Kilts in martial arts

[CDNSushi]

A bit late to the thread -- just saw it.. But anyway...

Having trained in V-C Kung-Fu for over 10 years, the whole concept of being kilted while training (or fighting) just seems extremely silly to me. It ranks up there on the list of "things not to do while kilted" like rock climbing, horseback riding or parachuting... Just because you own a kilt and CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. I never would.

But each to their own. If you think you have some innate sort of advantage in being kilted in the pursuit of your respective martial art then give 'er. But you will never catch me doing so. To me it would be a far greater hindrance than help.

[mercop]

A bit late to the thread -- just saw it.. But anyway...

Having trained in V-C Kung-Fu for over 10 years, the whole concept of being kilted while training (or fighting) just seems extremely silly to me. It ranks up there on the list of "things not to do while kilted" like rock climbing, horseback riding or parachuting... Just because you own a kilt and CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. I never would.

But each to their own. If you think you have some innate sort of advantage in being kilted in the pursuit of your respective martial art then give 'er. But you will never catch me doing so. To me it would be a far greater hindrance than help.

How would do you think it would a hindrance to you in a real altercation?- George

[Swamp Yankee]

I know we have some martial artists on the board, and I am interested in your experiences.

I just started my first class, Krav Maga, and I was thinking of doing it kilted.

My rational is this: I am kilted almost everywhere I go, everything I do. I am not kilted at work, as I wear a uniform, but everywhere else I am kilted. Now, since things like kicks especially are going to be a lot different in a kilt than in pants I'd like to train the way I fight and do so kilted.

I already talked to my instructor, and he didnt have a problem with it so long as everything was covered up. I bought several pairs of compression shorts for just such an event however, so that wont be a problem. Krav Maga is a very practical school though, so sometimes people will practice in their winter coats, dress clothes, etc...
For those not familiar with it is not a very formal martial art. In fact, its almost not a martial 'art' at all, its basically a codified method of street fighting. There isnt even any sort of competetive tournaments since the techniques used tend towards permanent injury rather than scoring points (ie: breaking elbows rather than getting them to tap out)

Anyway, has anyone practiced their various disciplines kilted? What were the major hurdles you found while doing so? Things to watch out for?

BTW, I will be doing this in a utilikilt, so keep that in mind.

Hey Yaish, I practice Hagannah, a direct cousin to Krav . I don't see why not ( practice kilted) I've thought of it myself. No big moves like spinning back kicks to threaten our modesty. I'm looking forward to hear how you make out. I could use the inspiration to go kilted myself. Good luck. SY

[CDNSushi]

How would do you think it would a hindrance to you in a real altercation?- George

I can think of a number of ways. If it's a traditional style kilt (as opposed to say a Utilikilt or similar) there is a lot of fabric there. (At least there is on mine). Your results may vary, but for me, due to the weight of the fabric, the layers (pleats) being free to swish around, as well as the fact that I'm wearing the kilt at my natural waist rather than down lower at my hips, I feel like my range of movement is limited. This may be because I've done all of my training wearing light-as-a-feather cotton pants too.

Now, whether it's a trad. or a Utilikilt, I also don't like anything hanging freely around me, both in front and behind my groin area. I would find the kilt distracting to my concentration and it would affect how well I could protect that area. Even if the effect is more in my head than what is reality -- psychology and mindset alone is sufficient to win or lose a battle. And if I don't feel like I'm dressed appropriately, it WILL affect what happens. (Which is why, even though I don't HAVE to, I choose to wear a nice shirt and tie to work. Looking like a million bucks makes you feel like a million bucks and your job performance is reflected accordingly).

Of course, if it came right down to a real altercation, barring the option of either backing away, or turning and running like hell (which, in my opinion should me #1 on the list of self-defense options... Real life should NOT be mistaken for a schoolyard brawl) you will be forced to make do with whatever you happen to be wearing, be it a kilt, pants, or whatever... But if had the option, the kilt would sit out the fight and stay in the closet.

For training purposes, I feel much more comfortable in a pair of very light, cotton kung-fu pants. They are quite loose-fitting with wide pant legs. (They also make a satisfying "thwock" sound when you snap a quick kick!)

[CMcG]

<snip> the whole concept of being kilted while training (or fighting) just seems extremely silly to me. <snip>

It seems perfectly logical in a reality oriented style like Krav Maga. As has been mentioned, they encourage people to train in regular street clothes and, as the OP is kilted full-time outside work, he should train in a kilt.

Many styles have a uniform and, if so, one should clearly wear it while practicing in class. If there is no uniform, then one is technically free to wear what they like but only up to a point.

My Wing Chun class has no uniform and people wear various types of athletic clothes. My sifu (teacher) is an older Chinese man and very traditional, so he would probably find a kilt to be out of place. Out of respect for him, I wouldn't wear one to class but have practiced at home in my kilt a few times, just to see how it feels.

[joeyriv]

One of my former Doce Pares instructors advised me of this little tidbit of wisdom. Any of the martial arts, such as the Krav, that are meant for actual real-life altercations should be practiced in all the the types of attire that you wear regularly.... that is, if you're serious about it. Even when it means picking up a cheap business suit at the thrift store that you can thrash in training, or just plain ol' jeans, or especially kilts. It's not like you're going to ask your assailant to hold on while you change into your light cotton pants or gi (because that's what you train in). Be ready for any contingency folks.

Of course, if you're style of martial arts is strictly for sporting purposes, (and there's nothing wrong with that), then disregard this theory, and wear whatever is appropriate.

[Am Bàrd]

Oooo good topic.

I do have a standard WMA/HEMA training outfit - white T with black athletic pants - fairly loose fitting. Footwear varies depending on what I'm doing (turn shoes for medieval styles, flat runners for Highland Broadsword - perhaps ghillies someday).

I do plan to do some training in my kilt - though I need to move a buckle back a bit before I can do that. I've contemplated pulling out my Great Kilt for it, though I think it would take more time to belt it on and afterwards pleat it back up that I can give to the actual training these days :P

-John

[mercop]

In our classes we wear whatever you wear every other day. No costumes allowed. The only satisfying sound I want to hear from a kick is my attackers knee breaking sideways.- George