Taekwondo Gear

Here is a list of the standard equipment you'll need during your training. The school will provide you with a uniform and belts, and you may be able to use some of the school's sparring equipment based on availability. However, we do recommend you purchase your own body guards and pads once you reach that level in training. We can help you purchase these materials at wholesale prices.

• Dobok: The standard uniform for Taekwondo, the dobok is a loose fitting garment meant to give the wearer a full range of motion. It's usually pure white with few adornments, a symbol for the fighter's purity of mind. VSTKD requires all student's to wear their Dobok during instruction.
• Belts: The belts indicates the level of skill and instruction a student has achieved in his or her training. Wearing a belt during training is required at VSTKD.
• Head Guard: The head guard is an important piece of equipment because taekwondo is known for its high kicks and in sparring, you may encounter kicks to the head. The head guard is a cushioned helmet, much like a boxing helmet, that should fit snugly over the head with a velcro strap to keep it in place. It should not be too loose, nor should it be too tight.
• Groin Guard: Groin guards are an absolute must for male students. In taekwondo, kicks are not permitted to land below the belt, but they sometimes go astray. Should you get kicked in the groin, you will pay if you aren’t wearing a groin guard. We don't require you buy one: most students learn their lesson quickly when they don't!
• Chest Protector: Chest protectors come in various sizes and it is important to get one that fits right. Again, as with the head guard, don’t get one that is too big. The equipment should fit snugly.
• Forearm Pads: These guards protect the lower arms when blocking kicks and punches. They are usually made of padded, elasticized cotton that you pull on over your arms. Forearm pads help prevent painful bruising.
• Shin Pads: Like forearm pads, these items are important as they shield the lower leg from hard blows. Made of the same material as forearm pads, they fit over your calves like leg warmers.
• Mouth Guard: A mouth guard is essential for sparring. As with groin guards, if you aren’t wearing one, you'll pay the price if a kick lands to the mouth.
• Boots and gloves: Considered as a secondary precaution, boots and gloves help to minimize the damage done by to feet and hands from punches and kicks.