Alex86

I own a pair of Fivefingers and I love them. I haven't used them during my martial arts training because I prefer to be barefoot, but that's what drew me to Vibrams in the first place---the idea of being able to do all of my other activities with the barefoot feeling. Btw-I find that the calluses that form on my feet from training actually help protect my feet, so I don't file them down too much or my feet hurt after training. They might not be pretty, but show me a martial artist with pretty feet and I'll be shocked.

Have you ever heard of Vibram FiveFingers? They are shoes specifically designed to mimic being barefoot. I just bought a pair about a month ago because I hate working out with shoes (must be from doing martial arts since I was five, lol). They look really weird, but they are so comfortable and light that it's the closest thing to being barefoot that I have found. Here is a link to there product page: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_footwear.cfm I have the Classic design, but I would like to try a pair of Sprints. Hope you find what you're looking for. -Alex

Does anyone here have any experience with this chest protector? I have not used one in years, but the school I am at now requires one for sparring. Since I will just be point sparring, I am more concerned with something light and low-profile than protection. This is the one I was interested in: http://www.centurymartialarts.com/Sparring_Gear/Chest_Gear/Martial_Armor_L2_Vest.aspx It looks like it would be more form fitting than any others I have seen. Any input would be great. Thanks!!

I have a ProForce heavyweight gi and love it. One thing I like about mine is that the fabric is thick and durable; this is also good if you like to keep your sleeves rolled up like I do, because the thickness of the fabric makes it hard for them to unroll (and roll up the first few times,lol). The only thing is that it takes a few washes to lose that cardboard feel, but other than that I love it.

. As for your sensei judging in your ring well my sensei has had to do that and he was very fair if not harder on his students. I did not mean to imply that nobody can judge their own students without bias; I have also had to judge my own students before, and I also tend to be harder on them. I have just seen some obvious favoritism in these circumstances before.

Most of the students at my old studio wore at least their gi pants to and from the studio because we only had one very small bathroom, and it would be hard for all of the students to get changed before class.

Hmm, the style of sparring I've always done does not allow holding, but you could get away with "cupping" a side kick to redirect it.

I have also seen my share of tournament politics. I've seen instructors judging their own students, bias for the tournament promoters students, even a lady who was score keeping for her own son's division, and changed the scores so he could win!! This is part of the reason I stopped compeating myself, not because I couldn't handle it, but because I hated seeing the kids getting ripped off because of adult politics. The parents are getting bad too; it's almost as bad as little league baseball.