Phantasmatic Posted November 19, 2002 Posted November 19, 2002 I think that wearing the proper safety equipment is a very important factor in sparring. At our dojo we have to wear a mouthpiece(gum shield), headgear, footgear, and the gloves. IMHO, most of that isn't needed for sparring in OUR dojo because we get called for excessive contact. But in a koshiki match, we wear the actual armor. LeaF, I do agree with you when you say that being able to take a hit is important, but it is mandatory for us. I wish we had a choice like your dojo! "Which one is more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him?" - Obi Wan Kenobi
ramymensa Posted November 23, 2002 Posted November 23, 2002 I sparred a few days ago with my instructor (sensei's assistant). I managed to hit her in the chest. She wore the protective gear, I had gloves, but she still felt it. It wasn't such a powerful punch (or was it?), but it hurt. Imagine how would she have felt without protection ... So I'm again for protective gear. Now I know it's OK. And I guess she won't learn many things from this pain. Except for (God forbid) ... she's got some problems with her "chest" after the match. And feeling the pain there won't make her a better karateka. World Shotokan Karate
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