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WABUKAN Arsenal · Protection and armour · Korea

Hogu (chest protector)

The chest protector of taekwondo sparring: mandatory in World Taekwondo and Olympic competition and the main target for scoring kicks.

Hogu (chest protector)
Hogu (chest protector) WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

호구 (護具); chest protector

Origin and history

The hogu has been used in World Taekwondo sparring since the 1950s and is considered the most important piece of sparring equipment. It is mandatory in World Taekwondo and Olympic-style competition, but it is not used in sparring under the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) style.

Martial arts that use it

Taekwondo

Construction

A padded protector worn over the trunk, which is the most common scoring area in taekwondo sparring. Only certain approved brands may be used in World Taekwondo events.

Basic techniques

Training

Protective equipment is part of training itself: students learn to put it on correctly, check straps and padding, and move and breathe while wearing it before any contact work.

Safety

Protection only works if it fits: replace cracked, torn or compressed padding, check helmets and grilles regularly and let damp gear dry fully to avoid skin infections.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

In Korean geomdo (sword art), hogu means the whole set of armour, similar to the bōgu of Japanese kendo.

More weapons

Gambeson Fencing mask Mouthguard Bogu Boxing gloves

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Hogu