Taekwondo Gear, Equipment & Accessories

Here is a list of some of the essential Taekwondo gear that you will need as you learn this martial art.

• Uniforms - Make sure to buy two or three Taekwondo uniforms. If you have only one uniform, it is going to stink (because Taekwondo is non-stop exercise and you will sweat profusely... like a pig). Buy a second uniform to wear when the other is in the wash. However, remember if it has a black collar, the uniform is for black belts!

• Taekwondo Shoes - Your Taekwondo Master might sell/give you a cheap pair of Taekwondo shoes as part of your introductory package. Once you have determined that you like Taekwondo and want to keep going, you should upgrade your shoe. The cheap shoes break and catch on the mats. My favorite is the Adidas AdiLuxe Martial Arts Shoe. No laces to come un-done, fits like a glove and has a great tread.

• Shoe Repair Glue - Taekwondo shoes can fall apart quickly because of all of the spins & kicks. Buy some shoe repair glue so you can fix any minor damage to your favorite shoes (i.e. the sole starts to come off).

• Sparring Equipment - Once you get better at Taekwondo sparring, you will want to replace the cheap cloth guards provided by your school. The newer plastic equipment offers better protection.

  • Helmet - Protect your noodle.

  • Mouth Guard - Protect your choppers!

  • Gloves

  • Forearm Protection

  • Knee Pads

  • Shin & Foot Protection - Get the best you can afford as two legs smashing together at high speed during Taekwondo sparring can really hurt.

  • Chest Protector

  • Groin Protection - Protect your "vital" area! Ouch. It hurts just thinking about it. :)

• Gear Bag - Make life simpler (and easier to carry) by putting all your Taekwondo sparring gear into one large equipment bag.

• Punching & Kicking Bags - I have a Wavemaster in the basement in order to practice my kicks & punches. You can also buy some boxing bags if you have a strong ceiling. Also think about ordering some practice gloves in order to protect your hands while punching. Other useful practice equipment - practice mats, kicking paddles, kicking pad or shield

• Exercise Equipment - If you are serious, you will have to buy exercise equipment in order to become stronger & more flexible. You need to work on all areas, especially your legs, arms, stomach and back.

• Belts - Your Master will give you a belt when you pass your belt tests. However, if you lose your belt & you are embarrassed to ask for a new one... :)

• Knee Braces & Ankle Braces - In case you are hurt, you should consider buying some items to support your injured knee or ankle.

• Taekwondo T-Shirts, Hats, Mugs & Much More - Show the world that you are a Taekwondo stud (or studette)!