Gear
Taekwondo Sparring Gear Checklist
You need eight pieces for full sparring. Ask your school what it requires before you buy anything.
Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching | Last checked: October 26, 2026Full taekwondo sparring gear is a head guard, a trunk protector (hogu), shin guards, forearm guards, hand protectors, a groin guard, a mouthguard and foot protectors. Most beginners do not need any of it until the first sparring class, usually around green belt. Schools often sell a set or tell you which brand to match.
The full checklist
| Item | What it protects | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head guard | Head and chin | Must fit snugly, no wobble |
| Trunk protector (hogu) | Chest and ribs | Sized by height or chest |
| Shin guards | Shins and instep | Choose elastic or velcro |
| Forearm guards | Forearms | Often sold with shin guards |
| Hand protectors | Fingers and knuckles | Open or fingerless in WT style |
| Groin guard | Groin | Required for boys, optional for girls but recommended |
| Mouthguard | Teeth and jaw | Mold to fit |
| Foot protectors | Instep and toes | Needed for some programs |
When to buy
Sparring usually starts at middle belts. Many children’s programs wait until the child is 8 or 9. Ask your instructor which items you need in each class, and whether the school has loaner gear. Do not buy a full set before your first sparring class. A shop that sells a set on your first day is not looking out for your wallet.
How to size it
- Head guard: measure around the head above the eyebrows. It should sit still when you shake your head.
- Trunk protector: sized by height, with a few cm of overlap at the sides.
- Shin and forearm guards: they should cover from knee to ankle and wrist to elbow without slipping.
- Kids grow quickly. Buy for the next 12 months, not the next 3.
If you plan to compete
Competitions that follow World Taekwondo rules require approved protectors. As of 2026, WT lists approved brands such as Adidas, Daedo, Hasado, KPNP, Kwon, Maxwin, Mooto, Tusah and Wacoku for headgear and trunk protectors. Check the category and the brand in WT’s current list before you buy. Electronic scoring also needs sensor socks or foot protectors. See WT competition rules.
Care and washing
Wipe pads dry after each class and air them out. Do not leave them in a hot car or a closed bag. Replace a head guard after a hard blow or when foam splits.
Frequently asked questions
What sparring gear do I need for taekwondo?
Head guard, trunk protector, shin guards, forearm guards, hand protectors, groin guard, mouthguard and sometimes foot protectors.
When should I buy sparring gear?
After your instructor says sparring starts, usually around green belt.
Do kids need all the gear?
Yes for contact sparring. Many schools use light contact for children and waive some pieces.
Do I need WT-approved gear?
Only for WT-sanctioned competitions. School classes accept most brands.
Is used gear safe?
Check foam, straps and seams. Never buy a used mouthguard or a head guard with cracked foam.