How to Dress for Taekwondo

If you are thinking of taking Taekwondo classes, or have just begun, most programs will permit you to take class (especially when you're starting out) in simple, loose clothing. However, as you progress in learning your Taekwondo skills, you will want to look more like the martial artist you have become. There might be a black belt in your future.

Instructions

  1. Stay Casual and Loose

    • 1

      Begin with loose-fitting exercise clothes, such as sweatpants and a T-shirt. Women should wear an athletic bra, and the instructors known as dojos will tell you that they prefer modest, simple clothing without offensive pictures or slogans on them.

    • 2

      Refrain from wearing jewelry to class, unless that jewelry is of religious significance. Jewelry can snag or injure a sparring partner or yourself.

    • 3

      Participate in class without wearing shoes unless you need them for orthotic reasons or you have a strong preference for wearing shoes. You can purchase martial arts shoes, but dojos prefer that students attend class barefoot so they can better use the fine motor control of their toes. Socks can be worn with shoes only, but don't wear socks by themselves because it's easy to slip on the mats or floors.

    • 4

      Purchase a traditional wrap-around uniform called a dobok once your dojo recommends it. Beginners start with white belts and then move on to other colored belts signifying the level they have attained.

    The Equipment

    • 5

      Buy a head guard if the instructor recommends it. This is an important piece of equipment because the sport is known for its high kicks. The head guard is a cushioned helmet that fits snugly over the head with a Velcro strap that keeps it in place.

    • 6

      Buy a groin guard if you are a male student. Even though kicks in Taekwondo are not permitted to land below the belt, they sometimes go astray, especially with new students. Most dojos will not let male students spar if they leave this important piece of equipment at home.

    • 7

      Look for a chest protector if you are taking classes affiliated with the World Taekwondo Federation or WTF, rather than the International Tae Kwon Do Federation. WTF schools require students to buy chest protectors that shield them from heavy kicks that are a part of WTF sparring. Chest protectors come in various sizes; get one that fits you snugly.

    • 8

      Purchase forearm and shin pads if you don't want bruises. Forearm pads protect the lower arms when you're blocking kicks and punches. Shin pads shield your lower legs from hard blows. Both forearm and shin pads are made of elasticized material that can be pulled over your calves and arms.

    • 9

      Invest in a small mouth guard, which will be essential once you've begun sparring. You can literally save your mouth and teeth by wearing a guard, and your instructor probably won't let you spar without one.