What does "Hogu" refer to in Taekwondo?

In Taekwondo, "Hogu" refers to the chest guard that practitioners wear during sparring and competition. It is designed to protect the torso from strikes and impacts, thus ensuring the safety of the athlete while allowing them to perform techniques effectively. The chest guard is an essential piece of equipment as it helps to absorb the force of attacks and reduces the risk of injury, enabling participants to engage in sparring with confidence.

The other choices refer to different types of protective gear: footwear is not specifically related to impact protection, headgear is used primarily for head protection, and gloves, while important in various martial arts for hand protection, do not play a role in shielding the torso. Each piece of equipment serves a distinct purpose in martial arts, but the "Hogu" specifically focuses on safeguarding the chest area during training and competition.