Overview
ISO 21924-2:2017 - Protective equipment for martial arts - Part 2: Additional requirements and test methods for instep protectors, shin protectors and forearm protectors. This ISO standard provides supplementary technical requirements and laboratory test methods specific to instep, shin and forearm protectors used in unarmed martial arts (taekwondo, karate, kick‑boxing and similar disciplines). It complements the general requirements and test methods in ISO 21924‑1.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and sizing
- Specifies that manufacturers must indicate the wearer's height range (in centimetres) for which each protector is designed.
- Combinations
- Rules for combined use with other protectors; manufacturers must declare permitted combinations or restrictions.
- Restraint
- A user‑operable restraint system is required so protectors can be attached without assistance. Restraint testing uses a 20 N test force applied at the edge of the protection zone in defined directions.
- Zone of protection
- Defined protection zones and dimensional limits for instep, shin and forearm protectors are given by wearer height (tables and figures in the standard). Test gauges are used to determine coverage.
- Impact performance
- Impact tests measure maximum peak force for defined striker energies:
- Instep protectors: impact energy 2 J, peak force limit 3 kN, minimum 2 positions tested.
- Shin & forearm protectors: impact energy 3 J, peak force limit 3 kN, minimum 2 positions tested.
- Test apparatus: horizontal rigid cylindrical support, 25 mm diameter anvil with 12.5 mm radius top, free‑fall striker guided to ≥95% free‑fall velocity, and an electronic load cell (≥2 000 Hz sampling, accuracy class 0.2, max load 10 kN).
- Each test position receives three impacts at defined intervals; selection of positions aims to reveal weakest zones.
- Testing protocol
- Sampling and conditioning follow ISO 21924‑1. Restraint, coverage and impact procedures are described in detail.
- Marking & manufacturer information
- Marking and user information requirements refer back to ISO 21924‑1.
Applications and who uses this standard
- Manufacturers and product designers - to design compliant instep, shin and forearm protectors and prepare technical files.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform standardized restraint, coverage and impact testing and report conformity.
- Sports federations, event organizers and procurement teams - to specify safe protective equipment for competitions and training in taekwondo, karate, kick‑boxing.
- Coaches and safety officers - to understand performance criteria and select appropriate protective gear.
Related standards
- ISO 21924‑1:2017 - Protective equipment for martial arts - Part 1: General requirements and test methods (normative reference for sampling, conditioning, marking and general definitions).
Keywords: ISO 21924-2:2017, protective equipment for martial arts, instep protectors, shin protectors, forearm protectors, test methods, impact performance, zone of protection, restraint, taekwondo, karate, kick-boxing.