I've always had strong feelings about this. On the one hand we're told that it's a necessary precaution, that you could get killed from a well-placed kick. Then we put on the chest protector and feel hampered and constrained by it. Our techniques, forms, speed, etc. suffer greatly because of it. Then we see boxers and kickboxers competing full force without them and nobody actually gets killed. Makes you wonder if they're at all necessary.
At our school we only wear them to become accustomed to them for tournament competition, where they are required. Otherwise, most of us just don't use them, even when sparring full-force.
During multiple-opponent sparring for my blackbelt test I stepped into a full-force sidekick which knocked the wind out of me and (I found later) fractured 2 ribs. I survived. I got my wind back, struggled to my feet and continued sparring. I continued with all the other requirements for the test that evening. I don't relate this to brag about what a tough guy I am (I'm really a creampuff) but to illustrate how stupid and unneccessary chest protectors are.
BTW - I dont feel the same way about head gear, mouth guards and groin cups. Those thing make sense to me.
__________________ Le Bear Extraordinaire! Mike Brewer's 2008 Athleticon Challenge!!! Pushups Completed: 5 1/2 Situps Completed: Does using my hands count?  |