Absolutely yes! In most, if not all, striking martial arts, a groin protector is an important part of the (limited) set of protective gear used. In many martial arts and styles, a groin protector is mandatory in competitions, and often also during training.
A groin guard provides protection against serious injuries.
For both men and women, a punch, kick, collision, or knee to the groin area can be very painful. For men, it can even cause life-threatening damage. Therefore, it is necessary to protect this area well against (unintentional) blows.
While the likelihood of being hit (hard) in the lower back and groin area varies greatly depending on the martial art, it's always wise to protect these areas. In boxing, it statistically occurs less often than in Karate or Muay Thai, for example, but nevertheless, large kidney and groin protectors (no-foul protectors) are worn in professional boxing matches.
Groin protectors in Krav Maga
There are even martial arts and self-defense systems, such as Krav Maga, where kicks or punches are specifically aimed at the groin. With these systems, the chance of being hit there is very high (almost certain).
Krav Maga is a self-defense system focused on realistic and simple scenarios. It often involves practicing groin kicks, a very vulnerable area for potential attackers. Therefore, Krav Maga practitioners almost always immediately purchase a good groin protector (such as one from Shock Doctor).
Comfortable groin protectors don't exist, but there are groin protectors that are more comfortable than others. In the store, we often say it very simply: "Wearing a groin protector is never pleasant, but a knee in your groin is even less pleasant."
Groin guards for MMA, BJJ and grappling
For all-round martial arts, such as MMA, or martial arts where a lot of ground fighting takes place, we would always recommend a groin protector with compression shorts . These generally stay in place better than a regular groin protector when it comes to ground fighting.
Kidney and groin protection in boxing
As mentioned before, in (professional) boxing, a large groin protector is worn, which also protects the organs. Therefore, these protectors were officially called kidney and groin protectors . In English, they are called NO-FOUL PROTECTORS, referring to the fact that they protect against illegal (foul) blows below the belt.
Steel groin guard in Muay Thai boxing
In Thai boxing matches and Muay Thai systems, steel groin protectors are sometimes even mandatory. These are usually one-size-fits-all and not very comfortable. This rule is actually somewhat outdated, as carbon fiber groin protectors are now available. Carbon fiber is virtually indestructible, very lightweight, and therefore extremely suitable as a material for (high-end) groin protectors.
Women's groin protectors
While most groin protectors are designed for men, there are indeed groin protectors for women as well. These are again mandatory or strongly recommended in some martial arts and/or self-defense systems.
In summary, which groin protector for which sport:
- For most martial arts, such as Taekwondo, Karate and kickboxing, a standard, normal groin protector is sufficient. You can then optionally choose a more luxurious and comfortable version if your budget allows.
- For Krav Maga, we would always recommend top quality: Shock Doctor.
- For boxing , you need a larger No-Foul protector . However, this is usually not used in amateur boxing.
- Sometimes the regulations for kickboxing and Muay Thai require a steel groinguard.
- For MMA and grappling, it's better to use a groin guard with compression shorts . These are also perfectly fine for kickboxing.
- Women have a different type of groin protectors.
What size groin protector do I need?
This can be a very delicate subject for men, but fear not. You don't have to measure your genitals. In fact, the cup of all Shock-Doctor mouthguards is standard size "Large". We laughed a lot about this in the showroom.
For groin protectors, it's (almost) always about your waist size. They are usually available in sizes XS to XXL, which usually corresponds to your own clothing size. For almost all groin protectors in our webshop, we have (where possible) included a size chart.
