What protective gear do taekwondo athletes wear in competition?
Officials' detail · Knock downs, replay and entry · 1 of 1Nine items: an approved uniform, the electronic trunk protector, the electronic head protector, a groin guard, forearm guards, shin guards, gloves, sensing socks and a mouthguard. Everything must be approved by World Taekwondo and is inspected before the athlete goes to the mat. An athlete without the right kit does not compete.
How it works
- The list: dobok or competition uniform, trunk protector, head protector, groin guard, forearm guards, shin guards, gloves, sensing socks and mouthguard.
- Approved: uniform and equipment "must be those ones approved by the WT".
- Under the uniform: the groin guard always, and forearm and shin guards when a dobok is worn.
- Head protector colour: blue or red only.
- Carried in: the head protector is tucked under the left arm until after the bow.
- Mouthguard: white or transparent, at least 3 mm thick and covering all the upper teeth.
- Braces: a special mouthguard covering both rows of teeth, with a dentist's letter.
- Nothing else on the head: no other item may be worn there. A religious item goes under the head protector and inside the uniform.
- Piercings: no piercing, earring or hard material on the face or body.
- Tape: taping of hands and feet is checked, and excessive taping needs the doctor's approval.
- Inspection: after being called, athletes are inspected for body, uniform and equipment.
- Personal kit: athletes bring their own guards, gloves and mouthguard. The organisers supply the electronic protectors.
The glossary has the protector and scoring system, the sensing socks, the dobok, chung and hong, the disqualification entry and kyorugi.
Tricky cases
An athlete forgets their mouthguard and is called to the mat. Can they compete?
Not without it. An athlete who does not have a proper mouthguard is not allowed to take part, and one who is not fully equipped when the referee calls is treated as withdrawn.
Can an athlete wear a green head protector to match their team colours?
No. Only blue or red is permitted.
An athlete wears a religious head covering. Is that allowed?
Yes, beneath the head protector and inside the uniform, provided it cannot harm or obstruct the opponent.
Who supplies the trunk protector?
At World Taekwondo's own championships, the organising committee supplies the electronic trunk and head protectors and keeps spare socks, gloves and guards.
Why the rule exists
Full-force kicks to the trunk and head need padding, and the padding also carries the sensors that keep score. Approval and inspection matter twice over: a faulty guard is a safety risk, and an altered sensor is a way to cheat.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All listed events | Nine items, WT approved | WT Article 4.2.1; 4.2.2 |
| Cadets | The head protector may have a face shield | WT Article 4.2.4 |
| Dobok or competition uniform | Guards beneath, or in the garment for the competition uniform | WT Article 4.2.3 |
| Mixed team | Male athletes wear black uniform trousers | WT Article 22.9.3.13 |
From the rule book
World Taekwondo, Competition Rules & Interpretation (in force 1 June 2026), Article 4.2 with Explanations 3 to 9, and Article 10.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WT Competition Rules & Interpretation, 1 June 2026 (PDF).