Hogu
호구
Trunk protector in taekwondo. At WT competitions it is electronic and registers kick hits by itself. Blue or red color marks the fighter.
Quick Facts
Term typeEquipment and training aids
LanguageKorean
Formnoun
Pronunciation[hoh-goo]
Alternative Namestrunk protector
Readings and romanizations
Revised Romanizationhogu
McCune–Reischauerhogu
Word breakdown
護 (호)hoto protect
具 (구)gugear, tool
Definition
Hogu (호구, 護具) means protective gear. In taekwondo it is a vest protecting the chest, abdomen and hips. At competitions it is blue (chung) or red (hong) and at the same time marks the fighter. Since the electronic PSS system was introduced, a sensor in the hogu registers kick hits, and points are awarded when a hit exceeds the set force. The fighter wears socks with sensors on the feet. The Japanese term bogu for kendo gear is written with different characters (防具).