The most popular martial art in Korea and one of the most popular in the world, tae kwon do loosely translates to mean "the way of the hand and foot." Modern tae kwon do is practiced primarily as a combat sport, but your child will also receive a grounding in the principles of practical self-defense, and, most important, he'll learn mental discipline, focus, respect and self-knowledge.
Sweats
Most tae kwon do schools allow your child to take an introductory class before you invest in longer-term training. Your child will need a uniform later on, but most schools will permit her to do the trial class in sweats and a T-shirt. Note that although some tae kwon do practitioners wear special indoor martial arts training shoes, most students work out barefoot and your child might even be required to do so.
Uniform
If you and your child commit to a regular schedule of tae kwon do classes, he'll be expected to wear a tae kwon do uniform, also known as a dobok. These uniforms are usually white, with loose-fitting pants gusseted to allow freedom of movement and a pullover or cross-tie top, also designed to allow freedom of movement. Check with the instructor before you purchase a uniform elsewhere, as many schools require students to wear a uniform embroidered with the school logo, usually sold directly through the school.
Belt
The belt your child wears with her tae kwon do uniform shows her rank, or how far along she is in the learning continuum. The beginning rank is white belt, and the highest ranks are ascending degrees of black belts. Your child will usually get her white belt directly from the instructor and will earn future belts through belt testings, in which she demonstrates the techniques she's learned in class.
Personal Sparring Gear
Sparring, more contest than violence, is highly encouraged in tae kwon do. Your child might not start sparring right away, and some sparring gear may be available for loan when he does start. But once the time comes for sparring, he'll need at least two personal items you wouldn't want him borrowing: an athletic mouth guard and a groin protector. Groin protectors might not be required during informal in-class sparring, but they're a good idea, especially at the beginning levels when students often lack control and may land groin kicks by mistake. You can purchase padded tae kwon do groin protectors for both boys and girls.
Other Sparring Gear
Other sparring gear you can acquire over time includes a padded chest protector, which wraps around your child's torso, then ties or fastens in the back; a padded helmet; gloves; foot protectors, which are essentially gloves for your feet; and padded shin protectors. Always check with your instructor about what protective equipment is required or allowed, as tournament requirements may vary depending on which tae kwon do organization is overseeing the competition.
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