Hello! I'm 31 years old, a truck driver, and new to Karate and Martial Arts. At the beginning of this year I began to live a fit lifestyle, eating better and exercising regularly. I went from 210 lbs (I'm 5'11'') to 177 lbs currently. I've been doing bodyweight exercises regularly. I started truck driving again in June (over the road) but I still get as much exercise as I can out here on the road. I always wanted to learn Karate for the discipline, strength and flexability I imagined it brings, aswell as confidence. I would love to learn in a classroom or 'dojo' setting but I settled to learn from my best friend who is a black belt and recently began to get back into Karate. In several sessions over the last few months my black belt friend taught me serveral kicks and some punches, and layed out some plans for me to do Karate Practice/Exercise out here on the road. His thing was always 'fighting' and he won 2nd place at the US Open back in '96 (or 97', not sure) So he ordered some sparring gear and, along with another student, he's been sparring again. I've sparred with him 3 times now, and get better everytime. My trouble with sparring right now, other than lack of experience, is this arthitic big toe (resulting from an injury years ago) I have on my left foot (strong side). Everytime we spar I end up hurting it on wheel kicks, so much to where I end up going to my weak side the rest of the time. My friend gave me some pointers on using the kicks that I can (hook, side, front..) and just avoid using the wheels, but I wonder if there's something I can do to train/condition that toe to take a hit and give good kicks without pain. I wonder if theres something I can do to that foot/toe to make it strong enough to land wheel kicks without hurting. Something like repeatedly kicking something solid like a tree or wall, kicking through the pain? Or using a paddle or something to repeatedly hit the toe? Would this do more harm than good? Any ideas? Or should I just avoid wheels and roundhouses on that foot? I also read that liquid glucosamine might heal that joint. Anyway, I regret this long post, but am glad to be here! Right now I'm still working on my form and kick combinations.
