About Us | Owner

Hiya.

(Yes, that’s intentional.)

I’m Kaari, the founder of Onna Kimono.

I’ve been training in martial arts for over 35 years — as a student, competitor, coach, instructor, and lifelong learner. Karate has taken me across multiple styles, dojo, and communities, each shaping how I train, teach, and lead.

Outside the dojo, I wear many roles: mother, wife, caregiver, professional, mentor, and everything in between. Inside the dojo, I’m always a student first.

Karate has never been just about punches and kicks for me. It’s about discipline, resilience, community, and showing up — even when it’s hard.

After decades of training, one thing became impossible to ignore:
women’s karate uniforms were not designed with women in mind.

Onna Kimono was born from that frustration — and from a deep respect for the art. I wanted uniforms that support real training, real bodies, and the women who commit themselves to the mat.

Today, I teach and train in Boise, Idaho, and continue to learn alongside students and instructors who push me to be better. I’m grateful for every dojo that welcomed me, challenged me, and helped shape the karate-ka I am today.

Onna Kimono is my way of giving back to the martial arts community — and of standing up for women who train.