Is it essential to do martial arts (like: Karate, Kung Fu....etc) in bare foot?

Question

I've been doing thai boxing just recently, and kali... mainly to start off doing something (because i've not done anything like this for years) and you need to wear trainers!

I have a lot of problems with my feet. I get athletes foot on a regular basis, and cannot do ANYTHING bare foot because of it.

If i've not got athlets foot, i get rashes too... which is a pain in the backside! :p

I'd LOVE to get going in something like karate, or taekwondo... as there are clubs nearby to me?

Is there anything i can wear over my feet to do such things?

Like plimsoles maybe????

Answer 1

i have yet to see a boxer practice barefoot.

I'm absolutely sure my old wrestling coach would have kicked your *** for walking on the mats without ANY shoes (or seriously hurt you for trying with street shoes obviously).

Answer 2

some styles prefer you to be in bare foot, but other styles don't really care. In kungfu or wrestling , ....etc. you can wear shoes.

In my opinion, it is better to wear shoes that support you feet well. Also, it should be flexible to mould to your feet.  In most fights, you would be wearing some sort of foot wear anyway. Besides, you don't have time to take off your shoes to fight. You may as well get use to shoe during training.

Talk to your instructor about your concerns.

good luck

Answer 3

For JKD, Thai kickboxing and Kung Fu, we wear shoes, except for the occasional times we go on the mats; then I wear my socks. And I wear socks in BJJ.

Answer 4

Is it essential, no, should you know both shoe's and with out shoes in my opinion definately!

Some schools will allow shoes in class just check them out and make sure they are a legit good school too!

Answer 5

there are martial arts shoes that are made for people that don't feal exactly comfortable being barefoot.

Answer 6

I would say most schools would allow wearing shoes.   Not just your every day wearing shoes though.  You might have to buy certain shoes that can only be worn on the mats, not to be used outside to dirty the mats up.  I also think wearing your shoes or everyday clothes should be what you train in.  Reason I think is when you are on the streets you don't wear a gi or go bare footed.

Answer 7

In my opinion, training barefeet is essential because you develop proper rooting through gripping and proper posture.

You can wear Tabi socks. If the teacher won't allow it, find a place that will.

Answer 8

Most Kung Fu schools do wear shoes in class and when fighting.

Also - there are shoes that cover the feet that are very thin, almost like socks with soles that some people wear.  Your best bet is to talk to the instructor at the school that you wish to attend and ask about it.

http://www.amazon.com/Gongfu-Kung-Fu-Sho...

Answer 9

It;s not essential, adn in my experience (TKD) many people wore socks and ballerina-like slippers.

Answer 10

Most instructors should be okay with you wearing foot "covers" for medical reasons, unless your teacher is an a** (in which case, find another place to train).  We have a student that has diabetes as has to wear thick socks for circulation purposes.  I'm personally glad you want to cover up- we have a girl in karate class who constantly has contageous toenail fungus that she spreads all over the place.

I find conventional socks too hot to use and depending on the floor of your school, they can be a  sliding hazard. You can buy tabi with soles on the bottom (sock-shoes, if you will). Kung fu shoes are soft with soles and without laces. Either of those may be options for you. Happy feeting.