Ask Sifu Z: Is Savate an unfair advantage?

Dear Sifu Z, 


 I am a savateur and part of a freestyle group, so I'm the only one who wears shoes. Many of my teammates refuse to spar with me because of my "Unfair advantage" yet all them except the one who will spar me, out weigh me by at least 10 pounds. Are they in the right? Any idea for a compromise? 


Sincerely, tired of breaking his toes


Sifu Z responds:

If "shoes" are an unfair advantage you are training with a bunch of pussies! Seriously, I have had my eyelids lacerated not by a shoe but a fricken toenail!!!! The unfair advantage exists in the superior movement of the savateur. YouTube a video of Ramon decker in 1991 fighting a Thai boxer. Thai rules (no elbows) and he totally wears him out. Find a gym with fighters not posers!