:00 – 14:00): In a second autograph session, Damián Quintero once again drew long lines of fans eager to capture a unique memory with him during this special event.

Thanks to Sandra and Damián’s availability, countless fans had the chance to fulfill their dream of meeting them and taking photos. Daedo deeply appreciates their time and values these actions that strengthen ties with the karate community.

Daedo’s Commitment to Karate

Daedo’s collaboration as the main sponsor of the World Cup Karate 2024 underscores its dedication to developing karate on a global scale. Beyond equipping the Spanish team, Daedo provided technical equipment for the competitions, ensuring an optimal environment for athletes. The quality and innovation of its products were crucial to the event’s success, solidifying its reputation as a leading brand in martial arts.

The World Cup Karate 2024 was an unforgettable event for karate enthusiasts. With Daedo as the official and principal sponsor, the Spanish team excelled in the medal standings, while the appearances of Sandra Sánchez and Damián Quintero added a special touch to the weekend. This event not only celebrated sporting excellence but also strengthened the bonds between athletes, fans, and a brand that continues to lead the way in the karate world.

If you’re thinking about starting karate and don’t know how to choose your karategi, here are some basic recommendations. The first thing to consider is that there are different types of karategis, each designed for specific uses within the practice.

Karategis mainly vary depending on the type of training: some are more suitable for everyday practice, while others are designed for kumite (sparring) or kata (forms). There are also differences based on your level as a practitioner: beginners usually use simpler models, while intermediate, advanced, or competitive practitioners require more specialized karategis. The right choice will depend on your needs and goals in karate.

General Training Karategi

This is the most common type of karategi and is intended for daily training at the dojo or club. It’s designed for regular practice of basic techniques, kumite, and kata without competition purposes. Its main characteristics are:

– Lightweight and comfortable for easy movement.

– Made of cotton or a cotton-polyester blend.

– Suitable for both beginners and intermediate practitioners.

Within this category are also those known as “Kohai” (apprentice), “New Ipon” (basic), and “Shodan” (first degree).

Click here to choose your karategi training

Kumite Karategi

The kumite karategi is specifically designed for kumite (sparring) practice, where greater agility and freedom of movement are needed. Its main features are:

– Extreme lightness: its fabric is thinner to facilitate fast movements and reduce air resistance.

– Looser fit: so that the karategi doesn’t interfere with sparring and allows the user to move easily.

– Usually made of polyester.

Click here to choose your karategi of kumite

Kata Karategi

The kata karategi is designed for the forms or established movement patterns of karate. It is mainly used for kata competitions, where precision and presentation are crucial. Its distinctive characteristics are:

– Thicker, heavier fabric: gives the uniform more structure, providing better presentation during kata execution.

– Wider cut: allows for larger movements with greater precision.

– It often makes a characteristic sound during fast movements, which highlights the technique in competitions.

Click here to choose your karategi of kata

Key Differences in Karategis

– Fabric weight: karategis can be classified as lightweight, medium, or heavyweight, depending on whether they are designed for kumite or kata.

– Cut: the cut can be tighter (for kumite) or looser (for kata), depending on the practitioner’s needs.

– Regulations: karategis for official competitions must comply with specific federation regulations, such as measurements, color, and logo.

In short, to choose the right karategi, you should consider the type of practice you will do and your level as a practitioner. If you are a beginner or are looking for a karategi for general training, opt for a light and comfortable one, suitable for daily use in the dojo. If your focus is on kumite, you will need a lighter and looser karategi that allows you to move with agility in combat. On the other hand, if you practice kata, it is best to choose a karategi with a thicker fabric and a wide cut that highlights your movements during execution. Also, if you plan to compete, make sure that the karategi complies with the federations’ regulations. The right choice will depend on your specific needs and karate goals.

It’s never too late to start training, and karate is an excellent option, even at 40!

If you’re considering getting back into exercise, karate might be exactly what you need. Unlike other more aggressive sports, this discipline adapts to any age and fitness level. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never practiced it before or if you did years ago, you can always start again safely and without pressure. In fact, there are people who begin at 30, 40, or older and continue training for decades.

We know that after 30, changing habits can be challenging. Your body is already used to certain routines, and sometimes the fear of not having the same energy as when you were younger becomes an obstacle. You might justify it by saying, “I’m not 20 anymore!” or “I used to play sports when I was younger, but I can’t now.” But those are just excuses that limit you. The real obstacle isn’t your age, but how you approach change. Karate doesn’t require you to train as if you’re competing right away. Instead, it adapts to your level, lets you progress at your own pace, and most importantly, allows you to enjoy the process.

What can karate do for you at 40?

– Strengthen your body: You’d be surprised what you can achieve! Karate develops strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Wouldn’t you like to feel more agile and fit without the monotony of conventional workouts? Plus, you’ll improve your coordination and work your entire body without overwhelming yourself.

– Reduce stress and anxiety: With the fast-paced lives we lead, learning to relax and focus is crucial. Karate teaches you self-control, how to focus on the present, and how to let go of worries. Every training session is an opportunity to release tension and improve your emotional well-being.

– Self-defense and confidence: Learning to defend yourself has no age limit. Karate teaches effective techniques that not only strengthen your body but also your confidence. As you progress, you’ll feel more secure and capable, both in class and in daily life.

– Be part of a community: Karate training is more than physical exercise; it’s a space of respect, camaraderie, and mutual support. You’ll be surrounded by people who, like you, are looking to improve and enjoy the process. Plus, it’s always motivating to have someone to share achievements and challenges with.

– Set goals and surpass yourself: In karate, every belt represents a new challenge overcome, which becomes a continuous source of motivation. Imagine how satisfying it will be to see yourself advancing, overcoming your own barriers, and achieving each new rank.

The greatest benefit of all is that you’ll reconnect with yourself. Through discipline and consistency, you will not only strengthen your body but also your mind. Karate will help you regain muscle tone, improve your body memory, and most importantly, regain confidence in what you’re capable of achieving.

What precautions should you take before practicing karate?

Before starting karate, especially if you’re 40 or older, it’s essential to take some precautions to ensure you’re doing it safely and healthily:

– Medical consultation: If you haven’t exercised in a long time or if you have any illnesses or injuries, it’s recommended to consult your doctor before starting. This is particularly important if you have cardiovascular problems, joint issues, or any chronic conditions. Your doctor will be able to assess your health and provide personalized recommendations.

– Listen to your body: It’s important to respect your limits. Although karate is adaptable, it’s always better to start slowly and not push yourself too hard at first. As your body adapts to training, you can gradually increase the intensity. If at any point you feel pain or discomfort, stop and consult a specialist if necessary.

– Mention any physical issues to your instructor: If you have any limitations or injuries, be sure to inform your instructor. Karate trainers are trained to adapt exercises and movements to the needs of each student. This way, you can practice safely without putting your health at risk.

– Warm up and stretch: Like in any physical activity, it’s essential to dedicate time to warming up and stretching before and after training. This will help prevent injuries, improve flexibility, and prepare your body for physical exertion.

– Gradual progression: Even if you feel motivated, it’s important to progress gradually. Don’t pressure yourself to achieve everything right away. Karate is an art that takes time, and the most important thing is to enjoy the process without jeopardizing your well-being.

In conclusion

Karate not only strengthens the body but also promotes the development of character, discipline, and mind. As we age, these qualities become even more valuable, as they help us face daily challenges with a more balanced and positive attitude.

For adults, practicing karate offers a rich and comprehensive experience. The combination of physical exercise, technical learning, and mental growth makes this discipline especially appealing to those seeking more than just a sport. It’s also an excellent way to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle throughout the years.

In the end, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey, learn at your own pace, and allow yourself to rediscover your potential through karate. Whether it’s to improve your fitness, relieve stress, or strengthen your character, karate at 40 (or any age) opens the door to new possibilities, a more balanced life, and greater well-being. Now is the perfect time to take that first step!

The world champion in kata, Sandra Sánchez, will receive the MARCA Legend Award this Wednesday, January 24, at the Victoria Theater in Talavera de la Reina

More than 30 years of practicing karate

“Sandra is nothing without karate, and karate is nothing without Sandra”

“Don’t tire of trying, and you will turn the impossible into a reality” – Sandra Sánchez’s motto reflecting her spirit of overcoming challenges.