The Korean art of Taekwondo is often compared to the Japanese art of Karate with which it holds many similarities. However, Taekwondo incorporates many hand and general body techniques.
The Taekwondo student’s uniform is called the dobok and is patterned after the karate student’s uniform, the gi. The dobok is a long-sleeved white uniform made of cotton and polyester and tightened around the waist with a drawstring. It is important that you are able to move easily and fluidly in your dobok, which is why they are designed with wide legs and sleeves. The v-neck design is important to ensure the chest and neck are not constricted. The breast of the dobok can be generic, but is usually embroidered with the crest or logo of the student's particular Taekwondo school. You can purchase the crest or logo of your particular Taekwondo school a stitch it to your uniform.
The belt worn with a dobok serves as a rank indicator and changes color as the student advances. The skill level is indicated by the belt which ranges in colour from white to black. A black belt signifies a master. A young black belt may wear a smaller, slightly different dobok called the poom do bok.
Depending on the format of the competition, a head guard will often be employed. Don't underestimate the importance of a good, well fitting head guard,. A head guard is designed for full protection with a chin guard aspect, or only top, side and rear protection. Loop fasteners and hooks keep the head guards on. Velcro was found to be not as reliable in combat.
Shin guards are important for protecting your legs against kicks. Shin guards are made of plastic and foam, and are used not in competition but in training.
Body armour - or torso/chest protector - is an important element of taekwondo. The protector is a molded plastic sleeveless construct that promotes full range of motion for both arms. The guard is held in place with loop fasteners and hooks.
Taekwondo continues to enjoy worldwide popularity with many thousands of schools to enroll in. Many people now recognise that Taekwondo is an excellent way to keep fit.
