An Introduction To Tae Kwon Do Equipment
Tae Kwon do is a martial art that is well known throughout the world that focuses on quick, high, lightning fast, amazing kicks. The sport has a focus on high kicks and swift blows with the hands; the name actually means “the art of punching and kicking”.
In order to advance to the next belt in this sport, students need to demonstrate their progress in four major disciplines. These four disciplines are self defense, patterns, sparring and a break test.
One of the best things about Tae Kwon do is that it can be done by people of any age. Children as young as five can begin learning and adults often find that they gain a number of benefits from practicing the sport. When my son enrolled in this sport he was five years old and I was forty. and children as young as five can also benefit from the teachings of this martial art. It also kept my mind sharp when I had to memorize all the various patterns.
In order to fully practice the art of Tae Kwon do, you are going to need several pieces of Tae Kwon do equipment. The first thing you are going to need is the Tae Kwon do uniform which is also known as a dobok. First and foremost is a Tae kwon do uniform; also called a dobok, this is generally a plain white garment which is customarily kept clean and pressed - your personal appearance certainly counts in this sport. When you first begin this sport, most schools prefer that you wear a plain white uniform.
You will also have to pick up a chest protector for practice; and for use in competitions, you’ll also need a chest protector which includes shoulder padding. When you look at chest protectors, make sure to get one which uses ties rather than Velcro as a fastener, since these protectors are far easier to adjust for a good fit.
Shin guards are something else you should add to your list of Tae kwon do equipment. Make sure that the guards aren’t too long, since this will make it difficult to bend your knees and ankles As well as shin guards, you are going to need arm protectors. Arm guards are also a good idea, since these will protect your forearms when you block kicks with your arms. Make sure that your arm protectors provide you with a proper fit before you make a purchase.
A head guard is another essential piece of tae kwon do equipment; this will provide you with some protection from the high kicks which are common in sparring. These are usually white just like Tae kwon do uniforms, but more important than color is that this guard is well made and will do a good job of absorbing the force of kicks and punches.
A groin guard is also an important piece of Tae kwon do equipment. These are worn under your uniform and are especially important to have for competitive matches.
These are the most important pieces of Tae kwon do equipment. While these are what you need to get started, you may want to pick up some additional gear if you plan to compete in Tae kwon do competitions; hen you will most likely want to get some additional Tae kwon do equipment as well if you make that decision.