Section 2: Equipment
2.1 The Dobok (Uniform)
ITF competitors wear a distinctive dobok that differs visually from the WT uniform. The ITF dobok features a cross-over (overlap) front top, secured by a tie on the right side, in contrast to the V-neck pullover top used in WT competitions. The dobok is typically white, symbolizing purity of purpose, and must bear the ITF tree logo on the back and the competitor's national flag on the left chest. Black belt holders (1st Dan and above) may wear a dobok with black trim along the collar, lapels, and trouser stripes, distinguishing them from colored belt practitioners.
2.2 Belt System
The ITF belt ranking system progresses through the following colors: White (10th Gup — signifying innocence), Yellow (8th–9th Gup — the earth from which the plant grows), Green (6th–7th Gup — the growing plant), Blue (4th–5th Gup — the sky toward which the plant reaches), Red (2nd–3rd Gup — danger and proficiency), and Black (1st–9th Dan — maturity and mastery). Stripe belts (e.g., yellow stripe, green stripe) mark intermediate stages between solid colors. The highest attainable rank is 9th Dan Grand Master, reserved for practitioners with decades of service to the art.
2.3 Sparring Protective Equipment
ITF sparring does not use the electronic trunk protector (hogu) or electronic headgear employed in WT competition. Instead, the following protective equipment is mandatory:
- Dipped-foam hand protectors — open-palm gloves with foam padding over the knuckles and back of the hand
- Dipped-foam foot protectors (boots) — foam coverings for the instep and shin, leaving the sole exposed
- Head guard — foam-padded helmet covering the forehead, temples, and crown
- Mouthguard — custom-fitted or boil-and-bite, mandatory for all competitors
- Groin guard (males) — hard-shell cup worn under the dobok
- Chest protector (females) — rigid breast protector worn under the dobok
- Shin guards — mandatory in many tournaments, worn under foot protectors
All protective equipment must be ITF-approved or meet tournament-specific standards. Equipment displaying excessive wear, tears, or inadequate padding will be rejected during pre-competition inspection.
2.4 Breaking Equipment
Power breaking events use standardized wooden boards, typically pine or paulownia, of regulated thickness (approximately 2.5 cm per board for adults). Spacers may be used to separate stacked boards. The breaking stand or holder must be stable and approved by the tournament organizer. Competitors may not use pre-weakened or scored boards.
2.5 Special Technique Equipment
Special technique events require height-adjustable targets — typically small padded boards or breakable targets suspended at measured heights above the ground. For distance events, a horizontal obstacle (such as a vaulting box or rope) is placed at a specified height, and the target is positioned at a measured distance beyond it.