Equipment

Dobok

The training uniform is called a ‘dobok’ and needs to be an ITF style model.  Doboks can be purchased from the instructor.  You are free to buy the dobok from other sources, but please check that it is an ITF-approved model.  In class, the doboks cost €30 for sizes 100-150cm and €35 for sizes 160-200cm.

The belt should ideally be the right length to only go around the waist once, not overlapping.  Typically the white belt is provided with the dobok and may require the wearer to wrap it twice around the waist.  From yellow belt, the size of the belt can be chosen.

Sparring equipment

For sparring (controlled fighting), students will wear protective pads: gloves, foot pads, shin guards, groin guard (male), chest guard (female), gum shield, head guard (optional).  The equipment is to protect both students in sparring.

Here are some important characteristics of each:

  • Foot pads: should be the right size and have a strap or support under the foot, but not have a strap under the ball of the foot which will cause slippages.
  • Shin guards: should be for martial arts, not football shin guards which are too hard
  • Groin guard: should be a good fit
  • Gloves: should be the right size and allow all fingers and thumb to be covered.  Open-fingered or open-thumb gloves are strictly forbidden as they can cause injury.  The gloves should also be the right weight: too light and they don’t provide enough protection, too heavy (like boxing gloves) and they will be too slow for taekwondo.  For beginners, we recommend these gloves from Decathlon. For competitions, you’ll need the Fuji Mae gloves.
  • Gum shield. The basic models are suitable for all and can be moulded using hot water. If you compete regularly, or have special requirements, a custom fit gumshield can be made by your dentist.
  • Head guard: should be a good fit and made for martial arts. It is generally optional in competitions, depending on the specific regulations.