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Probably the single most important piece of equipment that helped make Taekwondo popular around the world was the foam equipment implemented in the early 1970's. Before them, accidental contact while sparring often resulted in some type of injury. The equipment has now allowed everyone to spar in relative safety.

Safety equipment is any padded, stuffed, or solid sportswear that protects a person from incurring injury and it also protects the person from inflicting injury. The degree of physical contact desired or the fighting style determines the amount and type of protective wear used. Master Jhoon Rhee, considered the father of American Taekwondo, is the man most people credit with introducing safety equipment (Safe-T-Punch/Kick) to martial arts tournaments in the 1970's. Although its use is now worldwide, there is still controversy about its use.

Types of Protection

• Head protector. A padded helmet to protect the head from strikes. The helmet protects the boney parts of the head but not the face, although some helmets do offer protection for the cheekbones.

• Face protector. A metal or plastic cage that protects the face. Many be freestanding or used in conjunction with a head protector.

• Safety glasses. Prescription or plain sports glasses or empty sports frames that protect the eyes from damage.

• Mouthpiece. A rubber device that is placed over the upper or upper and lower teeth. It protects the teeth and holds the jaw in a locked position, enabling it to withstand blows.

• Chest protector. A hard or semi hard device to protect the fighter's front torso from injury.

• Groin cup. A hard plastic cup that protects the groin from attacks.

• Elbow protectors. Pads that cover the elbow to protect it during from strikes and while striking.

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