Kilts and Martial Arts...

[GTRMAN]

I suppose a high kicking style wouldn't work too well, but what about a Silat or Akido style?

My primary art is Taekwon-do.. That being the case, I do enjoy kicking people in the head and the kilt seriously facilitates such endeavors..

[AllenJ]

Speaking of kilts and martial arts, I just got wind that Christopher Thompson, author of "Lannaireachd: Gaelic Swordsmanship", has released a new book via Palidain Press called, "Highland Knife Fighting- With the Dirk and Sgian". I've already placed an order and will certainly post a review when I get it.
http://www.paladin-press.com/detail.aspx?ID=1491

[flairball]

Sumokilt,

My training has been primarily at competative Judo dojos. In traditional sport Judo the need to "try out" street clothes isn't important, but I do see the logic behind it. I just thought I'd play devils advocate and point out an argument that was being missed, but is important to traditionalists. My personal opinion; if one traines diligently, and strives to become as proficient as possible in their chosen art, then what you wear when you need to act will be of little concern.

[Andrew Breecher]

In Aikido, it's usually traditional to wear hakama when reaching 1 dan. Some say it's a lesson in humility to see someone who's just gotten their black belt fall on their face the first time they trip over their hakama. I'd say that the kilt would be far less cumbersome (and less material) than hakama.

Andrew.

[Rigged]

Sumokilt,

My training has been primarily at competative Judo dojos. In traditional sport Judo the need to "try out" street clothes isn't important, but I do see the logic behind it. I just thought I'd play devils advocate and point out an argument that was being missed, but is important to traditionalists. My personal opinion; if one traines diligently, and strives to become as proficient as possible in their chosen art, then what you wear when you need to act will be of little concern.

Sport fighting in a controlled environment against an opponent who has to follow the same rules you do is totally different from facing down someone who's fighting style is totally unknown to you in an environment where the only rule is to the be the one who walks away.

Fighting for keeps in a tight pair of jean, bulky jacket and heavy boots is light-years away from a friendly contest in a dojo, wearing a loose-fitting costume and bare feet.

Your typical street-fighter is used to fighting, quite successfully, in the clothing he's wearing now.

Any martial art will, of course, give you an edge. It's also helpful to know how your art works in real situations.

[flairball]

Rigged,

You couldn't be more correct. I completely agree. My original point however had nothing to do with the reality, or practicality of what is worn if the need to utilize your skills should arise, but to point out that there is more to the study and tradition of practicing M.A.'s. The fact is that a fight in street clothes, and a fight on tatami, in a Gi are very different. It is also a fact that there are some very traditional dojos that would reject the idea of one training in a kilt. It is my belief too, that if one traines dilligently, then should they need to utilize their skills, it won't matter one bit if they're wearing
a '70's disco outfit, your best cowboy outfit, a kilt or a Gi. After all, we all train in a dojo or other sports type facility, but should we need to act we find a way wether it be on the street, in an elevator, a crowded bus, or the dojo. I guess, in short, what I believe is that one should worry about this less and just train hard.

[Andrew Green]

I have some Botokukan Karate experience, a little bit of Kendo, and a little bit of Backsword (Silver stye). I have only showed up to backsword class once in a kilt... and got a bit warm. I sure miss backsword class... but it was expensive, and therefore hard to maintain the payment schedule. I hate it when I have to stop an activity due to cash constraints... as the desire, and interest is still definitely there!

[Cinnabar]

In Aikido, it's usually traditional to wear hakama when reaching 1 dan. Some say it's a lesson in humility to see someone who's just gotten their black belt fall on their face the first time they trip over their hakama. I'd say that the kilt would be far less cumbersome (and less material) than hakama.

Andrew.

Hmm...It would be extremely weird to wear a kilt instead of gi bottoms and a hakama. You get used to all that fabric around your ankles and it feels a little weird to be without it. In fact it makes you feel very grounded to wear a hakama. I don't think I would want to give that up.

As a very minor note, schools have vastly different rules on when you get to wear a hakama. The school I currently train at, allows a hakama at 1st kyu (1 rank below black below) but my previous school let you wear one at 3rd kyu (3 ranks below black belt).