Upcoming Tournaments
Prepare for tournaments! Competition Class is open to students from all NW School of Karate programs who are planning on competing at one or more tournament. Instructor permission is required in order to join Competition Class. This class is held 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Wednesdays at the Honbu Dojo
Please speak with sensei Herivel before you register for a tournament so you know which division(s) to enter!
Links to individual tournaments are below.
Our Guide to Sparring Gear is below the tournament links. Please be sure to go to each tournament’s website to see their requirements for gear.
Saturday 4/18/26
Gresham, Oregon
Yoshida Cup
Equipment for the Yoshida Cup:
All categories: all white karate-gi (dojo patch permitted), fist guards (red, blue, white), mouth guard, groin protector (males), shin/instep protectors (red, blue, white). 13 y/o and under – dipped foam type head protector & external body protector. Some equipment may be available at the tatami, but please plan to bring your own. We will also have equipment for sale.
Saturday 5/9/26
Lynwood, WA
Washington Karate International Championships
Equipment for WKA International Championships:
For kumite competition, … approved red and blue fistpads, mouthguard, and groin protector (males) are required. Optional equipment includes: approved chest protectors, shin/instep protectors, soft cloth arm guards, athletic safety glasses, and headgear (for 13-year-olds & under).
Guide to Sparring Gear
The World Karate Federation has some of the strictest rules about protection: if you buy all the gear you’re covered. Please note USA National Karate Federation sanctioned events follow WKF standards. Other tournaments have their own standards. Please check each tournament’s website & information package about a month before you go. Scroll down to see our little guide.
Mouth guards are required for karate classes, so you should already have one. These can be found in any sporting goods store and some variety stores. Please follow package instructions carefully for custom fit.
Groin protection is always required for male anatomy, usually optional for female. If you have something to protect, please protect it. You should already have this for use during classes.
Fist pads - please note some tournaments do not allow fist pads with thumb guards. Yellow belts and higher are required to own a pair of fist pads for regular class, so most of you should already have one pair. Many tournaments require you to have both red and blue fist pads at the tournament.
Belts - Many tournaments require you to wear either a red belt or a blue belt. Please note this has nothing to do with rank.
Head protector - please note some tournaments do not allow clear plastic face shields. Some tournaments require a head protector for younger competitors, some require head protection for all competitors.
Body protector is sometimes required at tournaments, usually for children.
Shin / instep protectors are often required for tournaments. Some tournaments require you to have both a red set and a blue set. Some allow just a white set.