PU leather40 x 20 cm / 16 x 8 inSet of 2 — 3 colours
The essentials: kick paddles for taekwondo, in PU leather, 40 x 20 cm / 16 x 8 in. A double clapper blade giving a sharp audible return on every impact, injection moulded padding with strong shock absorption, and a nylon wrist loop at the end of the handle. Supplied as a set of 2 pieces, in black, red or blue. €19, free standard delivery.
The signature tool of taekwondo. The kick paddle — also called a clapper or a target paddle — is held by a handle and presented at varying heights to work kicks: height, speed, accuracy and reaction. Its distinctive crack confirms the quality of the contact instantly.
The crack: immediate feedback
The blade is made of two layers that slap against each other at the moment of impact. That audible return is the paddle's great teaching advantage: the student hears straight away whether the kick was clean and well centred, or soft and badly placed. No explanation needed, the sound does the work — particularly effective with children and beginners, who improve by chasing the right crack.
Working kicks at every height
Held by its handle, the paddle is presented at floor level, mid height or above the head. That lets the coach work the whole repertoire: roundhouse kicks, front kicks, spinning kicks, jumping kicks and height work. The target can also be moved quickly to draw on reaction and timing.
40 x 20 cm: a generous target
At 40 cm / 16 in long and 20 cm / 8 in wide, the blade gives a surface that is easy to reach even on a kick thrown at full speed, while staying light to handle for a whole class. The nylon wrist loop at the end of the handle secures the grip: the paddle does not fly out of the hand on a powerful impact.
PU leather and injection moulding
The shell is PU leather, resistant to the repeated friction of foot protectors. Inside, the injection moulding delivers strong shock absorption and protects the wrist of whoever is holding. The face carries the World Taekwondo Federation marking printed in white.
Technical specifications
Kick paddle, Thai pad or focus mitt
Using them well
- Chase the crack: a clean kick gives a sharp sound; a dull one signals an off-centre impact or no weight transfer.
- Vary the heights: alternate low, middle and high targets within a series to work the range.
- One paddle per hand: the set of 2 lets you run left-right sequences with no dead time.
- Meet the impact: draw the paddle back slightly at the moment of contact to protect your wrist.
- Care: wipe after each session with a dry or lightly damp cloth and let it dry naturally.
Also at Esprit Boxe
Frequently asked questions
Is the price for one paddle or for a set?
For a set of 2 pieces: you receive two paddles, one per hand, with free standard delivery. The colour is chosen at the time of ordering, from black, red and blue.
Why does the paddle make that cracking sound?
The blade is formed of two layers that slap against each other on impact. That audible return shows immediately whether the kick was clean and well centred. An excellent teaching tool, particularly with children and beginners, who improve by chasing the right sound.
What is the difference between a kick paddle and a Thai pad?
The paddle is held by a handle, stays light and serves speed, height and accuracy work on kicks, with an audible return. The Thai pad straps to the forearm and offers far more thickness: it is built to absorb powerful kicks and knees. A fully equipped club owns both.
Is it suitable for disciplines other than taekwondo?
Yes. Designed for taekwondo, it is also used in karate, kickboxing and for any kick work. It can even serve in boxing for precision and reaction work on the hands, though a focus mitt suits that better.
Is it suitable for children?
That is one of its best uses. The paddle is light and padded, and its crack makes the drill fun while giving the child a clear reference. It is the basic equipment of taekwondo classes for younger students.
How do you look after them?
Wipe the surface with a dry or lightly damp cloth after each session and let it dry at room temperature. Avoid soaking and direct heat. Check the state of the nylon wrist loop from time to time.
