I can't stand sparring with my chest protector on. For one thing, I like to block too much, so I don't need all that padding. Another thing is that it messes up all of my body moving when I try to kick and do spin techniques, and other stuff. I could never compete in an Olympic environment, I like to block.

Does anyone else prefer to not wear chest protectors?

What kind of chest protector are you using, and do you have a choice?

If you have to use the Olympic stile (White with reversible target dots), then there are a few by Kwon and Adidas that are cut differently, and much easier to move in than the "puffball" ones that you traditionally see.

Your other option is to roll it into a ball, cover it in a pillow case, and get a friend with a large truck to run over it a bunch of times. That helps break down the padding, and makes it easier to move in.

Or, if you can get any protector you want (Such as is allowed in the ATA), then I really prefer the ones by revgear. Dipped foam, cut out over the shoulders (Almost resembles the top of a tank top), and very easy to move in. It is a little hot because it doesn't breathe really well under a heavyweight dobok, but most of the ones I've tried have that problem.

Aodhan

Mine is kind of stiff, "puffball" as you described it. They are the ones my instructor has on hand, but I can't remember the brand name. I don't have a long torso, but it is a broad, round torso . The Jr. Master at the school described me as a TKD man trapped in a Judo man's body.

I hate my chest protector. It's huge, it has hip pads!! They hang off the bottom of the chest gear near the hips protecting . . . well I'm not even sure what they're protecting. I didn't realize they made better cut versions until recently, so I think I'm getting a child's sized one; more like a band of padding around my solar plexus. That's all I really need.

UGH

the ones my club have stink i cant move in them it overtakes me im not kidding im small and fast without it but when i have it on i feel like i cant move.

Most people don't seem to care much for chest protectors, but they can be a good thing if you get stuck sparring against someone with poor control. That happens. I don't especially care for mine either, I used to train shotokan karate, and all we used was handpads and mouthpieces. However, it has made me glad to have it when facing someone who hits more than with "light contact", thinking they're only using light contact....not!

I think a common mistake is with sizing, getting one that's really too big.

People who are wider than "average" or taller than "average" probably find it harder to get one that covers the important stuff but still allows movement.

If I'm not mistaken, the bottom of the hogu should come to just below waist/belt level, not including the little "dip" part in the front, and the top should be low enough below the armpits to allow free movement of the arms, but still high enough to protect the ribs.

Don't forget there's also a couple different types of hogu besides the "puffball" variety and the lightweight extra thin ones. There's also the "instructor" variety which has even more padding than the "puffball" ones. I've seen one, so I know it was THICK. Try moving efficiently in that!

Yeah, my instructor has some of those THICK ones. I think they are made that way so students can work on contact drills with the instructor. Definitly don't want one of those.

Once I get my protector on, it feels ok. Then, I try to spin, or do an axe kick, and I get caught.

Once I get my protector on, it feels ok. Then, I try to spin, or do an axe kick, and I get caught.

Same thing here. Any kick above chest height is very difficult while I've got the chest protector on. If I want to go for the head, I'll have to lean back a bit so my hips can clear the bottom of it. It's horrible. Feels like I'm telegraphing everything.

I hate them, too. As it was said by you guys, it restricts my kicks, and makes me sweat a lot! Now that I'm in ITF (no need for them), I am SSSOOOOO happy But the kids tend to wear them. It's actually a choice that my instructor gives us. We can wear them if we want, or we don't. He leaves it up to us. I still have mine, but I don't wear it anymore. I wear just the shin and arm pads most of the time. I wear my head gear if I spar my instructors (they are head hunters! LOL).

i hate them too. At my club we have to buy our own sparring equipment...and that can cose like 300 dollars but anyway, yeah, chest protectors suck.