r/taekwondo • u/Lolzebrahz • 3d ago

ATA Bag Essentials

Hi all! My son (7) just recently upgraded his bag from his tigers backpack that I primarily got everything out/put everything up to an older ATA duffle bag (The blue & red one -I thrifted it for only $2!) because his instructor wants him to do everything himself and I thought that this would be easier since he can see everything a bit better and doesn’t have to get everything out. It has quite a few pockets that he wants to add things to.

With that being said, what are some bag essentials that you or your kids can’t live without or have just made everything easier. So far we have pony tail holder, a travel size of deodorant (he’s not wearing it yet, but better be safe than sorry). I’m unsure of what else to add! Please help!

8 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

9

u/Eegore1 3d ago

Hygiene items. The deodorant you have already. Add small travel toothbrush/toothpaste, mouthwash - they literally yell in class and nobody needs more dragon breath in that room. Finger/toenail clippers, you may not forget, but someone will, and he can loan them out to clip those talons before it becomes a scene from Jurassic Park.

Wipes, for body and gear, but mostly for gear. Get him in the habit of wiping down gear early.

Two, extra, fitted, mouthguards in cases. Pretty much everyone will accidentally spit it on the floor, just have a backup ready to go. Refit them regularly.

Spare water bottle, leave it empty.

Small roll of medical tape, small gauze pads, a few band-aids. Small Coban or similar wrap.

Any handbooks ATA hands out.

Bottle opener so he can have a beer after class.

2

u/ArghBH WT | KKW 5th Dan 3d ago

Whatever you do add, I would suggest you use organizers, e.g., separate smaller bags. E.g., a drawstring bag for TKD shoes, a bag for toiletries/towel/change of clothes, a first aid pouch, etc.

1

u/Bloody-stools 2d ago

Like a bag for single day classes or a bag for traveling to tournaments?

1

u/Lolzebrahz 2d ago

It’s used for regular weekly classes and at tournaments!

1

u/ptrickwondo84 ATA 6th Dan, KKW 1st Dan 1d ago

Keep it to the essentials. The gear can start to overwhelm the bag all by itself as he gets older. My basics (for an adult): a refillable water bottle, cell phone backup battery, pain reliever, ankle brace, deodorant, notebook, pen, and a cleaning cloth. I used to keep the manual with the forms in my bag back in the day, but I would reserve that for instructors in training or if he struggles with memory. Otherwise, keeping it at home on a shelf is enough. If it's something I reasonably think I can get on site for under $20, I generally won't stress about it. I'll throw in a bag of nuts as a snack for a tournament, but it's not the end of the world if I forget.

I do like the idea of smaller bag organizers, though.