Kilts in martial arts

[Yaish]

Iolaus said, but pretty much there is no formality to Krav Maga. It was actually created in the 40's as a means to quickly training the Israeli Defense Forces in some sort of hand to hand combat that did not require extensive, long term training.
Its all based on natural movements, practical conditions, and effective techniques. There is no formal belt system, though most places do 'belt testing' just as a means for students to measure their progress. Its really just a totally boiled down, no holds barred (literally) method of hand to hand combat.

There are no competitions, because there is no way to 'score' a move. A successful move against an opponent would leave them injured, so its not really something you can get too competitive in. The normal attire for the class is just T-shirt and track pants, but as I said some people will practice in their winter coats, dress pants, etc... to see how the different clothes affect their techniques.

Since I am always kilted, it only makes sense for me to practice kilted. As much as I might not like to get in a fight and have to roll around on the ground, since I am almost always in my kilt, if it is going to happen, thats how its going to happen.

[Archangel]

I would go with two philosophies which sound contradictory. The first is practice hot, compete cool and the second is to train for reality. The question really was answered by your instructor: this style is a "hard style" and experiential school. You will learn very quickly if you can train in a kilt, yourself.

I probably would not wear the kilt, for this I'd wear, I don't even know what they're called, I buy them at value village. They're the weight lifter showy things with velcro waist, and a heavy sweat shirt. (In the formal class, I wear a heavy gi.) The concept is to train in a more awkward setting than the anticipated challenge. At the same time, the second philophy comes in: if I'm training for self defence, how does my normal wear work in that situation. It's a very critical part of the preparation. So, once in a while, I'd wear the kilt but I already know the fighting attributes of the kilt from childhood.

I was judging "sparring" (full contact black belt isn't sparring anymore) and there was a competitor from this style who came to fight in his normal clothes. There was a formal protest over his (non-traditional) clothing but the official response over-ruled based on his instructor's confirmation that street clothes was their normal uniform. (I can't remember how well he did, at that level, all styles are basically the same.)