Long nails and training...

[Ginger]

Hi all,

New to the boards, been training for about three years now. Just wanted to ask my fellow Kravists if they have come across this problem in their training. I clip my fingernails each week and I know most of my long time training partners do also. There are a few who do not...we switch partners often in class, whenever I have one of these long nailed partners, I get scratched in the face, limbs and neck (especially practicing choke holds). Any way to politely ask these long nailed fellow students to clip their nails? I already asked the head instructor if he could say something, but it seems to no avail...HELP!

Thanks in advance.

[KravMagaStudent]

It's all part of the training...

[G.V.]

We had a dude in class like that a while back. His nails were long, and dirty. Plus, he'd come to class kinda stinky.

I once had the pleasure to partner up with him, had the back of my neck scraped silly after doing choke defenses with him. At the end of class, I flat out told him that he needs to cut his nails.

He doesn't come to class anymore.

[Ginger]

KravMagaStudent,

I actually DON'T think that long nails are part of training. Injuries occur whist training I agree, that can be expected when training hard and is an issue of gaining control of your body and your technique. Injuries due to long fingernails to me is an issue of lack of respect to your fellow students.


G.V.,

I actually think what you did is what I really want to do...but the outcome to your situation is what I want to avoid. I love Krav Maga and I know many others do too, I do not wish to turn others off because they may get upset or embarrassed by my telling them if they could clip their nails. That was why I voiced my issues to my head instructor. I know this may seem petty to some but I don't think a facial scar is petty especially in my work environment, where co-workers and supervisors ask if 'everythings ok?'.


Thanks for the input guys. Hope to be active on the boards.

[G.V.]

I don't think he stopped coming to class coz I told him to initiate some sort of grooming regimen. But, if that's indeed what happened, oh well.

People that sensitive probably shouldn't be training in what we train in, yes?

[KravMDjeff]

It's not that he was sensitive about your comment, but rather insensitive about how his appearance/hygeine affected other students.

[Lazlo]

Our school is kind enough to provide us with complimentary mouthwash(paper cups), deodorant, and even showers with soap and shampoo. Lockers are there, but you have to bring your own towel. So, no one has an excuse to not smell as sweet as a flower.
There is even a big sign commanding each student to take care of his nails and bodily odors. Oh, and don't leave your lock on overnight or else it gets cut off.

[KravMagaStudent]

We have some students at our school that have been \"gouged\" in the neck and forearm from a student with long nails. It has left an ever lasting scar on his neck... he was very pissed off about the situation. An my other friend had his forearm scratched from top to bottom.... I don't like it, and neither does anyone else in the class.... but what can you really do??? You cannot tell a person to shave, just because it hurts when you get them in a choke... you cannot tell a person to cut her hair... just because it gets in the way from doing a choke from behind... head locks... etc...

Yes large nails is a hygene thing... and people should know better... but I guess in some aspects.. it's a part of life...

[JL]

Had same situation. First time I didn't say a word. Second time I went to my bag and got some athletic tape and taped his fingernails. Viola' Problem sol-ved! :wink:

[PhilST]

I have a nice scar on my hand courtesy of a student who forgot to cut his nails, my attitude is to grin from ear to ear and say something along the lines of \"cheers dude, do us a favour and cut your nails before the next one?\". If you've got visible (un-neccessary) damage I think its a fair request, and if people have their heads screwed on I can't see it ever causing a problem.

[KravMDjeff]

I bite mine to be far too short to present a problem.

[MaskedKat]

I know I've never scratched anyone in class, but after reading this thread I cut my nails yesterday before class. Little reminders to be courteous are helpful...

[chicochi]

I have a scar on my wrist from being badly scratched by a guy with short, normal nails! I think it can always happen regardless of nail length.

Incidentally, it seems like the girls who have nice manicures are more reserved in class than the girls who don't. Perhaps that is why I've never been scratched by them.

[MaskedKat]

Probably don't want to break their nails and mess up those manicures. I haven't had one since I started training, since I don't see much sense in spending 20 bucks for my nails to look nice for a couple of days!