Mouthguards for Karate

A gum shield (mouthguard) is worn over the teeth for kumite (sparring). Clubs may ask you to wear one before you spar, and it is part of the compulsory protective kit for kumite under WKF rules (WKF Kumite Competition Rules 2026, Art. 2.2.7(b)).

These guards are all fitted at home, so the main choice is how. A boil-and-bite guard is softened in hot water and bitten into shape. A self-fit guard is moulded with the maker's impression tray, and a double guard covers both upper and lower teeth.

If you wear braces, check with the maker that a guard suits them before you buy: Shock Doctor states that its Nano Double guard is not compatible with braces. Under WKF rules, metal braces must be approved by the referee and the tournament doctor (Art. 2.2.6).

Rule 2.2.7(b) names no particular type of gum shield, and it leaves out the "WKF Approved" wording it uses for mitts, shin pads, foot protection and body protectors. WKF's approved-items list has no mouthguard category either, so you won't find a gum shield on it. WKF's rules do say that all protective equipment must be WKF Approved (Art. 2.2.10), so if you are unsure what an event accepts, ask the organiser.