fishnaked

Well, I easily found the Coflex and gave it a shot last night at a 3 hr practice. I had misgivings about it as soon as I removed it from the package. Showed my instructor before practice and he had the same thoughts; the stuff is going to roll up right away. I figured there was something else called Coflex and I got the wrong stuff. I must say though, I was impressed! One wrap lasted the 3 hrs with no roll up at all...and zero hot spots. It was nice to be able to remove it without taking a bunch of foot hair with it too! The only problem I experienced was that during a front kick about 2.5 hrs in, the wrap flew off the end of my foot towards my opponent. After a brief chuckle, I simply slipped it back on and continued. I have 2 more practices to experiment. I plan to try using regular tape on top of my foot to hold the Coflex in place. I should also mention that it grips the floor. Nice at times and not so nice at other times. I can live with that though during this 3-day intensive. Time permitting, I may try wrapping a strip of regular tape over the Coflex...the ends of the tape tucked under the Coflex so it won't roll up. Thanks again for the tip! The dust the other poster/s mentioned sounds like a great idea too but at this point, don't feel I have time to experiment. It may be difficult to sneak to the side and redust my feet as needed too.

Thanks. Interesting idea! I wonder what kind of "dust" would work best...baby powder, baking powder, or...??? There won't be any natural dust near by so would have to bring something. I have clay. Wonder how that might work? Hmm.... I'd wear martial art shoes in a heart beat but I'd get thrown out of the dojo. Barefoot only for me, I'm afraid. Or instead of athletic tape, if you can get your hands on Coflex vet wrap bandages, that stuff is amazing. Actually meant for animals but its brilliant as it sticks to itself and nothing else. I've wrapped my foot in it before and it won't stick to the ground or roll up. There's a farm supply store here in town with a pretty good selection of vet stuff. I will check it out. Thanks for the tip!

Thanks. Interesting idea! I wonder what kind of "dust" would work best...baby powder, baking powder, or...??? There won't be any natural dust near by so would have to bring something. I have clay. Wonder how that might work? Hmm.... I'd wear martial art shoes in a heart beat but I'd get thrown out of the dojo. Barefoot only for me, I'm afraid.

I have a 3 day intensive training coming up and need to figure out a way to prevent blisters. The big toe side of the ball of my feet seem to be the problem area for me. I've been getting hotspots there after only 3 hours of practice. I have wrapped my feet with athletic tape but it seems to ball up rather quickly requiring that I remove it completely or rewrap. Granted, I have very little experience with using tape. Has anyone tried mole skin...the stuff that comes in patches that you cut to size? I was thinking that one large patch covering the entire balls of my feet might not only prevent blisters but also create some slipperiness in turns taking some torque off from a sore knee. Any other ideas for blister prevention? Thanks.

Thanks for the additional info, guys.

Thanks, guys.

Hello, I have recently taken up Shotokan Karate. My teacher is affiliated with Shotokan Karate of America and teaches that of which is in Gichin Funakoshi's book "Karate-Do Kyonhan". I purchased the book to supplement the classes. The book has been very helpful. However, I'm keen to own other supplemental books. Does "Best Karate, Vol.1: Comprehensive" by Nakayama have the same techniques as those found in Funakoshi's book? If not, could someone recommend a book that does show the same style/techniques? Thanks, Fish

Thanks for the additional replies, guys. I have started riding my bike again. I also stretch often and perform Qigong daily. I'm excited.....

Thanks for the replies, you two. We'll see what becomes of this.

After more than 30 yrs of wanting to learn a Martial Art, I have finally started at 41. I have chosen Shotokan Karate due to being good friends with a Shotokan teacher....that and it fits my budget. I have had one lesson. My friend/teacher is aware that I had knee surgery 6 yrs ago and said we can work around it. He is also in his high 50's so can sympathize w/ my age. I am healthy, still athletic, fast, flexible and agile. Working towards a simple self-reliant life, I'm still worried about my knee though. I can not afford to become prematurely crippled. And with 25% of my meniscus removed, my chances of developing arthritis in that knee have significantly increased...not taking undue stress into account...like Karate, perhaps.?..? Is there anyone out there in a similar situation of knee injury and or age that can offer their experiences in the Martial Arts? All advise/wisdom/experience welcomed and appreciated. Thanks!