Recommended Training Shoes
We strive to keep our training as realistic as possible, but the fact is we do train on inch-thick mats. Doubtless, outdoor concrete or asphalt would be more realistic, especially when grappling, but in addition to training realistically, we still need to train smart.  Mats are especially helpful because Indonesian fighting arts frequently take their opponents down (not by throwing them as a judo player might, but taking them down by destroying their balance and their legs).  The shoes we wear then, should protect our feet and have a more realistic feel — not like wrestling or kung-fu shoes, but shoes that feel more like those we wear daily.  They must also cause less wear and tear on our mats (meaning flat and relatively smooth soles).

 

Unacceptable Shoe Sole

Please, no shoes with this kind of sole.

 

No one is required to buy new shoes in order to train with us.  You can take existing shoes, scrub the soles with soap and water, put them in your bag, don't wear them outside the school again, and you're good to go.  That said, should you need to purchase new training shoes, consider the following Adidas indoor soccer shoe or the Reebock sneaker.  (Any brand like either of these with relatively flat soles and realistic street weight should work well in our training.)  Although I personally prefer white because it makes it easier to see your foot position when legwork is involved, you may choose either black or white (no other colors are acceptable here).  Regardless of the brand, shoes  like  these meet all our training requirements.

Adidas Soccer Shoe (white)
Samba Soccer Shoes
Reebock Men's Club C Shoes
Reebok Men's Club Sneakers
 

Note:  For  offsite  training sessions  with  active duty military  personnel, we recommend training in combat boots.

 


We have no affiliation with, nor receive any compensation from any manufacturers or distributors shown here.

 
Our  emphasis  is  on  the  practical.
 
©Copyright Bob Orlando, 2004-2016
All rights reserved.
http://www.OrlandoKuntao.com
 
E-mail: Ron@OrlandoKuntao.com
Last update:  Aug. 6, 2016
by Bob Orlando
Web Site of Bob Orlando: Instructor in Kuntao-Silat (Chinese kuntao and Dutch-Indonesian pukulan pentjak silat), author of two popular martial art books: "Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals" and "Martial Arts America: A Western Approach to Eastern Arts"; and producer of four martial art videos: Fighting Arts of Indonesia, Reflex Action, Fighting Footwork of Kuntao and Silat, Fighting Forms of Kuntao-Silat. Offering practical martial arts instruction to adults living in and throughout the Denver metropolitan area including, Lakewood, Littleton, Morrison, and Golden Colorado.