Many traditional Asian martial arts and modern combat sports are predominantly practiced barefoot because of centuries-old cultural customs, to ensure fighter safety, improve agility, and optimize body mechanics.
For instance, karate, taekwondo, Muay Thai, kickboxing, capoeira, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, aikido, and jujutsu, sumo, and kendo are all carried out barefoot.
eBook
However, mind that some martial arts are rather done with specialized footwear, such as Western boxing, wrestling, sambo, and various styles of Chinese Kung Fu.
Honoring Eastern traditions, martial arts were practiced barefoot simply because footwear was (and still is) strictly forbidden indoors in order to keep outdoor dirt outside. In addition, it kept the indoor environment and the materials practiced on in a better state.
Practicing barefoot also carries the meaning of respect, discipline, and humility, leaving the disturbances of the outside world behind and placing the practitioners on an equal footing.
Footwear also poses a severe injury risk for the fighting partner. It can scratch the face, have more impact when stepped on fingers or toes, and strikes/kicks with shoes on can inflict much more damage on the body than the bare feet.
Another important reason to practice barefoot is that it improves balance and body mechanics. Bare feet give more tactile feedback and allow the toes to get a better grip on the floor.
Moreover, the direct connection with the floor strengthens the stabilizer muscles in the ankles and feet, which improves spatial awareness and balance. In addition, some martial arts require to precisely curl the toes back to strike safely with the hard bone points of the instep, ball of the foot, or heel.
