Gear
Best Taekwondo Gear for Kids: A Starter Kit Checklist
Most schools sell a uniform and belt on day one and ask for sparring gear months later. This checklist shows what to buy first, what to wait on and what the USA Taekwondo rules require by age.
Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching | Last checked: October 29, 2026A new student needs a white uniform (dobok) and a belt, and most schools supply both. Sparring gear comes later: a mouthguard, head protector, trunk protector, groin guard, forearm guards, shin and instep guards, and gloves. Under USA Taekwondo’s 2024 kyorugi rules, gloves are required for Cadet (12 to 14), Junior (15 to 17) and Senior black belt divisions, and optional for the others. Wait until your school tells you which sparring items it wants before buying.
| Day-one gear | White V-neck uniform and belt |
|---|---|
| Sparring set | Mouthguard, head, trunk, groin, forearm, shin and instep protectors, gloves |
| Gloves | Required at Cadet, Junior and Senior level; optional for younger divisions |
| Mouthguard thickness | At least 3 mm, per USA Taekwondo standards |
| Trunk protector coverage | Armpit to hip bone |
| Prices | Not listed here. Compare with your school’s list |
What to buy and when
| Stage | Gear | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day one | White V-neck uniform (dobok), belt | Most schools sell both. Ask before you buy elsewhere |
| Before first sparring class | Mouthguard, head protector, trunk protector, groin guard, forearm guards, shin and instep guards | The school will say whether it wants a specific brand or color |
| Before first tournament | Gloves, matching red or blue protectors | Check the event’s equipment list. Gloves are optional below age 12 |
| Later | Poomsae uniform, kicking target, bag | Only if the child competes in forms or trains at home |
USA Taekwondo equipment rules by age
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Trunk protector | Must cover the entire valid scoring area, from the armpit to the hip bone |
| Head protector | Required; cracks or defects are not allowed. Colors must match the trunk protector |
| Gloves | Open-finger style. Required for Cadet (12 to 14), Junior (15 to 17) and Senior black belts. Optional for other divisions. Cloth gloves and hand covers are not allowed |
| Mouthguard | Minimum thickness 3 mm. USA Taekwondo says National Championships mouthguards must be clear or white from 2024 |
| Groin guard | Required for all athletes, worn inside the pants |
| Shin and instep protectors | Required; foam, cloth or vinyl |
| Forearm guards | Required; foam, cloth or vinyl |
| Uniform | White V-neck. Black-collared for black belts, white-collared for color belts. Poom rank (age 15 and under) may wear a poom uniform with a black and red collar |
These are the rules for USA Taekwondo events. Your school and other organizations may differ, so check before you buy.
Fit checks
- The head protector should sit snug without shifting when the child moves. Long hair goes up and the ponytail tucks inside the headgear.
- The trunk protector must reach from the armpit to the hip bone, or it covers less than the scoring area.
- Use the brand’s height and weight chart, not the child’s age. Our gear size guide explains how to measure.
- Foam gear can feel loose after growth. Re-check fit every season.
- Keep nails short and tape only what you need.
Ask the school first
Schools differ on who sells gear. Some require that all sparring equipment be ordered through the school. Ask for the list, the colors and any brand rules before you spend money. Once you have the list, compare options in our guides for mouthguards, headgear and chest protectors and uniforms.
Frequently asked questions
What does a child need to start taekwondo?
A white uniform and a belt. Most schools supply both, and sparring gear comes later.
When does a child need sparring gear?
When the school starts sparring or when the child enters a tournament. The school will say which items it wants.
Are gloves required for kids?
Under USA Taekwondo’s 2024 rules, gloves are required for Cadet (12 to 14), Junior (15 to 17) and Senior black belts, and optional for other divisions.
How thick should a mouthguard be?
USA Taekwondo’s standards say at least 3 mm. At National Championships from 2024 they must be clear or white.
How should a chest protector fit?
It must cover the valid scoring area, from the armpit to the hip bone.
What color uniform does a color belt wear?
A white V-neck uniform with a white collar. Black belts wear a black collar, and poom rank (age 15 and under) can wear a poom uniform with a black and red collar.
Should I buy gear a size up so it lasts?
No. Protective gear should fit now. Use the brand’s height and weight chart and re-check fit each season.