In taekwondo, body protectors are not just accessories, but the main equipment that functions to protect the chest and vital organs from hard impacts during training and matches.
The high intensity of kicks increases the risk of injury, especially if the protection used doesn't absorb impact well. Proper body protection helps athletes train with confidence, focus on technique, and minimize the risk of long-term injury.
Unfortunately, many beginners make the wrong purchase, tempted by low prices or products that don't meet safety standards. As a result, the protectors wear out quickly, don't fit properly, or fail to protect against hard kicks. By reading this article, you'll be sure to choose the best quality taekwondo body protectors.
What is a Taekwondo Body Protector & Its Function?
Taekwondo Body Protector or also known as hogu is a body protector that you wear on your chest and stomach to absorb impact during training or matches.
This gear is specifically designed for taekwondo, covering the vital areas most frequently hit by kicks. The material is soft yet sturdy, absorbing impact without restricting the athlete's movement.
Simply put, hogu is basic gear that determines how safely you can train. Hogu reduces the risk of serious injuries, such as deep bruises or hard blows to the ribs, allowing athletes to execute techniques to their full potential.
Body protectors are mandatory during sparring and official matches, while they can be optional for light technical training, depending on the intensity. However, if the training involves full contact, wearing a hogu is standard safety practice.
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Taekwondo Body Protector Standards You Must Know
1. WTF / World Taekwondo Standards
Taekwondo body protectors for competitions must adhere to World Taekwondo (WT, formerly WTF) standards. These standards were created to ensure athlete safety and consistent judging in official competitions.
Body armor that doesn't meet WT standards can be rejected during pre-match equipment inspections, even if it looks "similar" or feels like good quality. WT competition-standard body armor features a special design for electronic scoring.
Additionally, it has cushioning that absorbs impact without interfering with sensors, and a snug fit to prevent shifting during competition. Official products always feature the World Taekwondo logo and a recognized manufacturer's certification, usually clearly printed or sewn onto the outside.
Without this logo and certification, the body protector is not considered legal for official matches, regardless of what the seller claims.
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2. Training vs. Match Body Protector
Taekwondo body protectors are divided into two categories based on their function: for training and for competition. Training body protectors typically have thicker, softer padding to protect the body from repeated impacts during sparring and technical drills.
The design focuses on comfort and durability due to intensive weekly use. Meanwhile, the competition body protectors are slimmer and lighter, complying with federation standards. This allows athletes to move quickly and shoot accurately without excessive drag.
These differences in design and thickness determine when you should wear body protectors during training and matches. Use training body protectors during daily training, the beginner learning phase, or intense sparring sessions to minimize the risk of injury.
Match body protectors, on the other hand, are best worn during match simulations or official competitions, as they are lighter and more sensitive to impact. Wearing the right protection in the right situations is crucial for maintaining long-term performance and safety.
Criteria for a Good Taekwondo Body Protector
1. Material & Durability
Quality taekwondo body protectors use materials that can absorb impact without sacrificing comfort. Typically, high-quality protectors use EVA foam as the core layer because this material is lightweight, elastic, and effective at absorbing the impact of repeated kicks.
Good EVA foam doesn't easily collapse even with intense use, ensuring consistent protection from training to matches. The outer layer is typically made of PU leather or a similar synthetic material that's tear-resistant, peel-resistant, and more durable than regular PVC.
Material choice significantly impacts the athlete's longevity and comfort. Material that's too stiff may feel "strong," but it can restrict movement and cause fatigue. Conversely, material that's too thin will wear out quickly and risks reducing chest protection.
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2. Provides Maximum Protection
A good taekwondo body protector should be able to provide maximum protection and effective impact absorption, because this sport involves fast and hard kicks to the torso area.
Protective materials should have a high-quality foam padding that disperses impact energy, rather than simply absorbing it. The ideal thickness is usually sufficient to absorb impact without restricting movement.
Too thin can risk injury, while too thick can actually limit an athlete's mobility and reactions during sparring or competition. Beyond thickness, consider coverage of vital areas that must be well protected. An ideal body protector completely covers the chest, ribs, and upper abdomen.
Because this area is the most frequently targeted by kicks, an ergonomic design that conforms to the contours of the body is also important to ensure the protector doesn't shift during movement. Essentially, a good body protector should ensure the athlete's safety without sacrificing comfort and agility on the mat.
Also Read: 10 Physical Exercises for Taekwondo to Get Stronger
3. Comfortable & Flexible
Good taekwondo body armor should be comfortable and flexible, as it's worn during intense training and competition. The material should be soft enough to absorb impact, yet lightweight and conform to the body's contours.
If the protector is too stiff or heavy, movement will be restricted and the athlete will tend to tire quickly. This is clearly detrimental, especially during technique training and sparring. Furthermore, ventilation is crucial. Body protectors that allow for good air circulation help reduce heat and excessive sweating.
This ensures it remains comfortable for long-term use. The design must also ensure the protector doesn't interfere with kicking movements, whether high kicks, turning kicks, or fast combinations. Essentially, a good body protector provides maximum protection without sacrificing agility.
Also Read: Complete Taekwondo Equipment for Training and Competitions
Recommended Quality Taekwondo Body Protectors (Local Brands)
If you're serious about Taekwondo training, body protectors are essential safety equipment. SVRG body protectors are a high-quality, locally made option, specifically designed to absorb impact from kicks and blocks, and help reduce the risk of injury during sparring or intense training.
The material is strong yet comfortable to wear for long sessions, allowing you to focus on technique without the distraction of pain or overheating. This product is suitable for all levels, from beginners just joining a club to athletes who regularly compete.
Because it's designed to standards that prioritize ergonomics and mobility, you can move freely without feeling restricted by the protection you're wearing. So, if you're looking for body protection that's durable, effective, and comfortable, this is it.
So, now you know how to buy good Taekwondo body protectors, right?
Choosing good taekwondo body armor is about understanding your priorities: maximum protection, comfort during movement, and durability. Ensure the padding absorbs impact well, fits snugly, has strong and easy-to-adjust straps, and is made of a material that won't wear out easily even with intense training.
The right body protector helps you focus on technique and strategy, rather than dealing with pain or fixing gear mid-practice. Remember, safety is a long-term investment. Good gear not only protects your body today, but also protects you from injuries that could hinder your future progress.
And to further develop your taekwondo skills, don't stop at just protection. Complete your routine with strength training to strengthen your body, making it more stable and ready to handle higher intensity training. Please read the guide below for optimal training:
