Gear
Best Taekwondo Home Training Gear: A Space-First Guide
Home training works best with a short, steady routine and a few pieces of gear. This guide starts with space and the floor, then covers the tools that earn their place.
Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching | Last checked: October 29, 2026Check space and floor first, then add a kicking target and a mat. WHO recommends adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, and children and adolescents an average of 60 minutes a day, so a home routine can be short as long as it is regular. Start with what your school allows you to practice at home, and buy gear in order of use.
| WHO adults | 150 to 300 minutes moderate activity a week |
|---|---|
| WHO children and adolescents | Average of 60 minutes a day |
| First check | Clear floor and ceiling height |
| First purchases | Kicking target, mat |
| Ask | Your instructor, before practicing new techniques |
Check your space first
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Floor surface | Slick floors cause slips. A mat gives grip and cushion |
| Ceiling and overhead objects | High kicks hit lights and fans |
| Clear radius | Kicks and turns need room all around you |
| Wall and furniture edges | Keep sharp edges out of reach of a spinning kick |
| Neighbors below | A hard floor transmits noise in an apartment |
Do a slow kick in each direction before you start a drill. If you touch anything, move the furniture.
The gear, in order of use
| Priority | Gear | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Non-slip mat | Grip and cushion for stances, kicks and stretching |
| 2 | Kicking target or pad (see our target guide) | Power and aim for kicks |
| 3 | Jump rope | Footwork and conditioning |
| 4 | Resistance bands | Leg and hip strength |
| 5 | Strap and blocks | See stretching gear |
| 6 | Mirror or phone on a tripod | Check stance and chamber height |
How much to train
| Group | WHO recommendation |
|---|---|
| Adults | 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, or the equivalent vigorous activity |
| Children and adolescents | An average of 60 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a day |
Class time counts. A home session of 15 to 20 minutes on days without class is enough to stay regular. For stretching, aim for about 10 minutes per muscle group each week, as covered in the flexibility guide.
Home safety
- Warm up first. Do light movement before kicks.
- Practice techniques your instructor has taught you. Do not try new spinning kicks alone.
- Keep children supervised during target work.
- Check pads for tears before every session.
For kids’ equipment, see the kids gear guide.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to train taekwondo at home?
A clear floor, a mat, a kicking target, a jump rope and a few bands cover most home drills.
How much should I train at home?
WHO recommends adults do 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week and children and adolescents an average of 60 minutes a day. Class time counts toward it.
Do I need a mat?
A mat gives grip and cushion on a hard floor, so it is the first purchase.
Is it safe to practice kicks at home?
Yes, with enough space and a warm-up. Stick to techniques your instructor has taught.
Should kids train at home?
Yes, in short supervised sessions with a pad or target.