Wearing gear when sparring

[Aefibird]

The thread about the Olympics got me thinking about the wearing of sparring gear in 'sport' karate (or even just wearing it in the dojo for everyday training).

Do you think that any possible introduction of Karate to the Olympics would mean the addition of more sparring gear? If so, good thing or no? Most karate compeitions (excluding kyokushin/Oyama or similar) now require competitors to wear a gum shield, hand mitts and a groin guard. Some also require the use of shin or shin and instep pads.

Is this too much equipment to wear when sparring? Just enough? Not enough?

Also, do you wear gear when sparring/fighting in your dojo? Is it a regular thing or just rarely?

[AngelaG]

I don't really like to wear any sparring equipment as I find a lot of it restricts movement and also teaches bad habits such as keeping a low guard. I hate mouth guards as I find that I can't breath properly, and it makes me urge as well (Vomiting halfway through a sparring drill would be bad!).

I think any introduction of Karate into a big sporting events will lead to more and more padding. The WKF already seem to wear a lot, and it has to be endorsed, official stuff as well. Something like that, for some reason, leaves me cold.

Angela

[Aefibird]

AngelaG said:

I

The WKF already seem to wear a lot, and it has to be endorsed, official stuff as well. Something like that, for some reason, leaves me cold.

Me too. I hate the 'endorsed' thing with WKF.

I don't tend to wear much sparring gear unless I have to. The only thing that I choose to wear is a mouthguard - I have weak teeth and have had a lot of expensive and painful work done on them. I got my gumshield made for me at my dentist and it fits like a dream - ten zillion times better than those 'boil in the bag' jobbies from a sports shop. Apart from the mouthguard I'm not right bothered about any other sparring gear. I hate headguards and those foot things are way too restrictive for my liking.

[Sionnagh]

We don't use any protective gear for drills, although perhaps we should... But for sparring the minimum requirement is gum shield and WKF-style sparring mitts. Groin guards, shin/instep protectors etc are optional.


Mick