Sokusen

Steel-toed boots would definitely add some impact to a front snap kick. In addition, women should never under estimate the effectiveness of their fashionable shoes.

I agree, most likely you would have a shoe on in a self-defense scenario, unless you really like flip-flops. But, all the better, since now you are hitting with the tip of the shoe instead of the ball of the shoe. Is one technique better then the other I don't know. But, using a "pointy" weapon is a nice way of making a quick jab like the front snap kick into a more penetrating kick. When it comes to conditioning, the slow pace wins the race. Learn to form the tool then slowly condition it. You go out on day one with a poorly formed tool and start slamming a pad you will break your foot. If you take your time and learn to do it correctly then eventually the pad becomes to soft and you look for other things with more resistance. I’ve been doing it for years and haven’t had a problem yet.

Hello everyone, love the site. I personally love the front snap kick, it's quick and it hurts. You can end a fight befor it even begins with one. If you take the time and develop the toe as the striking weopon instead of the ball of the foot then you compound the amount of damage inflicted due to the smaller surface area. Strike the inner thigh, outer thigh, the groin or floating ribs, and it feels like you're being stabbed.

I study Uechi ryu and I am so ignorant of other styles Katas. The ones I study are: Sanchin Kanshiwa Kanchu Seisan Seichin Kanchin Sansei ryu

The one thing that has helped me with kumite is understanding what type of Kumite we are doing. Ippon is different then continuous sparring which is different from full contact, which is different from self-defense. All are fun (when done safely) and all have there benefits. My biggest problem was separating Ippon from full contact. If you go into Ippon Kumite with the mindset of hammering the guy, you are constantly waiting for that killer blow. In the mean time, the other guy/girl has already scored the point and the match is over, and you are left standing there waiting for your "opening". If you are practicing Ippon Kumite then remember it is essentially a game of tag. So relax and treat it as such. Things will become smoother and you'll find you become quicker. Try going into your next night of Kumite with one technique you want to perfect. Say to your self "I don't care what he/she throws I am throwing my reverse punch". And just work that. This takes the Macho I need to win attitude out of it, and allows you to learn. Remember it is a game and you are there to practice, so have fun.