A chest guard is exactly what it sounds like; a piece of gear that’s aimed at protecting your chest. This is a vital piece of equipment for a couple of reasons. Apart from reducing the pain of a body shot, a chest guard can reduce the risk of broken ribs and internal injuries. With that in mind, they’re becoming a common requirement for tournaments, and that means you have to buy a chest guard pretty quickly after you’ve started training – assuming you didn’t buy a full sparring gear kit the day you signed up for classes.
This brings up a particular problem – price. Not everyone can shell out $500 for a single piece of gear, so they opt to go without the chest guard until it’s absolutely necessary. It’s important to note that not all dojos require you to have a chest guard for training, but tournaments are a different story. More and more practitioners are required to purchase chest protectors.
Now, some people think that gear is always going to be expensive, but this isn’t necessarily the case – there are cheaper options available. So, which chest guard should you buy? What’s the best option? Well, that’s what I’m here to help you with today as we round up the best chest guards for Taekwondo!
Our Top 3 Best Picks
01: Venum Elite Body Protector
Pros:
- Easy to put on and take off
- Durable construction
- Triple layer padding for greater shock absorption
- Aesthetically pleasing to look at
Cons:
- Initially stiff
- Expensive
- Adjustment could be a challenge
02: RDX TKD Chest Guard
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Comfortable
- Reversible
- Great protection
Cons:
- Not a good option for kids
- Doesn’t seem to be adjustable
03: Wesing Martial Arts Chest Protector
Pros:
- Made with sturdy Oxford leather
- XPE foam for better shock absorption
- Back strap for easy adjustment
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Limited protection by padding
Best Chest Protector(s) for Taekwondo
It’s important to understand that the term ‘best’ is often very subjective and depends on your training needs. In this case, however, we’ll be examining the question and determining what the best guards are based on construction, price, and reception. Let’s get started.
01: Venum Elite Body Protector
Venum is a brand that has a reputation for good quality products and decent prices. Their Elite Body Protector is a neat design that provides a full 180 degrees of coverage for your chest, abs, and kidneys. Handmade in Thailand from high-quality Skintex leather, this durable chest protector uses triple density foam for higher shock absorption. It also sports a softer polyester lining to allow sweat to escape and prevent skin irritation while training. The adjustable straps make it possible to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
Pros:
- Easy to put on and take off
- Durable construction
- Triple layer padding for greater shock absorption
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- Initially stiff
- Expensive
- Adjustment could be a challenge
The Venum Elite Body Protector is, as previously noted, very durable, and you can put it on and take it off easily thanks to the velcro lining either side of your rib cage. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a cool logo on the front either. With all that said, this one is significantly more expensive than some of the other entries on this list. It’s also going to be very stiff initially, which can restrict your movement slightly but once you wear it in that shouldn’t be a problem. Adjustment may also prove a challenge, especially as there are no sizes listed on the product page.
If you’d like to check out this product, click the link below:
02: RDX TKD Chest Guard
What does RDX have to offer?
Constructed with strong artificial leather and foam-laminated padding, the RDX chest guard is durable, reversible, and comfortable to wear. Like the Macho Sports chest protector, this is a common design that I’ve seen a few times. It affords great protection – trust me, being kicked through one of these has been very educational – without making you feel too safe. You can still feel the hits (which you should be able to do with any guard), but you’re not going to end up with a fractured sternum or rib as a result.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Comfortable
- Reversible
- Great protection
Cons:
- Not a good option for kids
- Doesn’t seem to be adjustable
Final thoughts on this one are as follows: it’s a great product and works really well. With that said, however, it’s not designed for use by children so if you’ve got kids you may need a different option. It doesn’t look to be adjustable, so if you’re in need of something that can be easily adjusted, this might not be for you. Otherwise it does exactly what it’s supposed to do, and the price, while a bit more than most of the other entries on this list, isn’t horrible.
If you’d like to checkout this item, click the link below:
03: Wesing Martial Arts Chest Protector
The Wesing chest protector is strong, comfortable, and easy to use and maintain. Constructed with Oxford leather and shock absorbent foam padding, this is a perfect general martial arts chest protector. It’s nice and light allowing for ease of movement and the padding, while thin, is very dense to significantly reduce the discomfort of a kick or punch without making you feel like you’re in a bubble.
Pros:
- Made with sturdy Oxford leather
- XPE foam for better shock absorption
- Back strap for easy adjustment
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Limited protection by padding
Overall, this chest protector is great for martial arts in general but is best used by older or more experienced fighters. The padding, while effective, doesn’t actually protect much, which means you have to be very quick on your feet – which most beginners aren’t.
If you’d like to check out this product, you can do so by clicking the link below:
04: Front Open Chest Guard
A nice simple and sturdy design, this guard is fashioned from foam and polyurethane, which keeps it lightweight and maintains its durability. This guard opens up in front, which allows you to easily put it on before a match and take it off afterwards. It’s also reversible from black to red, so if you prefer a red guard to a black one, the option is there.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to use
- Adjustable
- Reversible
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
The only real issue I can see with the front-open guard is that adjusting it could be a bit of a challenge, but even that won’t be too bad once you’ve got it.
The front-open chest guard is super easy to use. As the name implies, it opens in front which allows you to put it on and take it off unassisted where other guards may require the assistance of a friend to secure them. The ability to choose between two colors (red and black) is a nice touch, and, while it may not look like it, this simple design has more than enough padding to get the job done.
You can check out this product by clicking the link below:
05: Student Sparring Rib Guard
Lightweight and simple, this is one of the better chest guards for more experienced practitioners of taekwondo. It’s secured behind your back and protects your chest, ribs, and part of your abdomen.
Pros:
- Sturdy and stylish
- The segmented design spreads the impact of a blow to your ribs and torso
- Contoured design for a comfortable fit
- Lightweight, easy to secure and adjust
- Affordable
Cons:
- Probably not the best chest protector for beginners
This is a fantastic guard for taekwondo. It’s super comfortable and lightweight. The contoured, segmented design makes it more flexible and improves impact dispersion while the extra 0.5-inch foam padding allows for more shock absorption. As far as whether it’s the best chest protector for taekwondo, I’d say that having used guards similar to this one, it’s definitely one of the better options on the market. Compared to some of the other offerings on the market, you definitely have more freedom of movement, which makes sparring much easier as you don’t have any padding on your shoulders to limit your mobility.
Now, it might not be the best chest protector for beginners although it is billed as being great for them. When it comes to sparring, you have to be comfortable – which this provides – but you also have to be confident and quick on your feet. Many beginners that I’ve seen over the years don’t use this style of chest guard, preferring something with shoulders. The reason, near as I can tell, is security. You want to know that the guard isn’t going to go anywhere, and, as much as I dislike bulky shoulder padding, I can’t deny that it gives that secure feeling. Beginners may be nervous about this one slipping down, and this could affect their sparring.
If you’d like to purchase this item, click on the link below:
Alternative Chest Protectors for Taekwondo
06: TKD Student Chest Protector
One of the more recognizable chest guards on the market, this one from Century Martial Arts is a reversible foam guard with a vinyl coating to give it a bit of extra durability. The padding covers the chest, abdomen, sides, and shoulders for solid protection during sparring.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Can potentially limit the motion of the shoulders
This is a good option for both rookies and veterans alike. If you need a chest guard at an affordable price that provides a comfortable fit and some good protection, this is a fantastic starting point. I’ve seen this particular style of chest guard a few times, and I’ve heard that it’s a very rigid piece of equipment. From my own observations, however, it seems more than flexible enough. The shoulder padding may limit the field of motion for your arms.
If you’d like to check out this product for yourself, click the link below:
07: Macho Sports Martial Arts Chest Protector
Apart from the different branding, this style of chest guard is the one that I’ve seen the most in my years of training, and I’ve used this style a few times myself. This particular model is constructed with a high-density thermoplastic and is molded to cover the vital areas of the torso during sparring. It’s a very lightweight chest protector that’s designed to provide protection and reduce any kind of shifting while sparring without limiting your range of motion.
Pros:
- Ultra-light and sturdy
- Comfortable
- Doesn’t restrict your movement
- Good price
Cons:
- Adjustment might be a bit of a challenge
Overall, this martial arts chest protector is great for practitioners of all skill levels.
If you’d like to check out this chest guard, click on the link below:
08: LASTSTAND Chest Guard
This entry from LASTSTAND has a lot going for it. The artificial leather construction makes it incredibly sturdy with an EVA foam (vinyl coated foam) lining to improve shock absorption. There’s also a suede interior to increase the level of comfort.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Sturdy
- Shock resistant
- Adjustable
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Adjustment could prove to be a challenge
- It may limit your flexibility
Overall, this is a good option. It may be a little rigid when you start, which can impede your movement, but after a few weeks that problem should be solved.
If you’d like to check out this chest guard, you can do so by clicking the link below:
09: Meister Gel-Padded Chest Guard
I never thought of gel-padding as shock resistant, but this entry from Meister MMA is a full torso chest protector with 2.5’’ thick aerated padding integrated with a layer of impact gel. It’s got an ergonomic design for a snug, comfortable fit that doesn’t impede your movement. The thick synthetic leather makes it nice and sturdy without making it burdensome.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Sturdy design
- Shock resistant
- Comfortable and adjustable
Cons:
- The price could be considered a bit steep
- It tends to ride up on the shoulders quite a bit
- Difficult to adjust
- Limited protection
Overall, this is a good option for beginners who are just starting with light contact sparring. There are a few reviews that talk about how they felt the shots through the padding and that the padding is very thin, so, if you’re going for harder sparring, you may need something else. At close to $70, this is also one of the pricier options on the market, so that’s also something to keep in mind.
10: ProForce Lightning Bodyguard
Firstly, I wouldn’t recommend this one for beginners at all, and I’ll get to why in a second. The ProForce Lightning Bodyguard is a lightweight, vinyl-coated foam chest guard that’s designed to move with you while you fight. The vinyl coating on the foam makes it nice and durable and the foam itself is thick enough that it’ll stop the worst of a blow’s impact.
Pros:
- ¾ inch thick foam provides ample protection to the chest and kidneys
- Comfortable fit that doesn’t restrict movement
- Reasonable price
- Adjustable and secure
Cons:
- Limited protection on the sides
- Thinner material
The reason I wouldn’t recommend this for beginners is very simple. As others have pointed out, this product has very limited protection along the sides, and the material is quite thin. This means that you can still feel much of the force behind a blow, so you have to be very quick on your feet if you want to avoid an unpleasant bruise. For more experienced fighters, this isn’t really an issue, but beginners are likely to be a little nervous. The limited protection will become apparent very quickly. All that said, the price is perfect, and this chest guard does its job well.
If you’d like to pick one up for yourself, click the link below:
FAQs about Chest Guards for Taekwondo
Question: Chest Guard for Sparring vs. Training – What’s the Difference?
Answer: Sparring is a key part of your training because it forms part of your grading (the exam for your next rank). It’s also a major part of tournaments. The real difference would be in the context of the sparring. If you’re in the dojo practicing, contact will likely be light. In a tournament, it’ll be much harder and the chest guard, while not always required in the dojo, will be required if you wish to compete.
Question: Why should you wear a Chest Guard in Taekwondo?
Answer: The bones in your chest are strong, but they’re not invulnerable. If a rib is broken, there’s a real risk of damage to the internal organs. A chest guard won’t stop you from feeling the hits, but it should, at a bare minimum, reduce the risk of internal damage due to a fractured rib.
Question: How do you Tie a Chest Guard?
Answer: The answer to this one will vary. No two chest guards are alike (unless they’re the same brand/model) and so each one will have a different way of being tied/secured. Some will use straps that you tie like boot laces and others will use Velcro. Some are secured at your back and others in front; it depends on the guard in question.
Question: Which Chest Protector is Best for Taekwondo?
Answer: This depends on your needs. However, any of the chest guards on this list would be good options.
Question: Buying Guide for Chest Guards – What should I Look for?
Answer: Things to look at when buying a chest guard are weight, price, materials, ease of use, and whether it is adjustable. It’s also a good idea to look at whether or not a particular chest guard will limit your range of motion – if you can’t move, then you can’t fight.