Comments on: Thoughts on Footwear

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:43:05 +0000

Very true pjm – shoes are a definite no-no in most traditional dojo. Very frowned upon. However I must say repeated knockouts for minor breaches of etiquette seems a bit abusive! Even the hardnosed classical Japanese instructors wouldn't go that far.

By: pjm

pjm — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:50:10 +0000

Shoes are somthing that most of the karate clan have not messed with in a dojo. Why is that? If you wore shoes, on the floor, you might as well kick your but to China because you were as good as knocked out. My first instructor knocked out our senior belt because he did not bow before leaving the dojo. He did not only knock him out once but 6 times, in front of the class to teach us discipline. I sure learned a lesson. Practice with shoes, good idea in a gym where it is ok to wear them.

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:33:50 +0000

Thanks for your input and for sharing your experience dragon! I've never experienced the Vibram's for myself but am hearing more and more about them.

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:33:50 +0000

Thanks for your input and for sharing your experience dragon! I've never experienced the Vibram's for myself but am hearing more and more about them.

By: dragonfam

dragonfam — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:28:08 +0000

Greetings, All!

Two thoughts about shoes: My first instructor (TKD) also worked as a bouncer in a bar in Milwaukee. One night, when threatened by a pair of “gents,” he warned one that “with one blow I will break 20 bones in your body.” When the guy swung on him, my instructor stomped on his foot with the heel of his boot. The technique seemed to work, since the guy's buddy helped him limp away.
Second point: Since I focus my training in DZR Jujitsu, I usually train barefoot in the dojo, but we will, occasionally practice in the park. I recently purchased a pair of VIbram “FiveFinger” shoes, which look like “gloves for your feet.” The change in balance from wearing sneakers is very noticeable. They probably wouldn't add much advantage to my foot strikes, but they offer a more stable platform for stances and throws.
Thank you for the blog. It's always nice to have a place to share information and insight.

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:55:02 +0000

Hey Marc, thanks for stopping in! Appreciate your thoughts, as always. Yea I definitely don't think the traditions of classical training should be abandoned. Especially if a person is able to make minor accommodations to prepare for modern circumstances. In that way you get the best of both worlds.

By: Marc G.

Marc G. — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:56:37 +0000

Hey Matt!
It's been a while since I was able to look in last. I love this one about the differences between then and now on training methods. It has been a bone oc contention for a while between me and some friends who also train but in more “modern” styles and methods. I am a big believer in traditioonal karate training and that there is still great value in traditional methods even if the world has changed alot. And, while I agree minor adjustments should be made here and there to accomodate for these changes, I bristle when someone says the “old school” ways are outdated and a waste of time. This narefoot training arguement has always been the “go to” move for some who disagree with me. Yes I think shoes can be useful in a fight and some training should be committed to that end…social changes this slight are not a good reason to abandon a training methodology that (as a whole) has worked so well for so long. But, just my thoughts. Take care man!

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:05:17 +0000

hahaha. I'm glad SOMEONE appreciated my xray.