Karate Mitts

Karate mitts are the gloves worn for kumite (sparring). WKF's specification for the mitts it approves describes a mitt that is open on the inner side, so open-hand blocks are still possible. It covers mitts made with or without thumb protection (WKF Sport Items Homologation Process 2025-2028). Every mitt in this range is sold as a with-thumb model.

Check how the mitt fastens (finger loops, a strap or both) and how it is sized. Blitz publishes knuckle-width bands, while the other sellers here list letter sizes. Under WKF rules, one athlete wears red mitts and the other blue (WKF Kumite Competition Rules 2026, Art. 2.2.7(a)). Corners are decided by the draw (Art. 2.2.1(a) and (c)), so check which colours your events ask for.

Under WKF rules, mitts must be WKF Approved (Art. 2.2.7(a) and 2.2.10). Of the three brands here, only adidas is on WKF's approved list for karate mitts, and the list names the brand, not the model. Approved items carry the WKF logo. The Blitz and Bytomic mitts are club mitts for training and sparring.