What you need for a karate tournament

A karate tournament needs more than tatami mats and medals. You’ll need enough protective equipment for both competitors, reliable timing and scoring equipment for every bout, and practical supplies for registration, certificates and announcements. Check the sports hall layout before buying furniture or extension cords: changing areas, weigh-in and the first aid post each need clear space. Use the full checklist below to track what must be bought, borrowed or brought on the day.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Tatami matsqty 120
Mat edgeqty 20
Red competition bandsqty 12
Blue competition bandsqty 12
Red glovesqty 12
Blue glovesqty 12
Head protectorsqty 12
Breast padsqty 12
Shin guardsqty 12
Mouthguardsqty 12
Game clocksqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 6
Scoreboardsqty 4
Whistlesqty 8
Weighing scale
Conesqty 20
Table signsqty 8
Referee flagsqty 12
Trophiesqty 12
Medal rackqty 2

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 120
Changing room benchesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 10

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
PA system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Charging stationsqty 2

Office

Clipboardsqty 12
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Markersqty 12
Notepadsqty 10
Match card holdersqty 8
Bib numbersqty 180
Match cardsqty 250
Certificatesqty 80
Wristbandsqty 250

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4

Decorations

Club flagsqty 8
Competition bannersqty 4
Directional signsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Stage ribbonsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broomsqty 3
Vacuum cleaner
Disinfectant sprayqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
First aid kitqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea bags - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Margarine - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Chicken sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Cheese sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 10 pieces
- Mini wraps - 80 pieces
- Chicken breast - 2 kilos
- Falafel - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Honey mustard sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Towel rolls - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 8 packs
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Cold compresses - 12 pieces
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan at least one complete red and blue equipment set for every competition area, including gloves, head protectors, breast pads, shin guards and mouthguards. Add spare protective items for damaged or forgotten gear.
Allow one game clock, scoreboard and whistle per active competition area, plus a stopwatch as backup. Test all timing equipment before the first match rather than relying on phone timers.
Measure the hall before ordering tatami mats and buy enough mat edges to close every outside edge safely. Keep cones available to mark walkways, waiting areas and restricted zones.
Prepare one registration station with a laptop, printer, power strips, extension cords, clipboards and pens. Bring charging stations and spare power access so the printer and laptop are not competing for the same socket.
Set aside tables and chairs for registration, officials and certificates, and provide changing-room benches, clothes racks and waste bins before competitors arrive. These items are easy to overlook because they are not part of the competition itself.

Frequently asked questions

How many tatami mats do I need for a karate tournament?: The number depends on how many competition areas run at once and the size of each area. Measure the hall first, then include enough mat edges to secure every exposed outside edge rather than ordering only the visible fighting surface.
How much protective equipment is needed for a karate tournament?: For each active competition area, prepare red and blue gloves, head protectors, breast pads, shin guards and mouthguards for both competitors. Keep spare items available because one missing or damaged piece can delay a bout.
What timing equipment do I need for a karate tournament?: Allow one game clock, scoreboard and whistle for every active competition area, with at least one stopwatch as backup. Test the equipment before the event and check batteries or charging access on the day.
How many tables and chairs do I need at a karate tournament?: Plan separate tables for registration, officials and certificates, then add chairs for the people assigned to each station. Confirm the volunteer schedule first so you can match the furniture to the number of staff working at the same time.

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