8

So I've been getting interested in TKD sparring, but I'm still murky on some things. I am going to get everything else, but I am still trying to decide if I should get a groin protector. I am a girl, so I don't know if there is really a need for it like there is for they guys.

I would probably be starting a lot older than the other people practicing around my age, so I'd be taller then them I'd imagine.

Improve this question

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
5

When it comes to Taekwondo, as a female, wearing a groin protector is more annoying than being kicked in the private parts. The groin protector scrapes the sides of your legs and more often than not causes more damage from the impact than the kick itself would. Kicks hurt, that's normal. But being kicked in the privates as a female does not really add pain, unlike as a male. I'd personally recommend against a groin protector.

Improve this answer
14
  • 1
    Agreed. I once saw a girl got kicked down below. She was wearing a female groin guard. The rubber tip went inside her nether regions and tore it. She had to be carried to the hospital to be sewn back up.
    – Kristina Lex
    Jun 26, 2019 at 10:16
  • @KristinaLex and Sjana, I know this is a late reply, but I needed some time to settle into sparring. I've been sparring with a groin protector recently because of a kick I took there without wearing one that just hurt so bad and so long, that I promised myself to never spar again without wearing one. I remembered what you said about your experiences, and was wondering if you could expand on them. After a few months, I'd still say I'm pretty new.
    – The Electrocuter
    Oct 29, 2019 at 8:49
  • 1
    Overall, groin guards for females can deal a lot more damage than the kick itself. Yes it is something that happens rarely, but when it does happen you'll be out of sparring for a year, if you still want to spar after that. In general I find groin guards uncomfortable, inconvenient and they hurt more than the kick itself. I've taken a fair share of kicks to the groin without and with protector, and the ones without definitely hurt less for me. The protector gets kicked into the sides of your nether region, which is more sensitive cause of the build up of cysts. Let me try to find out the name.
    – Sjana
    Oct 31, 2019 at 10:11
  • 1
    i.pinimg.com/originals/04/ec/f2/… They are Lymph Nodes, which naturally build up non-cancerous cysts. Everyone has these little cysts, both males and females. But in the female body they go further down, to the sides of the nether region. The groin protector can really hurt that area. When you're below 20 years old you mostly likely don't notice the cysts yet, as you get older they become bigger and more visible. They will stay below a certain size for the most part, but a hit to it still hurts.
    – Sjana
    Oct 31, 2019 at 10:12
  • I am actually wondering which groin guard you used, now that you say that. I regularly use an Adidas one, and sometimes I forget I am even wearing it. Also, when you said that a kick to the female privates doesn't really hurt like a kick to the male privates, I wonder what you mean. Could just be subjective experience, but the girls where I train, frequently are unable spar for longer than the guys, unless the males were unprotected. You also said that female groin guards can deal a lot more damage than the kick itself. Besides the lymph nodes, how else might this happen?
    – The Electrocuter
    Dec 23, 2019 at 8:48
7

I would rate this a matter of personal choice. Getting hit in the groin is intensely painful, no matter what you have between your legs. Men have it a bit worse, due to the external bits having a better chance of actually getting badly damaged (and a burst testicle is no joke). On the flip side, cups are generally a bit awkward to wear, and can cause chafing at the least, and the edges can bruise and cut, even on an impact that would not have actually hit the groin.

As a female, you might want to look into a chest protector to avoid a pain point that most guys don't have to worry about as much. Also, as Amorphous Blob noted in the comments, get a mouthguard and properly fit it. Replacement and repair of teeth is expensive. Mouthguards are relatively cheap.

Improve this answer
1
  • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
    – mattm ♦
    Mar 29, 2019 at 4:05
3

You should always wear groin guard when sparring no doubt ! Does not matter if you are male or female. Proper back kick that lands lower than it should WILL burst you bladder. It is required for all WT tournaments.

Improve this answer
1

Quite a long time ago I did fracture another girl's pelvis by accident when sparing. I know she was not wearing a groin protector. I did wear one off and on but I remember it being extremely large, uncomfortable, and it really hindered my range of motion. It was like walking around with one of those pool noodles between your legs.

Im thinking about getting back into competative sparring and that is my one major concerns. I have been out looking at a lot of research and testimonials and all I hear is that they do more damage than good. This has lead me to look into different protective gear. I'm now considering one used by female Muay Thai fighters called "Lo'Bloo" its much smaller and many say its comfortable. I just can not find if it is approved for use in WT Tournaments.

I would be interested to know if it is approved for use. Its looks so much more reasonable than the "Pool Noodles" that most are using.

Improve this answer
1
  • Please take the tour. This sounds like you have a new question, not that you are answering the existing one. If so, please start a new question.
    – mattm ♦
    Feb 5, 2020 at 16:51

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.