Chest protection for female Karateka ...

It's an important issue for female Karateka of all ages ... but it's an issue that I felt could be better addressed by a female, so I asked Jeffet Jenkins, Nidan, to provide some basic advice for beginners about the sort of chest protection options available to them.

Here's what she said:

Protective Equipment for female Kumite

Girls and women need to preserve their natural beauty by preventing getting knocked or bruised in places. Some associations or clubs make it compulsory for chest protectors to be worn whereas others don’t.

A chest protector should be the number one item to wear at all times of training otherwise  it is possible to develop lumps in the area were scar tissue has formed.

I’ve listed two typical types. The plastic moulded chest protector or the Sports Bra with inserts. What you choose is a matter of choice.  The younger age group tend to favour the comfort of the sports bra.  It is less obvious and more feminine.  The example protector looks like a sports bra and can be washed as normal but it has a slit where the inserts can be placed as illustrated below.  This particular type covers the breast area. They can be purchased in various cup sizes and styles prices can vary.

Advantages

They offer protection to the breast area and part of the ribs.

Disadvantages

It does not protect other vulnerable areas of the chest such as the sternum, solar plexus and rib cage.

If you don’t mind looking like Dolly Parton but want all round protection to your breast, chest and rib cage then the Plastic Chest Protector is for you.  It’s not as comfortable as the sports bra with inserts.  You might get hot and sweaty.  The plastic chest protector is kept in place by sitting inside an elasticated vest top.  The fabric can vary and is usually a high tech fabric. It will feel like you have a shield on but once training you soon forget about it being there and will be grateful when sparring or in general training.  Male students are usually concerned when pairing with a female student. They are concerned about hitting them near the chest area.  So don’t be surprised or offended if you are asked by a male student if you are wearing a chest protector.    The top and protector can be easily washed after each use.

Advantages

Protects the breast, chest, rib cage. There is less chance of getting a broken rib.

Disadvantage

Uncomfortable at first but takes getting use to it.  May not be suitable for girls under 11 due to the impression of the breast area. 

Many thanks to Jeffet for that. 

I'd recommend that you visit a store rather than order these items online, as you'll be able to try them on and see what size is best for you.  While you're there, get yourself a groin guard too.

All the best,

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu