Absolutely yes! In most—if not all—stand-up martial arts and combat sports, a groinguard is an important part of the (limited) set of protectors used. In many martial arts and styles, a groinguard (cup) is mandatory in competitions and often also during training.
A cup provides protection against dangerous injuries
For both men and women, a hit, kick, collision, or knee to the groin area can cause a lot of pain. For men, it can even cause life-threatening damage. Therefore, it is essential to protect this area well against (unintentional) strikes.
Although the likelihood of being (hard) hit in the lower back and groin area varies greatly depending on the martial art or combat sport, it is always wise to protect it well. Statistically, it happens less often in boxing than in, for example, Karate or Thai boxing, but nevertheless, large kidney- and groinguard boxing protectors (no-foul protectors) are worn in professional boxing matches.
Groinguards in Krav Maga
There are even fighting styles and self-defense systems, such as Krav Maga, where targeted kicks or strikes to the groin are common. In 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 kicks to the groin, a very vulnerable area of potential attackers. Practitioners of Krav Maga almost always immediately purchase a good groinguard (for example, from Shock Doctor).
Comfortable groinguards do not really exist, but some are more comfortable than others. In the store, we often simply say: "Wearing a cup is never pleasant, but a knee to your groin is even worse."
Cup for MMA, BJJ, and grappling
For all-round combat sports like MMA, or sports where a lot of ground fighting occurs, we always recommend a groinguard with a compression short. These generally stay in place better than a regular groinguard during ground fighting.
Kidney- and groinguard boxing protection
As mentioned earlier, in (professional) boxing, a large groinguard is worn that also protects the organs. That is why these protectors were officially called kidney- and groinguard boxing protectors. In English, they are called NO-FOUL PROTECTORS, referring to the fact that they protect against illegal (foul) blows below the belt.
Steel cup in Thai boxing
In Thai boxing matches and Muay Thai systems, sometimes steel groinguards are mandatory. These are usually one size and not very comfortable. This rule is somewhat outdated, as nowadays there are groinguards made of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is virtually indestructible and very light, making it an excellent material for (high-end) groinguards.
Groinguards for women
Although most groinguards are designed for men, there are definitely groinguards for women as well. These are again mandatory or strongly recommended in some martial arts and/or self-defense systems.
Summary: which groinguard for each sport:
- For most martial arts, such as Taekwondo, Karate, and kickboxing, a normal, standard cup is sufficient. You can opt for a more luxurious and comfortable version if your budget allows.
- For Krav Maga, we always recommend top quality: Shock Doctor.
- For boxing, you need a larger No-Foul protector. This is usually not used in amateur boxing.
- Sometimes the rules in kickboxing and Thai boxing require a steel cup.
- For MMA and grappling, it is better to use a cup with a compression short. You can also use this well for kickboxing.
- Women have a different type of groinguards.
What size groinguard do I need?
This can be a very delicate subject for men, but don’t worry. You don’t have to measure your genitals. Even stronger: the cup of all Shock Doctor cups is standard size "Large." We have had plenty of laughs about this in the showroom.
Groinguard sizing is (almost) always based on your waist circumference. They usually come in sizes XS to XXL, which generally correspond to your clothing size. For almost all groinguards in our webshop, we have included a size chart where possible.
