tabi

[Toaster]

Helloo.
So just outta interest, I was wondering how many people here wear tabbi around the dojo, and if so, why?
Just outta interest,

[Mugu]

Helloo.
So just outta interest, I was wondering how many people here wear tabbi around the dojo, and if so, why?
Just outta interest,

I do only on my left foot... why I wear it because I got double blister on the same spot after the 2nd week

[piggy]

risking a very stupid question, but what on earth is tabbi?

[Musashi898]

risking a very stupid question, but what on earth is tabbi?

Piggy don't be critical, she made a typo, of course you know she means tabi socks.

To your question yes, i recently purchased a pair of tabi socks, i just noticed people wearing them in the dojo, plus we train on mats, as our dojo is primarily used for Ju Jitsu, my feet kept dragging on the mats when doing my katas, so now with my tabi socks it makes a big difference :-).

[Hotei]

I just the left "foot protector" tabi. I've got plantar fasciaitis, and I literally would not be able to practice without it. Unfortunately, I've got big fat American feet (see the avatar? It really is me. . .) and the tabi is made for a large Japanese man. . . About 80% my size. It's still pretty painful for me to practice, but not as bad as it is without one.

Piggy ~ Just in case you weren't being picky and really don't know, tabi are the thick socks that have the big toe in a seperate little compartment. They're divided so you can wear zori with socks on.

[Hai_hai]

Yes, I wear my ninja tabi everywhere... oops.. did I say ninja tabi? I meant tabi. I am not a ninja. Why would I blow my secret cover? That would be silly. So, yes, I do wear tabi around.

[Pan-Chan]

I'm going to be purchasing a tabi soon to have during the PNKF Taikai in November. I usually end up getting a blister or two at the keiko the night before the taikai, so I want to be ready this time just incase and not have to worry about troublesome tape rolling under my foot.

[nodachi]

Not to sound high and mighty, but if you are using tabi, how will your feet be allowed to toughen up to the point where you won't get blisters?

Often blisters are a sign of bad footwork. Your feet are twisting when you are moving or attacking, instead of moving straight forwards.

I do understand that some people have other health reasons for wearing them though. And I understand that some dojo/gym floors are not really built with kendo in mind so sometimes that leads to injuries and such. But be careful not to overuse tabi if you don't really need it. Good footwork and a couple practices of not using tabi will toughen your feet up to the point to where it won't be necessary.

Just be honest with yourself as to whether it is really necessary because if you are getting foot injuries from bad footwork, then that is a clear, although painful way of seeing that it needs to be corrected. If you wear tabi all the time, you may be preventing yourself from realizing that corrections need to be made.

[Mr. Donigan]

I agree completly. Don't use them unless you absolutely need to. In my opinion they add a barier between you and the floor. Having that conection to the floor tells you alot about your surroundings, and what kind of traction you have. Also, you really should toughen up those feet. Obviously, if you have a health need wear them.

[T.Lee]

fwiw, i didnt like wearin a tabi. i could feel it shift under my feet. and it just never felt right.

i tape my left foot instead. it is also allowing my feet to toughen up without the huge blisters i previously got, unprotected.

[Toaster]

Piggy don't be critical, she made a typo, of course you know she means tabi socks.

sorry about the typo, he he.... It was late at night, and wanted to get downstairs to watch scream 3 (alright mocie though the characters are complete 1-d). So again, sorry for the typo.....!