Absolutely! In most—if not all—standing combat sports and martial arts, a groinguard is an important part of the limited set of protective equipment used. In many combat sports and styles, a groinguard (cup) is mandatory for competitions and often for training as well.
A cup protects against dangerous injuries
For both men and women, a punch, kick, collision, or knee to the groin area can cause a great deal of pain. For men, it can even cause life-threatening damage. It is therefore essential to protect this area properly against (unintentional) blows.
Although the likelihood of being hit (hard) in the lumbar and pubic area varies greatly depending on the combat sport or martial art, it is always wise to protect it properly. In boxing, this happens statistically less often than in, for example, karate or Thai boxing, but professional boxers nevertheless wear large kidney- and groinguard boxing (no-foul protectors) during matches.
Groinguards in Krav Maga
There are even fighting styles and self-defense systems, such as Krav Maga, in which the groin is deliberately kicked or struck. In these systems, the chance of being hit there is therefore very high (almost certain).
Krav Maga is a self-defense system focused on realistic and simple scenarios. Kicks to the groin are often practiced, targeting a very vulnerable area of potential attackers. Krav Maga practitioners therefore almost always immediately purchase a good groinguard, from Shock Doctor, for example.
Comfortable groinguards do not exist, but some groinguards are more comfortable than others. In the store, we often put it very simply: "Wearing a cup is never pleasant, but a knee to the groin is even less so."
Cup for MMA, BJJ, and grappling
For all-around combat sports such as MMA, or combat sports involving a lot of ground fighting, we would always recommend a groinguard with a compression short. These generally stay in place better than a regular groinguard during ground fighting.
Kidney and groin protection in boxing
As mentioned earlier, boxers use a large groinguard in (professional) boxing, which also protects the organs. That is why these protectors are officially called kidney and groin protectors. In English, they are called NO-FOUL PROTECTORS, referring to the fact that they protect against illegal blows (fouls) below the belt.
Steel cup in Thai boxing
In Thai boxing matches and Muay Thai systems, steel groinguards are sometimes even mandatory. These usually come in one size and are not particularly comfortable. This rule is somewhat outdated, as carbon-fiber groinguards are now available. Carbon fiber is virtually indestructible and also very lightweight, making it highly suitable as a material for (high-end) groinguards.
Groinguards for women
Although most groinguards are designed for men, groinguards for women do indeed exist. These are also mandatory or strongly recommended in some combat sports and/or self-defense systems.
In summary, which groinguard for each sport:
- For most combat sports, such as taekwondo, karate, and kickboxing, a regular, standard cup is sufficient. You can choose a somewhat 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 generally not used in amateur boxing.
- Regulations sometimes require a steel cup in kickboxing and Thai boxing.
- For MMA and grappling, it is better to choose a cup with a compression short. You can also use this perfectly well for kickboxing.
- Women have a different type of groinguard.
What size groinguard do I need?
This can be a very delicate subject for men, but don't worry. You do not need to measure your genitals. In fact, the cup in all Shock Doctor cups is a standard "Large" size. We have had plenty of laughs about this in the showroom.
With groinguards, it is (almost) always your waist circumference that matters. They are therefore usually available in sizes XS through XXL, which generally corresponds to your regular clothing size. We have included a size chart (where possible) for nearly all groinguards in our online store.
