| Role/Occupation Martial Artist |
| Total Entries 45 |
| Representative Judo Joe |
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Martial artists, melee fighters, and fighting game characters are often depicted as being habitually barefoot or averse to wearing shoes even outside of combat situations. Most Asian martial arts are practiced barefoot, whether in training or competition, and as a result, martial artist characters are often flanderized into being barefoot at all times. They are also commonly shown always in a martial arts uniform or gi. There are several reasons why practitioners perform the art barefoot. It develops foot and lower leg strength for better striking. The tibialis also serves as a natural shock absorber, and going barefoot prevents injuries such as sprained ankles. It also ensures safety for the opponent, as getting struck by a foot is a lot less risky than one clad in a shoe. There are also reasons why martial artists prefer to go barefoot in fiction. One reason is that being barefoot gives them a direct connection to the ground and, by extension, nature and spirituality. Another is that always being barefoot gives them a sense of independence and freedom from social norms. Lastly, a martial artist might prefer to be barefoot most of the time because it’s simply more comfortable for them than wearing shoes (At least until they have to walk over a gravel path)… ~ Martial Artists Are Always Barefoot – TV Tropes
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