Karate & Taekwondo Mouthguards: Choosing a Custom Guard
Karate and taekwondo put punches, kicks and clinches in range of your face from the first sparring class through full-contact rounds. This guide covers how to choose a custom guard, why we recommend Origin and Origin Pro, and how dojos order. Shop combat models in our combat sports collection.
Stock, boil-and-bite or custom?
Stock guards are pre-formed and offer basic protection. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and bitten into for a closer fit. Custom-fit guards, like AlienGuards, are made from an impression of your own teeth, so there is no size chart and no guessing. A custom guard stays put through long sparring sessions and usually costs more than a store-bought option because of that fit. More: custom vs. boil-and-bite and how much a custom mouthguard costs.
Our picks for karate and taekwondo: Origin and Origin Pro
Karate and taekwondo are high-contact striking arts, so we recommend the same combat models we use for boxing, Muay Thai and kickboxing: Origin and Origin Pro. Both are 5 mm, the industry standard for competitive combat sports, and both are formed on a model of your teeth from an at-home impression.
- Origin (from $104.99): our combat guard with reinforced impact zones. On Origin you pick one customization touch: custom text, your logo, or Apex full custom. Trim for Gag Reflex is available if you need it (see mouthguard gag reflex fixes), and a name label inside the guard is an option too.
- Origin Pro ($129.99): the same 5 mm protection with more breathability and comfort. You can put a logo and text on the same guard, and there is an optional High Impact 6mm upgrade (+$15) for super high-impact training and fights.
Choose Origin when you want the lower starting price, a single text or logo option, or Trim for Gag Reflex. Choose Origin Pro when you want more airflow through long rounds, logo and text together, or the High Impact 6mm upgrade. Compare both on the model comparison, or read how thick a mouthguard should be.
Point sparring, full contact and cross-training
Whether your dojo focuses on point sparring or full-contact rules, Origin and Origin Pro are the models we recommend. Direct strikes to the head and face are part of both once you leave light drills. Related guides: Muay Thai, kickboxing, boxing, boxing vs. MMA and MMA and BJJ. If you also grapple without strikes, the 4 mm NanoBite fits that training better.
Make it yours
Origin and Origin Pro can carry colors, text, a logo or full custom art. Add Impression Storage to reorder without a new impression. See real guards on Our Designs.
Braces, kids and youth athletes
Every order requires a liability waiver. Athletes with braces can get AlienGuards, but their dentist needs to take the impression or 3D scan instead of our at-home kit, then ship it to us or email it to impressions@alienguards.com. There is no age limit; younger athletes' teeth are still changing, so plan to replace their guard more often. See kids and youth mouthguards.
Dojos, gyms and teams
Dojos, fight teams and schools can order through the team orders:
- 20% off mouthguards and merch (all models, including NanoBite and PowerBite), with a minimum order of 5 mouthguards.
- Your gym logo plus athlete names or numbers on every guard.
- On-site fitting to help every athlete take a good impression (minimum order and location apply).
- Models kept on file for quick replacements (minimum order; athletes 14+ without braces).
More on team programs: custom mouthguards for gyms and teams.
How ordering works
- Build and order. Pick your model, colors and custom logo or text. We ship you an impression kit.
- Take your impression. Follow the impression guide at home (about 10 minutes), then mail the impression back to our lab.
- We make it. We pressure-form your guard on a model of your bite and finish it by hand in the USA within 10–14 business days after a good impression, then ship it with tracking. Timeline: how long a custom mouthguard takes.
Karate and taekwondo mouthguard FAQ
Which AlienGuard is best for karate and taekwondo?
Origin and Origin Pro. Both are 5 mm combat guards. Choose Origin for the lower starting price, a single text or logo option, or Trim for Gag Reflex. Choose Origin Pro for more breathability and comfort, logo and text together, or the optional High Impact 6mm upgrade.
Can I wear one with braces?
Yes. Your dentist needs to take your impression instead of using our at-home kit, so your braces don't get damaged. Your dentist can take an impression or 3D scan, then ship it to us or email it to impressions@alienguards.com.
Is there an age limit?
No. Younger athletes' teeth are still changing, so plan to replace their guard more often.
Do dojos and gyms get a discount?
Yes. Gyms and teams that order through the team orders get 20% off mouthguards and merch, including NanoBite and PowerBite, with a minimum order of 5 mouthguards.
How often should I replace it?
We recommend every year, or sooner if it is damaged or worn. See how often to replace your mouthguard.
More answers are in the FAQ. For sparring tips, see the best mouthguard for sparring.
Build your Origin, build an Origin Pro or apply for team pricing.