Karate Tatami Mats UK. Jigsaw EVA Tatami Mats 1m x 1m soft gym mats for safe sparring and competition. Stand-up combat sports such as sport Karate or Kickboxing generally prefer high grip dimple T-pattern for high traction non-slip agility. Sparring mats can be 20mm 30mm or 40mm thick when head protection is used. Karate jigsaw mats UK can be flipped when marked thus prolonging life. They are easily wiped and should be cleaned with sugar soap or soapy water and never chemical cleaners as they may react with the EVA. Mats can be cut to fit with standard carpet knife. All mats are supplied complete with edging strips. Safety tip, avoid gaps between mats (toe traps), consider switching mats or moving the damaged mat to the perimeter.
How do Karate Mats differ from other martial arts?
Mats used in martial arts serve the fundamental purpose of providing a safe, cushioned surface to practice on, reducing the risk of injury from falls, throws, and other maneuvers. While mats across different martial arts share this basic function, there can be variations in thickness, texture, material, and firmness, tailored to the specific needs and practices of each martial art. Here’s how mats for Karate might differ from those used in other martial arts:
Karate Mats
- Firmness and Thickness: Karate mats tend to be firmer and slightly thinner than mats used in grappling-based martial arts. This is because Karate focuses on striking, kicking, and standing techniques, requiring a stable surface that allows for quick movements without too much sinking. The typical thickness of Karate mats is 20mm to 30mm.
- Texture and Surface: The surface of Karate mats is usually smooth but with enough grip to prevent slipping during stances, kicks, and pivoting movements. The texture is designed to minimize mat burns while still allowing for smooth, rapid movements.
- Material: EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam is a common material for Karate mats due to its durability and ability to provide firm cushioning. It’s lightweight and often comes in interlocking tiles for easy setup and storage.
Comparison with Other Martial Arts Mats
- Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Mats for these grappling-based arts are generally thicker and softer to cushion falls and takedowns. Thicknesses of 1.5 inches (about 3.8 cm) or more are common, with a textured surface to provide grip for grappling maneuvers.
- Taekwondo: Similar to Karate, Taekwondo mats need to facilitate fast footwork and high kicks and sudden changes of direction.
- Aikido and Jujitsu: These martial arts involve a lot of throwing and joint locks. Mats used here are also on the thicker and softer side, similar to Judo mats, to protect practitioners during falls.
- Wrestling: Wrestling mats are designed to be durable and provide a good grip. They are thick and cushioned to absorb impacts but are made with a tough, non-abrasive surface to withstand the wear and tear of wrestling shoes and intense activity.
In summary, while all martial arts mats aim to provide safety and comfort, the specific characteristics of the mats vary according to the requirements of each martial art. Karate mats are optimized for striking and quick movements, offering a balance between firmness for stability and cushioning for minor falls, making them distinct from the softer, thicker mats used in grappling-focused martial arts.
The most popular choice for karate competition is the high density 20mm red blue mat.
