Tae Kwon do is a martial art that is well known throughout the world that focuses on quick, high, lightning fast, amazing kicks. Literally meaning “the way of hitting with fists and feet”. 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.
Tae kwon do is a sport which can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from the very young to the very old. 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. Greater flexibility and even greater mental acuity are things which many people who take up the sport report gaining. It also kept my mind sharp when I had to memorize all the various patterns.
If you want to get started though, you’ll have to pick up some essential 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. Make sure to keep your dobok clean and pressed, since this is the usual custom among people who practice this martial art. When you first begin this sport, most schools prefer that you wear a plain white uniform.
You will definitely need a chest protector, and if you are planning to compete you will need a chest protector that has shoulder padding. Look for a protector which laces up instead of fastening with Velcro, since this makes it easier to get a proper fit and will stay in place securely.
Another item which needs to be on your Take kwon do equipment list is a set of shin guards. They should not be too long as you will need to bend you knees and ankles fully. 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. Again, it’s important to be sure that these fit well before you decide on a pair.
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. White is typically the preferred color for this piece of equipment; but the most important thing is that it’s a high quality piece of gear which is designed to efficiently absorb the impact of blows.
If you are going to be sparring, the groin guard is an essential part of your Tae Kwon do equipment. You must step into your groin guard in order to put it on. The elastic first goes around your waist and then around the back of your legs. If you plan to spar in Tae Kwon do tournaments, your groin guard must be worn underneath your dobok.
These are the most important pieces of Tae kwon do equipment. but if you decide you’d like to start participating in competitions, hen you will most likely want to get some additional Tae kwon do equipment as well if you make that decision.