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

[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.