Overview
ISO 21924-7:2017 - Protective equipment for martial arts, Part 7 specifies additional requirements and test methods for hand and foot protectors used in unarmed martial arts (including boxing) for strikes against other persons or training equipment. The standard focuses on protecting the user’s hands and feet - it does not assess protection provided to opponents. It supplements the general requirements in ISO 21924-1:2017 and is intended for manufacturers, test laboratories, certifiers and sport organizations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose
- Applies to hand and foot protectors used in martial arts and boxing for striking.
- Classification
- Hand protectors: two classes defined - Class A (normal/simple protection) and Class B (zones of increased protection).
- Foot protectors: no separate classes; sizing defined per table.
- Safety and materials
- Requirements for innocuousness (material safety) reference ISO 21924-1.
- Sizing and labelling
- Manufacturers must specify size ranges; the standard provides dimensional tables and figures (hand sizes e.g. size 5–11; foot sizes e.g. 30–50) for zones of protection and positioning.
- Restraint systems
- Restraint design must keep the protector in place without constricting limbs. Foot protectors must be attachable by the user; hand protectors may require assistance.
- Restraint effectiveness test: a 20 N test force is applied at defined positions and directions to verify secure fit.
- Zone of protection
- Detailed dimensions and positioning of protected zones are defined by figures and tables for both hand and foot protectors.
- Impact performance and testing
- Impact tests (sampling, conditioning, apparatus and procedure) are specified; impact energy/peak force limits are given in the standard (see Table 4) and the worst-case test result must meet these limits.
- Marking and manufacturer information
- Requirements for markings and information supplied to users are included.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Manufacturers of martial arts gloves, mitts and foot protectors - for product design, sizing, labeling and compliance.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform restraint and impact tests, sampling and conditioning.
- Sports federations, gyms and event organizers - for equipment procurement and competition rules.
- Safety and quality engineers - to validate protective performance and conformity.
- Coaches and retailers - to understand sizing, intended use and compatibility with other protective gear.
Related standards
- ISO 21924-1:2017 - General requirements and test methods for martial arts protective equipment.
- Other parts of the ISO 21924 series cover additional protective items and methods.
Keywords: ISO 21924-7, hand protectors, foot protectors, martial arts protective equipment, impact performance, test methods, sizing, restraint testing, boxing equipment standard.