A dobok (도복) is a taekwondo training uniform. It consists of a top and pants, worn with a ddi (벨트) belt. The term dobok literally means "clothing of the way" (bok = clothing; do = the way, just as in the word taekwondo).
Generally speaking, there are three styles of uniform tops:
- Older, traditional taekwondo uniforms use a cross-over jacket front, usually with black trim on the bottom of the jacket
- Newer ITF-style uniforms use a vertically closing jacket, usually with black trim on the bottom of the jacket
- WTF- or Sport-style taekwondo uniforms use a pull-over V-neck jacket that is solid white (no trim at the bottom). Black Belts will have black trim around the collar, whereas color-belt uniforms have no trim at all. The pull-over design facilitates wearning of the hogu (chest protector) when sparring, which is slightly more difficult to pull on-and-off with cross-over jackets.
All styles of taekwondo wear similar long pants. Black Belts may have black stripes down the leg. ITF -style uniforms will sometimes have ITF lettering down the leg.
For all styles of taekwondo, the basic taekwondo uniform is white, but there are many variations. For example, Instructors (especially high-level Black Belts) as well as Black Belt Club, Demo Team, and Leadership Team members may be given different color uniforms.
The school logo is often imprinted on the back of the uniform or is available as a sew-on patch, usually seen on the chest. Additional patches may also be used to denote membership in special teams. National flags are often sewn on the shoulder or chest of the uniform.
Sizing
Some manufacturers sell uniforms in sizes based on your height in centimeters. Other manufacturers use a sizing system that goes from triple-zero (000) to 7, based on your height and weight. Generally, it's easier to shorten the sleeves and slacks than it is to take the waistline in, so as a rule-of-thumb it's probably smart to focus on your weight rather than your height when selecting your size, and then tailor the arms and legs as needed.
Slacks should be tailored to come to about the ankle-bone. Slacks that are too-long will catch on the floor. When it doubt, it's better to be too-short than too-long. Arms should come to about the wrist-bone.
Size | Height cm | Weight kg | Waist cm | Height ft | Weight lbs | Waist in |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
000 | 104-116 | 16 kg | 46-68 | 3'5" - 3'10" | 35 lbs | 18" - 27" |
00 | 114-127 | 23 kg | 50-74 | 3'9" - 4'2" | 51 lbs | 20" - 29" |
0 | 124-136 | 32 kg | 56-82 | 4'1" - 4'6" | 71 lbs | 22" - 32" |
1 | 134-148 | 41 kg | 64-92 | 4'5" - 4'10" | 90 lbs | 25" - 36" |
2 | 145-158 | 54 kg | 70-100 | 4'9" - 5'2" | 119 lbs | 28" - 39" |
3 | 155-166 | 68 kg | 76-106 | 5'1" - 5'5" | 150 lbs | 30" - 42" |
4 | 165-179 | 77 kg | 80-114 | 5'5" - 5'10" | 170 lbs | 31" - 45" |
5 | 175-188 | 86 kg | 84-122 | 5'9" - 6'2" | 190 lbs | 33" - 48" |
6 | 185-199 | 100 kg | 90-128 | 6'1" - 6'6" | 220 lbs | 35" - 50" |
7 | 195-207 | 109 kg | 96-134 | 6'5"-6'11" | 240 lbs | 38" - 53" |
External Links
- WTF-approved brands for poomsae competitions: http://www.worldtaekwondofederation.net/wtf-partners/recognized/