Your groin is one of the most vulnerable targets in sport, but it’s even more vulnerable in martial arts than in any other discipline. Between the reduced surface area and the very, very sensitive nerve endings, a blow to your nether regions is excruciatingly painful. Now, most Dojos will have a rule in place: don’t kick below the belt. This helps too, more or less, reduce injuries, but accidents do happen – that’s kind of why protective gear exists, right?
That brings us to the topic of this article and the piece of equipment that is probably the most important thing you’ll wear while sparring: a groin guard. Yes, for those of you who didn’t know, this is a real thing, and it’s something that you’ll absolutely need. With that in mind more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below: let’s take a look at some of the best groin guards for martial arts practitioners.
Our Best Picks
01: Diamond MMA Compression Shorts with Built-In Jockstrap and Athletic Cup System
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- The cup can’t move
- Great shock and impact resistance
Cons:
- The price is a bit steep
02: Ringside Women’s Groin Guard
Pros:
- Shock and impact resistance
- Adjustable
- Durable
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Adjustment may prove challenging
- Some users may find the external guard a bit awkward
03: RDX Groin Protector for Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA
Pros:
- Adjustable
- Durable
- Secure, comfortable fit
- Good shock and impact resistance
- Suitable for multiple martial arts styles
Cons:
Best Groin Guards for Martial Arts
01: Diamond MMA Compression Shorts with built-in Jock Strap and Athletic Cup System
Facts:
- Sport: MMA, Karate, Taekwondo
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Materials: Cotton/Neoprene
A pair of shorts with an integrated cup – where was this thing when I was starting out seven years ago? Yes, you read that correctly, this is a system wherein the cup itself is housed in a special-made pocket and held in place by four straps. It would’ve saved me many uncomfortable sparring matches if I’d known about these. There’s nothing worse than having your cup moving around while you’re sparring – apart from being kicked in the groin, of course.
Since the cup can’t move, your groin is safe and you can spar comfortably. The edge of cup is a rubberized polymer with a strong center to allow for maximum safety and comfort.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- The cup can’t move
- Great shock and impact resistance
Cons:
- The price is a bit steep
Seriously, why did I not know about these until now? The price is a bit much, but I’d say it’s worth it if you can keep your whole body functional.
02: Ringside Women’s Groin Guard
For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
Facts:
- Sport: MMA, Karate, Taekwondo
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Materials: Synthetic leather
Made from durable synthetic leather with strong elastic waist straps, the Ringside Groin Guard for women provides full pelvic protection and a comfortable fit. The internal foam padding provides great shock and impact resistance.
Pros:
- Shock and impact resistance
- Adjustable
- Durable
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Adjustment may prove challenging
The price is very good, and, overall, if you’re on a tight budget, this may be the guard for you. For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
03: RDX Groin Protector for Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA
Facts:
- Sport: Boxing, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Karate, MMA
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Material: Synthetic leather
RDX is a known and trusted brand in the world of combat sports, and it’s easy to see why. This groin guard is sturdily built using synthetic leather and is ideal for sparring in a variety of martial arts, including, boxing, taekwondo, karate, and others. The foam padding around the cup is double-layered and there’s enough room for a secondary cup if needed. As far as slippage goes, there’s nothing to worry about; the lace-up closure secures the guard in place and makes sure it stays where it’s needed.
Pros:
- Adjustable
- Durable
- Secure, comfortable fit
- Good shock and impact resistance
- Suitable for multiple martial arts styles
Cons:
- Some users may find the external guard a bit awkward
For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
04: Lobloo Aeroslim Female Patented Athletic Pelvic Cup
Facts:
- Sport: MMA, Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Material: Polymer
This one is designed specifically for stand-up sports such as karate, taekwondo, and muay Thai. The adjustable elastic waist bands and leg cords keep a slim profile and the plate itself is designed to protect your groin from severe injury.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Adjustable
- Easy to maintain
- Full mobility
Cons:
- The price may be a bit steep
- Setup may be complicated
This is a pretty expensive piece if I’m being honest – especially considering what it is – and setting it up can be a bit complicated. Other than that it’s a good piece to use if you need a groin guard.
For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
05: BDM Mansfield Super Max Cricket Groin Protector
Facts:
- Sport: Karate, Taekwondo, MMA
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Material: Polymer
Okay, I know this might be a weird entry, but bear with me. These cups are typically used for cricket, but they’re also the most accessible groin protectors that you can get. It’s a simple polymer cup with either a synthetic leather or rubberized edge. These can be purchased at almost any retailer that sells sporting goods, so they’re easy to get.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Affordable
- Easy to find
Cons:
- Not very comfortable
- Tends to move around
Something to keep in mind is that this type of guard is just a cup that you shove down the front of your pants. With that in mind, it’s not the most comfortable guard to use as it tends to move around a bit and there’s no real shock resistance. It’s primarily meant to shield your bits and pieces while sparring.
For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
06: Adidas Taekwondo Male Groin Guard
Facts:
- Sport: Taekwondo, Karate, MMA
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Material: Synthetic leather
This WTF-approved groin guard has an elastic waistband with supporting straps to keep the guard in place without restricting your movement. The foam padding absorbs and disperses the impact of a blow to your groin and prevents or reduces injury.
Pros:
- Durable
- Doesn’t move while sparring
- Good shock and impact resistance
- Comfortable fit
Cons:
- Can be difficult to find
- The cup may not be the right size
Adidas is known for quality goods at reasonable prices and this groin guard is definitely a budget-friendly option for those on a tight budget.
For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
07: Ringside Female No-Foul Protector
Facts:
- Sport: MMA, Karate, Taekwondo
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Material: leather
Full leather construction with an elastic waist and a contoured shape make this groin guard a durable and comfortable option. The lace-up back ensures that the guard doesn’t move around while you spar and the padding provides fantastic shock and impact resistance. As far as mobility goes, there’s no restriction to the way you move.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Great shock and impact resistance
- No restriction on movement
- Comfortable
- Secure fit
Cons:
- The price point is slightly high
- You may need help putting it on
For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
08: Shock Doctor Shockskin Lax Relaxed Fit Impact Short
Facts:
- Sport: MMA, Karate, Taekwondo
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Materials: Cotton/Neoprene
Much like the Diamond MMA shorts from before, these ones from Shock Doctor have an integrated cup and support system. Additionally, they have ventilated foam pads on the hip, thigh and coccyx (tail bone). The support system prevents the cup from moving around which means you can spar without worrying about restricted movement.
Pros:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Integrated cup and support system prevents the guard moving around during training
- Good shock and impact resistance
- No restriction on movement
- Comfortable
- Extensive padding
Cons:
- A high price point
- Sizing may be a bit tricky
These are very popular and all the reviews I saw raved about the comfortable fit and extensive padding. Shock Doctor has a reputation for quality and these are no exception.
For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
09: RAD Men’s Groin Protector MMA Athletic Cup
Facts:
- Sport: MMA, Taekwondo, Karate
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Materials: Polyester and Cotton
Okay, the RAD Men’s Groin Protector is a jock strap made of elasticated polyester and cotton. It features a removable cup, is very lightweight and low-profile. You can move around freely without the cup moving around.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- No restrictions on movement
- Cup doesn’t move around
Cons:
- Not adjustable
For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
10: Ring to Cage Muay Thai Men’s GelTech Supporter with Steel Cup
Facts:
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Sport: Muay Thai, taekwondo, karate, MMA
- Materials: Leather, Neoprene, foam
Ring to Cage is a lesser-known brand, but this is definitely not a cup you’d want to kick. The genuine leather casing covers a molded steel cup and the gel-padded neoprene edge and internal foam lining provides a comfortable fit and prevents direct contact with the metal cup.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Cup doesn’t move around
- No restriction on movement
- Comfortable fit
Cons:
- Not Adjustable
For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
Alternative Options
01: Soluptanisu Male Taekwondo Groin Guard
Facts:
- Sport: MMA, Karate, Taekwondo, Sanda
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Material: Synthetic Leather
Made from durable synthetic leather, this option from Soluptanisu is easy to clean and maintain. The sturdy plastic frame and shock-resistant foam allow for effective protection of your equipment without sacrificing a comfortable fit. The elastic straps make adjusting and wearing the guard super easy.
Pros:
- Good price
- Durable construction
- Easy to maintain
- Good shock and impact resistance
Cons:
- Despite its promotion, it may not be super comfortable for some users
- Sizing may be a challenge
Suitable for multiple disciplines. This guard is recommended for practitioners of Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, and Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) and others. It’s got a very low price point, and it is a good budget-friendly alternative.
For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
02: Wesing Karate Groin Guard for Women (WKF Approved)
Facts:
- Gear: Groin Guard
- Sport: Karate, Taekwondo
- Material: Synthetic layer
Made with synthetic leather, this WKF-approved groin guard for women has micro-elastic straps to make it a comfortable fit. The internal foam provides great shock and impact resistance, and the guard itself can be used for multiple disciplines.
Pros:
- Good shock/impact resistance
- Comfortable fit
- Suitable for other disciplines
Cons:
- Doesn’t appear to be adjustable
Overall, this is a great option for the ladies out there who need a groin guard but don’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money. For more details, or to make a purchase, click on the link below:
FAQs about Groin Guards:
Question: What is a Groin Guard?
Answer: Exactly as it sounds, a groin guard is a piece of equipment that you stick down the front of your pants or around your waist which covers up your groin and protects it from kicks and punches.
Question: How do you Choose the Best Groin Guard?
Answer: First consider the sport or style you’re going to practice, then scope out prices according to a budget and check other product reviews. If you like what you see, then give it a shot – just keep in mind that, for obvious reasons, groin guards cannot be returned unless they are defective.
Question: Do Groin Guards Come in Sizes?
Answer: Yes, but it seems to be dependent on the brand in question. Sizing may also vary between brands.
Question: Why should you use a Groin Guard?
Answer: Let’s start with the obvious. A kick to the groin – regardless of your gender – is painful! Your legs give out and you become short of breath. It’s not pleasant. Besides being painful, however, taking shots to your groin can do severe damage to your reproductive system and can, in some cases, cause fainting. Note, this is more common for men. A groin guard prevents your opponent’s foot or fist from making contact with your rather fragile equipment.
Question: Are Groin Guards used in Tournaments?
Answer: Yes, groin guards are mandatory for competition sparring. You won’t be allowed to compete without one, and if you tried, you’d very quickly come to regret it. Keep in mind that, while you may be in an age or weight division, not everyone fights the same way and, while they may not go for your groin on purpose (unless they’re looking to be disqualified), accidents do happen and many of the older students – especially the black belts – can put some serious power in their kicks and punches.
Question: How do you Wear a Groin Guard?
Answer: That depends on the brand. Some will have waist and leg holes that you adjust to fit comfortably. Others will be a simple cup that you just shove into your pants.
Question: Do Boxers Wear a Groin Guard?
Answer: Yes, they do. I thought it a bit odd initially, but, then again, not everyone’s going to be a good sport when losing, so protection against cheap shots is required.
Question: Can Groin Guards be Washed?
Answer: It depends on the brand and the type of guard (inside or outside of the pants), but generally, yes, a groin guard can be washed.
Question: Do Groin Guards Actually Work?
Answer: I’ve seen many complaints about gear not working because the wearer still felt the blows. You’re supposed to be able to feel the shot – the gear is there to prevent injury, not sensation. In the case of a groin guard, you’ll probably feel the impact but if the guard is of good quality then you won’t be in excruciating pain as a result.