Just one more note on the sparring gear...
Some TKD (taekwondo) matches require headgear, gloves, footgear,
and a chest protector. Other TKD matches do not. Many karate
matches only allow a minimum of equipment such a groin and mouth
protection and fight bare hand. Many only allow hand gear. You
need to be prepared before you go to a match and know what type of
gear is required or allowed. In either case it's a good idea to
take all the gear you have with you even if you don't end up using
it. Also there is foam gear and cloth gear. Some matches do not
allow one or the other so check ahead of time.