SHIRUDO
The future of women’s body protection for karate fighters.
The female body is largely ignored in the design of body protection for karate athletes.
Female karate athletes wear two pieces of body protection in competition. A low support bra with a plastic shell insert is worn under a padded foam “vest.” The pieces are not designed to fit together, making it difficult for athletes to move and perform their best.
10 Team USA athletes were interviewed to better understand key pain points and gather anecdotes.
How can we create a body protection system that female karateka love?
The Athlete Feels Protected
Fighters should feel confident that their equipment actually works. Padding should be placed effectively and stay secure on the body.
A Comfortable Fit for all Bodies
Integrate chest and body protection into a wearable that’s adaptable, so athletes can move easily regardless of height, weight, and chest size.
Designed to Build Confidence
Design a body protector that athletes are proud to wear. The equipment should add to their confidence, not detract from it.
Exterior and Interior Flats
Trusted Protection
Fighters should feel confident that their equipment really works. Padding is placed effectively over the ribs and stays secure on the body thanks to the compression spandex, while a bra sized chest guard comfortably fits inside an internal pocket.
Prioritizing Mobility
Chest and rib protection are integrated into a single wearable, so athletes can move easily and unrestricted. Quilted padding across the ribs allows the fighter to twist, duck, and dodge comfortably.
Designed to Build Confidence
Athletes should be proud to wear their gear. Bright red active seams and a grid wickaway mesh are strategically placed to add excitement to the white body protector without being too distracting.
Special thanks to my teammates Cirrus Lingl and Skylar Lingl for modeling and providing feedback along the way.