WTF Sparring Gear Requirements

The World Taekwondo Federation is an international, non-profit governing body for the sport of Taekwondo and it oversees the majority of Taekwondo competitions worldwide. It was established in 1973 and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee in its authority over Taekwondo competitions in the Olympic games. The WTF established a firm set of rules and etiquette to be followed by all members and these guidelines affect sparring as well. The WTF requires certain equipment be worn at all times in sparring to prevent injury.

  1. Hogu

    • A hogu, otherwise known as a chest protector, is required by the WTF to protect the sternum and ribs from punches and kicks. WTF chest protectors are reversible with one side being red and the other being blue so the fighter can wear whichever color he is designated in a particular match, since one fighter represents the red corner while the other fights from the blue corner. The WTF requires that the chest protector also have shoulder padding and the protector can be either tied or velcroed in order to secure it.

    Head Protector

    • While punches to the head and face are illegal in sparring under WTF rules, kicks to the head are legal and common so head protection is required. If you wear a colored protector, you must own both a red and a blue helmet so you can wear the color corresponding to your corner and chest protector in any given fight. A white head protector is also allowed by the WTF and is corner neutral so it more cost-effective than having to purchase two helmets. The helmets are made out of a thick foam that is designed for shock protection.

    Mouthguard

    • The WTF does not have specific requirements for what kind of mouthguard a fighter wears, but it is required that the fighter have one. They are made out of rubber and are usually molded to a fighter's mouth by boiling them and then biting down on them to fit. More expensive mouth guards can be specifically molded to the fighter's mouth by a dentist. Some mouthguards only cover the top teeth while others are longer and folded in half to cover both top and bottom teeth. Mouthguards not only protect the teeth from being knocked out by a kick or an accidental punch or headbutt but they also protect against a fighter being knocked out by reinforcing the jaw against impact when the teeth are clenched.