Abstract: Devices which facilitate safe martial arts target striking are disclosed. In an aspect, a hand guard device comprising a blocking surface, a grip, and a stabilizer is disclosed. The hand guard device may assist a holder in holding a striking target, such as a board, while protecting a holder hand from wild blows from an individual attempting to strike the striking target. The hand guard device provides a rigid protective barrier for all portions of the holder hand which would normally be exposed, including the thumb.