What is Required/Recommended For the Taekwondo Student

Equipment is is an important part of the safety and training for the student.  Strongheart Martial Arts Academy has tested and chosen the safest and most durable equipment for the student so that you don't have to shop around to find equipment that will work for you.

We ask that you purchase all of your equipment through your instructor because we cannot guarantee the quality of product that you may purchase elsewhere.  If the instructor deems that the equipment that is purchased from a different vendor isn't safe or appropriate for the student's training/education, they may ask you to not use it during the class. 

Contact your instructor regarding any equipment that you may need.  They are able to provide the correct sizing for the student.  For example, younger students (children) will often be recommended to get equipment that is larger than what fits perfectly so that as they grow that they do not outgrow the equipment right away.  It is always recommended to mark your equipment with your name with an indelible marker.  Below is a list of recommended/required equipment:

• When starting, the student can begin classes without equipment right away.  Prior to their first belt promotion exam, shin-instep guards should be purchased and worn at every class to protect the students feet/shins when kicking.  It is recommended to write the students name on the top of the instep pad.
• Taekwondo uniforms are required after the student takes and passes their exam for the orange belt.  Plain white uniforms are available at most any time.  Often, uniforms that are specially printed become available to the students (no more than once a year, on average).  When these opportunities become available, information will be distributed to the students when these are available.
• Safety chops (special padded gloves) are required when the student attains their blue belt.  These are used to protect their hands for the more advanced techniques that the students begin to learn around that rank.
• Other Equipment:
  • At times, it may make sense for the student to have other non-standard equipment.  For example:
    
    • Students that participate in competition at tournaments, they should have their own mouthguard and males should have a groin protector (both things that you will not want to share with others).  Depending on how much competition the student would like to participate in, it can be a good idea to have their own head gear and chest gear (a padded helmet and padded body armor).
  • Other times, it may be for a specialty training that has become available.  This is handled when these trainings are available.
  • Taekwondo shoes, specialty shoes made for training in, are also available if the student is interested.  They are not required and only recommended if there is a chronic foot condition that the student may need that kind of protection.