Tintin

got the a shockdoctor compression shorts. They are great, really comfortable. Cannot recommend enough! The cup is a two shot moulding with a soft rubber edge, and it fits into a front pocket. The tip of the cup is quite narrow and it therefore less noticable - I htink this was what made my jock strap box uncomfortable.

Thankyou, I certainly will mention it in the next class. I think I have just developed it as a bad habit, but only just noticed on Saturday.

Noticed something at training the other day:- I exhale when doing any basic technique, punch block etc. However can end up feeling nackered and a bit light headed. Have even been told I loose all colour in my face at times. I wondered if I am not getting enough oxygen into my body becasue I am always trying to breathout on a move. What do other people do? Am I possibly over doing it? Help!

Couple of things to try:- Firstly (and apologies if this is teaching you to suck eggs!):- When you kick a bag or pad, don't kick it, kick through it. Try to visualise that you are actually kicking the other side of the person holding the bag/pads, let your leg swing through. Secondally, twist the other foot. If you are doing a back leg mawashi geri, the dynamic comes from turning on the ball of your front foot, getting your hips around and finally your leg snapping out. It is this that allows you the coiled spring effect to hit the other side of the bag. Lastly you could try some bungees. We use than for conditioning and speed. If you put one around your ankle and fix the other to the floor, or have someone hold it you can kick against the stretch of the band. upi can then also add a pad to hit.

Why not try ebay? There are some real bargins on there. (I just bid on some focus pads for less than a tenner) As long as you do your homework and check out the brand, quality and what they are actually worth - might get something for the same cost as trying to bodge something yourself.

Cool, This is going to be my next purchase! Want to get into doing kumite this year, and find the jock strap style guard a bit uncomfortable. Thanks for the advice guys.

could have a look at these:- http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-sand-duffel-bag-for-weight-training/ http://www.instructables.com/id/10-DIY-Kettle-Bell/ I am sure there are others, just did a quick search, it is a great site to get ideas from