Taekwondo Sparring Equipment

For Taekwondo sparring, the essential protection is a head guard, chest protector (hogu), shin guards, forearm guards and a gum shield. A groin guard is strongly recommended for male practitioners. For WT competition, all sparring equipment must carry the WT approval mark. Check with your club or governing body for their specific sparring equipment requirements before purchasing.

WT approved sparring equipment is required for World Taekwondo sanctioned competitions. For club training and grading, standard sparring equipment is generally acceptable. If you plan to compete at regional, national or international level under WT rules, ensure all your sparring protection carries the WT approval mark. Adidas is the official supplier to World Taekwondo and produces the full range of WT approved sparring gear.

A hogu is the chest protector worn in Taekwondo sparring and competition. It covers the torso and is the primary scoring target in WT competition, where electronic sensors inside the hogu register valid body kicks. The hogu must be WT approved for use in official competition. For club sparring, a standard chest protector provides the necessary protection without the electronic scoring system.

For Taekwondo sparring, a slim-fit gum shield that allows easy breathing during intense rounds is ideal. SISU slim-fit guards are popular with martial artists as they are thin enough to allow normal breathing while providing strong protection. Opro boil and bite guards offer excellent protection at great value and are available in junior and adult sizes. Avoid bulky traditional guards that restrict breathing during hard sparring sessions.