Redesign Taekwondo chest protector.

[frank01]

Hi Taekwondo enthusists from all around the world,

I am a senior product designer at The Ohio State University, and I am redesigning Taekwondo chest protectors for my senior thesis. And I would like everyone to give me some feedback or general comments about the existing chest protectors that you would like to see improved, features that you don't like (female anatomy discomfort, comfort, ease of wear, flexability, etc.), and any other comments that you may have. The more you help and give me feedback. The more I can improve on the next generation of Taekwondo chest protectors. So please feel free to comment on any aspects of the chest protector likes and dislikes. Thank you all for your help and hope to see some comments...!

kind regards,
Frank

[Szczepankiewicz]

I think you should make them thinner.

Provide for protection under the arms.

Come up with a system that anchors them in place so they don't slide up or sideways.

[platinum_angel]

i think you should put two large holes on the females chest protector for maximum pleasure

[osopardo]

I've always had strong feelings about this. On the one hand we're told that it's a necessary precaution, that you could get killed from a well-placed kick. Then we put on the chest protector and feel hampered and constrained by it. Our techniques, forms, speed, etc. suffer greatly because of it. Then we see boxers and kickboxers competing full force without them and nobody actually gets killed. Makes you wonder if they're at all necessary.

At our school we only wear them to become accustomed to them for tournament competition, where they are required. Otherwise, most of us just don't use them, even when sparring full-force.

During multiple-opponent sparring for my blackbelt test I stepped into a full-force sidekick which knocked the wind out of me and (I found later) fractured 2 ribs. I survived. I got my wind back, struggled to my feet and continued sparring. I continued with all the other requirements for the test that evening. I don't relate this to brag about what a tough guy I am (I'm really a creampuff) but to illustrate how stupid and unneccessary chest protectors are.

BTW - I dont feel the same way about head gear, mouth guards and groin cups. Those thing make sense to me.

[Damian Mavis]

Chest protectors are for wussies.

HA! ok ok just joking! I can feel all you WTF people glaring at my post with hate!

I just don't understand them, they don't seem to protect from anything and they get in the way. The ITF doesn't touch them... because for crying out loud your arms are supposed to be blocking you there! heh. I can see the value of chest protectors when you don't block like alot of competitors in WTF I have seen. Not a knock, just an observation.

Damian Mavis
Honour TKD

[osopardo]

Agree with just about everything you said, but you know, Damian, everytime I hear stuff like that about WTF I wonder what the heck I've been studying. Whenever the subject comes up my instructor just says "It's Tae Kwon Do, you know, from Korea!" End of discussion.

We've figured out that it must be WTF because the patterns are the same (even though we are required to learn 16, not 8) and the tournament rules are the same and various other similarities, but this guy doesn't charge for tests, teaches punching to the head, teaches low as well as high kicks, etc.

He'll come in one day and announce, "IF... you are interested in competing at the next tournament, come talk to me about it. There are a few things you need to work on to prepare for a tournament. Rules and stuff." 'Cause it's not the usual things we work on.

BTW - aren't you teaching WTF style these days?

[Damian Mavis]

Nope, I teach WTF style when covering for my friends school if he needs me but I teach ITF at an international school and will be opening 3 part time ITF branches soon!

Ya there are alot of old school instructors that teach outside the sport curriculum of WTF (like my freind). But then there are thousands of ones that are just sport... so sad.

You should find out the roots of your school and what kwan it is, if you are doing 16 patterns you are probably doing kukkiwon forms and then older set of your kwan.

Damian Mavis
Honour TKD