Can I Practice Karate With Glasses?
Before answering this question, let me first start by saying that I totally understand where you're from. I began wearing glasses at the age of 5yo, and I still do to this day. So yes, it's possible to practice Karate with glasses, and I'll give you a few tips to do so, but if I were you, I'd look for some more convenient and practical alternatives.
In this article, I will cover the following:
- What are the disadvantages of training Karate with glasses?
- How to avoid my glasses from slipping?
- How to keep glasses from fogging up when training?
- How do I prevent my glasses from flying off during training?
- When should I wear my glasses, when should I remove them?
- What glasses alternatives do I have for Karate?
- Conclusion
Enjoy the tips and alternatives to prescription glasses for Karate training.
What are the disadvantages of training Karate with glasses?
It goes without saying, training with glasses can be a hassle. Karate involves numerous sudden movements like punches, kicks, and dodges and can render the use of glasses pretty troublesome. Here are just a few examples of what will happen with your glasses during a Karate class.
1. Your glasses will slip down your nose
By experience, one thing that you will quickly notice is that your glasses will slide down all the time! I mean ALL THE TIME! Of course, that's not exclusive to Karate, but to all physical activities. The moment you start sweating, your glasses will slide down on your nose and will start to annoy the hell out of you! I know it did for me!
Additionally, the sudden moves that you perform like a punch or kick will cause enough vibration to accelerate the rate at which your glasses will slide, and it's not fun. Pushing back your glasses up on your nose every 15 second is a significant problem in my opinion.
2. Your glasses will fog up
Another thing that happens very often when wearing glasses during a Karate class is fogging up. The moment your body heat goes high, your glasses will start fogging, and you'll constantly have to remove and "clean" them. Another major concern.
3. Your glasses will get dirty
That's a little bit of a follow up of the previous point, but be ready for your glasses to get dirty all the time with seat. Not cool.
4. Your glasses can fly off
During Karate training, your glasses can fly off somewhat easily, and not only in combat but even during kihon and kata. It happened to me quite a few times. In the beginning, it's not too much of a concern, but when you start moving and striking with more power, you'll see!
5. Your glasses can get a damaged
Some people have strong prescription glasses and don't want to remove them during sparring because, without them, their vision gets very blurry. The risk of receiving a strike in your glasses is moderate to high, after all, Karate is a martial art, so it should be expected. Prescription glasses are quite expensive, so you don't want that to happen.
Are there solutions to prevent my glasses from sliding or flying off during Karate training?
There are a lot of small, cheap temporary solutions that can make wearing glasses during Karate easier, but by all means, don't expect them to be perfect.
1. Adhesive nose pads
Adhesive nose pad is a cheap way of preventing your glasses from sliding down from your nose. These pads are made from self-sticking, hypo-allergenic latex and are easy to remove and replace. That might be a good product to buy if your tight on budget, other than that, if you really wanna stick to your glasses, I'd go with the sports strap or the silicone ear hooks.
2. Sports strap for glasses
A sports strap is a strap or holder that attaches to your eyeglasses' frame to ensure that your glasses remain safely wrapped around your head. Even if your glasses receives a hit, they will still stay securely in place. I've used a sports strap for a few years, and it did the job well, I would say.
The only issue I had with it is that it kind of feels weird to wear, but that's just me, I guess. Not that it's uncomfortable, it just felt strange to have my glasses that close and "compressed" to my face: I usually wear my glasses lower on my nose. You know what I mean? Other than that, that's a great buy.
3. Silicone ear hooks
Silicone ear hooks are certainly a glass accessory that most people have no idea exists ! They are grippy, hook-like silicone add-ons that you install on the "branches" of your glasses. Their hook-like shape will ensure that they fit comfortably behind your ears, and their gelatinous adhesive texture will keep your glasses in place. I'll be honest here, I've never used ear hooks, but a friend of mine used it for obstacle race and said it works like a charm.
How to keep glasses from fogging up when training?
Anti-fog spray is really a must if you want to wear you insist on wearing your glasses during Karate training. These sprays are not created equal, and it took me a few trial and error to buy a great product.
Before purchasing an anti-fog spray, make sure to choose a good one because some of them simply doesn't work. I highly recommend products like McNett Bottle of Sea - Gold or Quick Spit (cheaper in a pack), they will last you years.
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