Sign Up For Our Newsletter!
Get updates on what's happening with I Liq Chuan, on the web or around the world, be notified of new products, specials, or when Master Sam FS Chin will be in your area next!
I generally wear shoes (Feivues) when I train, but recently have noticed that the sense of "9 solid and 1 empty" is much better when I am barefoot.
Some people have taken a middle approach, and wear Vibram 5 Fingers, Nike Frees or even aqua socks when they train. Some always train barefoot, and some invariably wear shoes.
I'm curious - does it even matter whether one trains barefoot or wearing shoes - is it just a matter of personal preference, or does it have an impact on the learning process as well?
Peter
Vibram 5 Finger Nike Free Aqua Sock Feivue Au naturel
While at the Sept./2010 ILC seminar in Warsaw, I asked Sifu whether it was better to train barefoot or with shoes. His answer was:
"It doesn't matter".
You could theoretically train with any shoes... well, maybe high heels would be a bad idea. Any comfortable shoe will work if the person can pay attention to the weight on the feet. I usually suggest thin-soled and flat shoes, with my preference being something cheap like water shoes or a cheap pair of canvas shoes. Occasionally I wear cross-trainers to class; I definitely notice a shift in my balance with those on, but I adapt to them pretty quickly.
over all i prefer being barefoot, but lately i've been wearing wrestling shoes just to help keep the mats clean. i find the wrestling shoes to not be too cumbersome. almost like being barefoot, but not quite. i haven't tried the vibrams yet, but i know they're popolar with the Tucson group and some of my group like them as well.
Discipline, Concentration & Wisdom
602-751-7003
Twitter - luoyegongfu