Overview
ISO 21924-6:2017 - "Protective equipment for martial arts - Part 6: Additional requirements and test methods for breast protectors for females" provides additional technical requirements and standardized test methods for female breast protectors used in unarmed martial arts (taekwondo, karate, kick‑boxing and similar). It is a focused supplement to ISO 21924-1:2017 (general requirements) and defines sizing, restraint, zone of protection, impact performance and required manufacturer information specific to breast protectors for females.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and linkage: Complements ISO 21924-1; normative references and terms are aligned with Part 1.
- Sizing: Protectors are sized by the wearer’s under bust girth and the brasier cup size normally worn. Size must be marked on the product and explained in supplied information.
- Zone of protection: Location and dimensions of the protected area are specified according to under bust girth and cup size (see Table 1 in the standard). For domed protectors, a plane projection is used.
- Restraint system: A manufacturer-supplied restraint must enable donning without assistance and meet ISO 21924-1 restraint requirements. A test force of (20 ± 1) N is applied at zone limits during restraint testing.
- Impact performance: Conformance is evaluated using a combination of:
- Force attenuation test (striker/anvil apparatus): impacts of 2 J at multiple positions in the zone; record maximum peak force. Measurement system requirements include minimum 2000 Hz sampling, load cell accuracy class 0.2 and max load 10 kN.
- Deformation test (compression): cross-head movement and force recorded; relative deformation calculated at a 300 N test load (test stops at 400 N).
- Acceptance is based on the plotted relationship of peak force (kN) vs. relative deformation (%) per the standard’s evaluation diagram.
- Combinations: Guidance on combined use with other martial-arts protectors; manufacturer must indicate allowed or restricted combinations.
- Marking and information: Marking follows ISO 21924-1; manufacturers must supply sizing, combination guidance and other product information.
Applications and Who Uses It
- Manufacturers and product designers use ISO 21924-6 to design, size and label compliant female breast protectors.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies apply the specified force attenuation and deformation tests for product verification and quality control.
- Sports federations, coaches, safety officers and event organizers rely on the standard to select approved protective equipment and set safety requirements for competitions and training.
- Retailers and procurement teams use the standard’s marking and information requirements to verify product suitability for customers.
Related Standards
- ISO 21924-1:2017 - Protective equipment for martial arts - Part 1: General requirements and test methods (normative reference and baseline requirements for all parts of ISO 21924).
Keywords: ISO 21924-6, breast protectors for females, martial arts protective equipment, test methods, impact performance, zone of protection, sizing, force attenuation, deformation test.