Do you use sparring gear if you're involved in martial arts?

I took a couple hard kicks to my legs last night and since I'm still learning I can't block everything all the time. It still hurts But I can deal with that, and I realize it's part of the conditioning process.

However, I took a punch to the chest last night and it really winded me I literally was short of breath for a few minutes after, which was pretty scary. I have since purchased a reasonably priced chest pad that I intend to wear next time we do any kind of free style fighting. I don't think I need to be punched in the heart again to know I should probably block that, but I'll feel more comfortable if I'm using protective gear from now on.

It is all about conditioning. Until your confident of your ability to be able to block when sparring some protective gear is a wise decision. Be aware however that it is relatively easy to become reliant on the gear as it gives you a false sense of security. Best of luck.

I guess I'm more concerned about taking hits to the heart region than I am say, somewhere where I'm just going to bruise. If I get into a real fight situation and I somehow get hit in the chest, that is enough of a risk in my view. I don't need to continually put myself in that uncomfortable position

Haven't there been cases where people get abnormal heart rhythms because of heavy impacts to the chest? I guess that's partially what I'm concerned about.

Just kick their a** before they kick yours, and you should be fine.

during training, you need all the protection that you can get, gears and everything, if you are not wearing anything you might get crippled before you become sen'sie

Tbh we don't bother really

Pads are encouraged, but other than that in training that's all that's required. Competitions obviously require mouth guards aswell.

Best bet is to make sure you don't get punched in the chest Annie Just tai sabaki next time

And on a more serious note, the far more advanced grade should have had far more control....

I'd rather spar with any of the 2nd and 3rd dans than the lower grades who lack the control gained through experience

Which kicks?

You can't really block maegeri too well in kumite, you just need to get out of the way, it's slightly different to pairwork, you dont know what's coming next, so it's all instinct from what you've learned in kata, pairs and kihon. Mawashigeri is easier to block because they're coming to the side of your body or the head - if they're going for your back/side a nice elbow in the ankle usually puts them off doing it again too soon

I haven't had to deal with many maegeri, mostly mawashigeri. I have several bruises on my thigh from those