Why are MAs done with bare feet??

[italian_guy]

I think what Shorin Ryuu said is the main reasoning. I aso think it comes down to the style...many kung fu dojos wear shoes, but the are a special type of shoes made specifically for kung fu training. Also if you look in the more "street self-defence" dojos, you'll find they normally wear shoes as well, to simulate real-life experiences. But, if you go to a more traditional dojo, such as an Okinawan karate dojo, you will find no shoes, as it is probably more related to upkeeping tradition.

 

I agree with that, and the previous Shorin Ryuu post... actually I don't wear shoes when I practice goju ryu but I wear shoes when I practice Tai Chi Chuan.

[KUNTA KINTE]

In my school we were MA's shoes

[Red J]

My first style which was Japenese influenced was barefoot, while my current style which is more Chinese based is with shoes.

[Myst]

When training with sai, our instructor used to require us to wear "tkd shoes", but he hasn't done that for awhile. Otherwise, we're barefoot.

[senna_trem]

I say it's because if you can do kicks without any protective equipment and strengthen your feet up then it will be easier (in a way) to do the kicks with shoes on. You won't be used to kicking with shoes on, but your feet will be more protected.

[Goju 4 Life]

In my dojo and a lot of other dojos one trains on a padded floor. The soft foam/ rubber/ whatever pads are to help cushion falls. But, the just wouldn't be able to stand up to so many people walking over them.