A white dobok, a belt around your waist and you’re ready for class? For practicing stances and tuls, ITF Taekwon-do really does start out simply. Once you also start sparren, kicking targets and practicing breaking techniques, each activity calls for its own gear. A safety kick serves a different purpose from a shin guard, and a focus pad is not a small kicking shield.
Start with a well-fitting ITF dobok and build your contact gear around hand protectors, safety kicks, a mouthguard, groin protection and headgear. Shin guards without foot coverage are an optional addition to this training selection. For extra technique practice, we compare focus pads, Taekwondo paddles, large kicking shields and reusable breaking boards separately.
This is a gear guide for ITF Taekwon-do, not WT Taekwondo. With these doboks, protectors and training targets, you can put together practical gear for tuls, sparring and competition training, and combination drills.
What good gear adds to your training
In Taekwon-do, you need room to turn, raise your knee and extend your leg. At the same time, protectors need to stay in place as you move. Comfortable gear helps you focus on the exercise instead of constantly pulling at your trousers, fixing a loose elastic strap or repositioning a safety kick that has slipped.
Choose each item for its purpose. A dobok should let you move comfortably, protectors should stay in place, and a training target should suit the technique you’re practicing. That way, you can put together gear that works well in class.
- Dobok and belt. Choose the ITF version for your grade, with room to move at the shoulders, hips and legs.
- Hand protectors and safety kicks. Compare construction and fastenings for the type of contact you’ll use them for.
- Mouthguard. Choose a suitable model and size range for your teeth.
- Groin protection. A cup is part of your contact gear and should stay comfortable when you raise your knee and turn your hips.
- Headgear. The Bytomic Defender is our training option, available in red, blue and black.
- Targeted additions. Shin guards without foot coverage, focus pads, Taekwondo paddles, a kicking shield and breaking boards each serve a different training purpose.
Our Fight2Win picks for ITF training
For a kup holder looking for a specific training kit, we’ve selected the individual items below as a starting point. You can choose the items separately and coordinate their sizes.
Classic ITF dobok
A recognizable kup-style dobok with a polyester-cotton blend, embroidered lettering and a center fastening. If you’re looking for lighter fabric, compare it with the Ultra-Light in the dobok section.
Safety Punch PU
The open-palm design with foam padding and an elastic closure is a practical choice for ITF contact training. Red, blue and black are listed in separate product entries.
Safety Kicks PU
Your own safety kick with an elastic Cross-X fastening. Choose your foot size separately from the size of your punches.
Bytomic Defender
Lightweight headgear in red, blue or black. Choose a size that fits well without obstructing your vision.
Bytomic Basic Transparent
A clear, uncoloured mouthguard in the size range for your teeth. If you have braces, choose the separate braces option instead of this standard model.
XPRT Basic cup
The men’s version with a removable cup, or the separate women’s version if that suits your needs. The support system should also fit comfortably during kicks. For extra comfort, you can compare the Shock Doctor Ultra SD329 in the groin protection section.
Bytomic Red Label Focus Pads
Our practical addition for more focused punching and kicking drills with a partner. A compact target with a grip bar and wrist strap; the large kicking shield and breaking boards are separate choices for other exercises.
Fight2Win Travel gym bag
Our choice of bag for carrying your ITF gear together. The Travel measures 60 × 30 × 28 cm and combines handles, a detachable shoulder strap, zipped compartments and slip pockets.
The dobok: choose the version for your rank first
An ITF dobok is more than a white training uniform. The front closure, patches and finishing give it its distinctive look. Our range includes versions for kup holders, Boosabum and Sabum. Choose the version for your rank first; then compare the feel of the fabric and the room the uniform gives you to move.
Classic ITF dobok for kup holders
The classic ITF dobok for 10th through 1st kup uses 65% polyester and 35% cotton. The uniform has embroidered lettering, a hook-and-loop front closure and trousers with an elastic waistband and drawstring. A good starting point for children and adults with a coloured belt.
XPRT ITF Ultra-Light
Ultra-Light uses a lighter ribbed polyester-cotton fabric. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a light, flexible uniform for high kicks and fast combinations.
Boosabum: classic fabric or Ultra-Light
For 1st through 3rd dan, we offer both a classic Boosabum and an XPRT Ultra-Light Boosabum. You can choose the fabric feel you prefer within the version for your rank.
Sabum for 4th dan and above
The classic Sabum is the version offered for 4th dan and above and also uses a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. The version for your rank and the feel of the fabric are the main factors in your choice.
White and colored belts: grade, meaning and length
Your belt is as much a part of your ITF dobok as the uniform itself. Its color shows the grade you have earned. White is the starting point; you then progress through the colored kup grades toward the black belt. Choose the color based on your grade and the length separately based on your dobok size.
The white belt: starting ITF Taekwon-do
As a beginner, you start with the white belt, 10th kup. In the traditional explanation, white represents the beginning: you are introduced to Taekwon-do stances, techniques, tuls and etiquette. For your first set of gear, pair the white belt with a suitable kup dobok. Check whether the uniform you choose includes a white belt, so you know which items you need to buy separately.
Colored belts: showing your progress
Yellow, green, blue and red mark further progress through the kup grades. The colors also have symbolic meanings: growth, building a foundation, reaching further, and learning to handle strength and control. A new color makes your progress visible, but it does not automatically change the size of your uniform or protective gear.
When you reach your next grade, you can choose a belt in your new color with the same suitable length. Make sure you choose the version that matches your grade. The difference between color and size is simple: the color follows your grade, while the length depends on the fit.
From kup grade to black belt
ITF Taekwon-do has ten kup grades and nine dan grades. First dan is the first black belt, not a grandmaster rank. Development continues after that, too. This distinction matters for your gear: alongside kup doboks, you’ll also find separate versions for higher grades.
Which belt length fits your dobok?
You can use your dobok size as a practical guide to length: for a uniform size up to and including 130 cm, choose 170 cm; above 130 cm up to and including 160 cm, choose 190 cm; and for a larger uniform size, choose 210 cm.
The table below this section lists the three lengths. These are based on your uniform size, not a separate waist measurement. Tie the belt neatly and check that the ends hang comfortably and that you can move freely.
Safety Punch: PU hand protectors in three colors
The Safety Punch in this guide has an open palm, one-mold foam padding, a thumb guard and a long elastic hook-and-loop closure. We’ve chosen the PU series here. Red, blue and black are color options in this series; choose your size for each item.
Safety Punch Red
Red is a recognisable choice for anyone training with red and blue gear. Check the fit around your hand and whether the elastic closure stays in place.
Safety Punch Blue
The blue version has the same PU construction with an open palm. Pair it with blue Safety Kicks and a blue Defender if you like, but choose the size of each item separately.
Safety Punch Black
Black is the neutral colour choice in the same training range. The same open palm and elastic closure, in a colour that is easy to pair with your other gear.
Safety Punches combine a padded contact surface with an open palm. That makes them a practical choice for ITF contact training. The long elastic closure helps you secure the protector for a good fit.
What size Safety Punch? Measure around your hand with a flexible tape measure and use the table as a guide. When trying it on, check that the hand protector fits comfortably and the closure stays secure, even when you open and close your hand.
Safety Kicks: PU safety kicks in three colours
Safety Kicks are separate safety kicks with foam padding and an elastic fastening. A shin guard without a foot section does not replace them. In this guide, we compare the PU versions and help you choose the right size for your feet.
Safety Kicks Red
The red version has one-mold foam padding and a Cross-X hook-and-loop closure with a long elastic strap. Check how the safety kicks fit around your feet and whether they twist when you kick gently.
Safety Kicks Blue
The blue version has the same basic construction and pairs naturally with blue punches. Matching colours do not mean you need the same letter size for your hands and feet.
Safety Kicks Black
Black is the neutral colour in the PU range. Check the fastening and fit around your feet, just as you would with red and blue.
Check the elastic straps, closures and contact surfaces before every contact session. Let the protectors dry after class with the closures open.
What size Safety Kicks? Use your shoe size as a starting point and find the corresponding size in the table. Then check that the safety kicks fit snugly around your feet and do not twist when you lift your leg and kick gently.
Bytomic Defender: red, blue and black
The Bytomic Defender has a lightweight coated foam construction, ear protection and a hook-and-loop closure. Choose from red, blue and black. Make sure the headgear fits snugly and you can see clearly while moving.
Bytomic Defender Red
Red is a color option for training with red gear. For example, pair it with red hand protectors and safety kicks.
Bytomic Defender Blue
Blue pairs with blue hand protectors and safety kicks. The fit of your headgear is a separate choice, independent of the sizes of your punches and kicks.
Bytomic Defender Black
Black is a neutral training color. The lightweight foam construction and hook-and-loop closure are the same as on the Red and Blue versions.
Headgear does not make head contact risk-free and cannot guarantee protection against concussion. Choose a model that fits well and keep contact controlled during practice.
What size Defender? Measure your head circumference with a flexible tape measure and use the chart as a starting point. Then check that the headgear fits well, stays in place and lets you see clearly.
A mouthguard for your ITF training
A mouthguard is part of your contact gear. Bytomic Basic, SafeJawz Intro and Shock Doctor Gel Max offer different options to compare for fit and moldability. Choose the right size range and follow the model's molding instructions.
Bytomic Basic Transparent for adults
Bytomic Basic is a moldable mouthguard with a Protective case. On the product page, choose the Transparent version for adults. This is the clear version of the Basic. You can also view the other colors on the product page.
Bytomic Basic Transparent for children
The children's version is designed for a smaller set of teeth. Focus on the fit as well as the age range. Check the fit regularly, as teeth can still change in children and teenagers.
SafeJawz Intro
SafeJawz Intro is a moldable mouthguard with a Protective case and molding instructions. The model uses Fluid-Fit construction and Remodel Tech for remolding according to the included instructions. You choose the color and size range separately. Transparent is a clear option; various colored versions are also available to match your training gear.
Shock Doctor Gel Max
Gel Max uses a heat-moldable Gel-Fit inner layer and is available in various colors and size ranges. Compare its fit with Bytomic Basic and SafeJawz Intro. Pay particular attention to how the mouthguard fits and stays in place after molding.
Mold the mouthguard according to the instructions for the exact model. You should still be able to speak and breathe while wearing it, and it should not keep coming loose. Store it clean and dry in its case. A mouthguard helps protect your mouth, but it cannot guarantee prevention of every dental or head injury.
For competitions, a transparent mouthguard is often required.
Braces call for a different mouthguard choice
If you have brackets, you can't simply choose a standard mouthguard in a different size. A braces mouthguard must allow room for the braces and suit your treatment. Ask your dentist or orthodontist to assess which option is right for your teeth; they know what changes need to be taken into account.
Shock Doctor Braces
Shock Doctor Braces is designed for upper braces and is used without boiling. Do not mold this model using the procedure for a standard boil-and-bite mouthguard. Follow the instructions for the braces model you choose.
Shock Doctor Double Braces
Double Braces is the double version for the upper and lower teeth and is also used without boiling. It has a different construction from the single model. Which version suits your treatment matters more than the name or color alone.
During your treatment, check regularly that the mouthguard still fits well. Changes in tooth position may mean you need a new one. A standard moldable mouthguard and a braces mouthguard serve different purposes.
Groin protection under your dobok
Even if a technique isn't meant to target the groin, accidental contact can still happen. Groin protection should therefore be a standard part of your contact gear. Wear the model as intended and check the fit when you raise your knee and turn your hip.
XPRT Basic for men
The men's version has a removable plastic cup and an elastic support system. This lets you care for the cup and fabric part separately. Both the waist size and the fit of the cup matter; a snug waistband doesn't automatically mean the cup fits well.
XPRT Basic for women
The women's version has a different shape for the groin and lower abdomen, with PU and an elastic waistband. Choose the version that fits comfortably and gives you enough freedom of movement.
A well-fitting cup stays in place when you raise your knee and turn your hip. Consider care when making your choice, too: you can clean and dry a removable cup and fabric support system separately.
Shock Doctor Ultra SD329 for extra comfort
If you're looking for a more comfortable alternative, the Shock Doctor Ultra SD329 is a good option to compare with the XPRT Basic. The cup has soft edges and is held in place by an elastic support system. This makes it comfortable when you raise your knee, turn and move around.
The cup is removable, so you can wash the fabric part separately. Choose the right size and check that the cup fits comfortably when you move.
XPRT Protector V1 Shin guards without foot section
The XPRT Protector V1 is an elastic sock-style model with padding on the front of the shin. It has no foot section or hook-and-loop straps. Pair these shin guards with separate Safety Kicks.
Protector V1 Black
You pull on the Black version like a sock. Check that the padding stays on the front of your shin when you lift and turn your knee. It complements your safety kicks; it does not replace them.
Protector V1 White
White is the other colour option for the same sock-style model. The function remains the same: padding on the shin without additional foot protection. Compare the available sizes for each colour and choose the fit that suits your leg.
The Protector V1 is a useful additional shin guard to pair with your separate Safety Kicks. This keeps shin and foot protection as two separate items, each with its own fit and size.
Choosing an ITF set or individual items
A set is a practical way to choose items together. The benefit is a straightforward combination, not a guarantee that every product labelled complete contains all your contact gear. Headgear, a cup and extra shin guards are still items to check separately.
Taekwon-do ITF Sparring Set
The stated basic contents are Safety Punches, Safety Kicks and a mouthguard. The red and blue sets are colour options for this combination. Shin guards are described as an additional option. Do not assume that a cup or headgear is included as standard.
Complete Taekwon-do ITF Set
According to the listed contents, this set adds an ITF dobok to punches, kicks and a Bytomic mouthguard. Check the selection on the product page and in your cart. Shin guards and a bag are described as additional options; do not assume they are included as standard.
Choose a suitable size for each item and check the clear version of the standard mouthguard. A set does not have one shared body size. Choose the combination based on the items you want to use for your ITF training.
Focus pads for speed, distance and precision
A compact target that changes position works well for practising targeted Taekwon-do techniques. You can follow a movement with a kick, alternate between targets and work on returning to your starting position. The target needs to be ready before the technique begins.
Bytomic Red Label
Red Label uses tarpaulin and has a hand pocket with a padded grip bar and wrist strap. It is a compact option for targeted punches and kicks and comes in pairs. The handle and fit are just as important as the striking surface.
Bytomic Focus Pads
The other Bytomic version has a clearly marked target, a grip bar and a wrist strap, and also comes as a pair. Compare how the pad feels in your hand and how easily you can present a target. A fixed target gives the drill direction, but it doesn’t set the same contact angle for every kick.
Use these focus pads for targeted punches and kicks. Agree on the target, sequence and pace. Start with straightforward repetitions before adding faster target changes.
Taekwondo paddles for focused kicking technique
An elongated Taekwondo paddle or target mitt provides a different target from a boxing paddle, a slip-on focus pad or a large kicking shield. You present the target surface for a kick, pull it back, then change its position or height. This suits repetitions focused on distance, timing and returning to your starting position.
Adidas Single Target Mitt
The Single Target Mitt is the single-layer Adidas version with a Maya PU outer, injected foam and a nylon strap. Its elongated target surface suits its use as a Taekwondo kicking target. Sizes range from S at 40 × 15 cm through M at 45 × 20 cm to L at 50 × 25 cm; the product options show the available versions. You receive a pair.
Hold the handle firmly and use the strap for extra security. Present the target surface before the kick begins and keep your fingers out of the contact zone. Only change the height and pace once the target position and movement are clear.
Single and double as different designs
The Adidas Double Target Mitt has two layers that can clap together on contact. That differs from the Single’s single target. The clapping sound provides audible feedback, not a measure of force or proof that every technique was performed correctly. Both designs are familiar from Taekwondo kick training and can be used for focused ITF kicking drills.
Use a paddle for its intended target work. For a larger target surface held against the body, compare a kicking shield; for slip-on models with a grip bar, the Bytomic focus pads remain a separate option. That gives each of the three tools a distinct role.
A large kicking shield for a different training drill
A kicking shield provides a larger target than a focus pad. That’s useful for a separate drill where you kick a clearly presented surface and regain your balance after each repetition. The larger size also changes how it’s held: the holder’s grips, position and body contact all matter.
Super Pro Curved
The Super Pro Curved has a slightly curved profile, a Bysonil exterior, four handles and stated dimensions of 75 × 35 × 15 cm. The curved shape is the main difference from the flat Super Pro model.
Super Pro flat in black and red
The flat Super Pro kicking shield comes in black and red. You can compare size M at 60 × 30 × 15 cm with size L at 75 × 35 × 15 cm. Its Bysonil exterior and four handles are a different combination from the curved model. Both the red and black versions are in the product range.
Booster CKS
The Booster CKS also has stated dimensions of 75 × 35 × 15 cm, with two belts and a handle on the back. That different fastening system is a good reason to compare it with the Super Pro. The same dimensions do not mean it feels the same to hold.
Everlast Titan
The Titan has a synthetic exterior and stated dimensions of 64 × 38 × 15 cm. This gives it a different length-to-width ratio. Compare its dimensions with the exercise and the person holding the shield, rather than assuming bigger is automatically better.
A kicking shield is not an invitation to kick at full power without coordinating with your partner. Build up the intensity within the planned exercise. An unstable grip, pain or a shifted target is a reason to stop and reset the setup.
Breaking boards: technique, resistance and repetition
Breaking tests have their own place alongside sparren and pad training. In power breaking, the focus is on breaking through using the prescribed technique. Special techniques place a different emphasis, for example on jumping techniques and reaching the target. The ITF therefore describes these disciplines separately.
Bytomic light series
The reusable blue and black boards in the light series have a plastic construction with a foam layer. After a successful break, slide the pieces back together. The blue beginner version and the black advanced version offer different levels of resistance within that series, not universal age guidelines.
Bytomic V2
White V2 and Black V2 are offered as heavier versions with rounded corners. Treat them as a different series from the light boards. This matters especially when the color is the same: a black V2 is not simply the same board with a different product label.
Bytomic Heavy
Heavy Black is the specialist heavy-duty version in this comparison. It belongs in training where resistance and technique are chosen deliberately, not as an automatic step every beginner should take quickly. The board, technique and setup together determine the exercise.
Before each attempt, check the connection and condition of the board. Keep your hands away from the intended point of impact and use a stable setup. Compare the different series by design and resistance.
Official international competitions: European and World Championships
Training for a European or World Championship? Checking your gear is part of your preparation. There are different organizations and competition rules within ITF, too. So use the official invitation and equipment regulations for the championship you’re entering.
Make sure you have an approved safety set in both red and blue. For international sparren, you must be able to compete in either corner colour, with the right hand protectors, safety kicks and headgear. Check not just the colour, but also whether the exact model is on that event’s approval list.
The explanation in the grey box covers that international gear check. For regular ITF training, choose the products in this guide based on fit, use and comfort.
- Check the right event information. For a European Championship, use that championship’s rules; for a World Championship, use those of the organizing world federation.
- Get both red and blue ready. Check both sets of hand and foot protectors and headgear.
- Check model approval. See whether the brand, model and version are on the list for that event.
- Check the rest of your gear. Also check your dobok, belt, mouthguard and additional protective gear. Make arrangements in advance for special requirements, such as a mouthguard for braces.
Gymbags: keep your ITF gear together
A gym bag is handy for carrying your dobok, hand protectors, safety kicks, headgear and mouthguard together. Choose a size that fits your gear neatly, and consider the compartments and how you carry the bag. You’ll want to be able to find your loose keys and mouthguard case quickly.
Fight2Win Travel gym bag
Our pick is the Fight2Win Travel, a medium-sized bag measuring 60 × 30 × 28 cm. The polyester bag has sturdy handles and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. Multiple zippered compartments and slip pockets let you keep small items separate from your larger gear.
The size is practical for your ITF training: arrange your dobok and larger protective gear neatly, and give your mouthguard case a designated spot. The bag is also suitable for a training weekend.
When you get home, take your damp dobok and used protective gear out of the bag. Let them dry separately before packing everything away again. That way, your gym bag is ready for the next class.
Caring for your gear after training
Unpack your bag after class. Wipe the outside of punches, kicks, headgear, focus pads and kicking shield with a soft, slightly damp cloth and let everything dry naturally. Open fastenings where possible. Do not leave damp gear sealed up with your dobok.
Gloves should not go in the washing machine, dryer or a water bath. Avoid direct heat. Sukkiri and FreshKO are not cleaners for the outer material of gloves or protectors, including synthetic outer surfaces. You can apply a thin layer of suitable leather cream to smooth leather outer surfaces; do not automatically treat PU and coated foam as leather.
Wash your dobok and washable textile items according to their care labels and let them dry completely. If the cup is removable, take it out of the textile part. Clean your mouthguard and case after use, and check the fit, fastenings, elastic and joins of your gear at the same time. Clean gear and undamaged gear are two separate checks.
Children and teenagers: the same items, individual choices
For younger children, it helps if fastenings are easy to manage and protectors do not shift unnecessarily. Check each item's size and intended use separately. A smaller dobok size does not automatically determine the size of gloves, safety kicks, cup or mouthguard.
Teenagers may already need an adult size for some items but not for others. Growth is also a reason to check the fit regularly. Use age groups as a guide, not as a fixed sizing system. For breaking boards, age alone is not enough to choose the right resistance.
You put together a complete set of gear for a child or teenager one item at a time. That makes it practical to combine a well-fitting dobok, the right sizes for hands and feet, and a mouthguard that fits their current teeth.
Conclusion: ITF gear that suits your training
The right essentials are a dobok suited to your rank and separately chosen contact protection. Hand protectors and safety kicks go together, but each has its own construction and sizing. Add a well-fitting mouthguard, suitable groin protection and your chosen headgear. Shin guards without foot coverage are a useful addition to separate Safety Kicks.
For technique drills, focus pads, Taekwondo paddles, a large kicking shield and breaking boards each serve a different purpose. A sports bag keeps your gear together on the way to class. Compare these products based on the drills rather than trying to do everything with one type of pad. This keeps your choices focused on your training and easy to manage.
Choose your ITF training gear based on how you use it, fit and construction. With the right essentials and well-chosen additions, you can put together a comfortable combination for the training you do.
