Belly Protector for Kickboxing

A belly protector covers a kickboxer's abdomen, ribs and vital organs during sparring practice. Also known as a body protector or a chest protector, this piece of equipment allows athletes to engage in medium- to full-contact training while minimizing injury from heavy blows. Belly protectors are not worn by most kickboxers during competitive fighting events. However, they are required for Taekwondo tournament competitors of all levels -- even by Olympic athletes.

  1. Protect Yourself as You Learn

    • As a beginning kickboxer, you may not possess the abdominal fortitude to last even one round of sparring with another beginner. A medium to hard blow to your midsection can be a severe shock to your system, and may discourage you from training. Wearing a belly protector will allow you to engage in supervised combat training as you gradually get into shape and learn to process the trauma of a severe kick to the gut. It will also make you to work harder to affect movement, as it can be somewhat restricting, adding another dimension to your training.

    Don't Get too Comfortable

    • What is designed as a training aid can become a crutch over time. Even if tournament competition requires that you wear a belly protector, you will eventually want to learn to train with it and without it. One way to gradually wean yourself off the belly protector is to divide up your sparring sessions. At the onset when you and your partner are fresh, use the belly pads. As you become winded and your strikes lose a little steam, try sparring without the pads. Remember to control your kicking power and degree of contact to avoid injuries.

    Variations in Design

    • Taekwondo belly pads reach from the collarbone down to the lower abdomen and extend around the torso, coming together in the back. They lace up with a nylon strand and a series of loops, similar to a shoelace. Kickboxing chest protectors are available that accommodate the female form. Some strap over the shoulders for greater protection while others fasten only around the back, allowing for greater movement. Belly protectors for Muay Thai kickboxing feature a padded flap that extends down to the pubic bone for protection against low strikes. Some designs strap over the shoulders and around the back while others fasten only around the waist with a large Velcro or nylon strap.

    Safety is a Constant Concern

    • Kickboxing training can be very dangerous and should take place under the close supervision of qualified professionals. A training partner wearing a belly protector is not a substitute for a punching bag or a kicking bag. Some degree of control must be observed at all times during training. A belly protector can not guarantee your safety from kickboxing injuries, and should not be seen as a reason to spar carelessly without putting forth your best defense.