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I just ordered one of those, can't wait to get it in. Do you know if the bottom strap is a chin strap, or a throat one? Anyone know where I can find the ones that have chin straps instead of throat ones?

Great points, thanks!

To me it means that you've reached a certain level of flexability and strength that many people have'nt. I know it would'nt be practical in a lot of situations, but for me it's a goal that I would really like to achieve.

Thanks for the tips!

Cool, can you tell me what you like about them?

Hey guys, just wondering if any of you use wrestling headgear to protect against cauliflower ear, and if so, which one? Is there one that protects better than most, or are they all pretty much the same? Thanks!

Hey guys. I was watching some ISKA kata competitions on ESPN, and there were a couple amazing guys. They could hold their side kick almost vertical. I was wondering if you guys could tell me what kind of stretches and exercises you do to achieve that? I know it takes years or persistance, but what can get me started towards that goal? Thanks

What are your views on increasing hand speed and power? I've been searching the net for some info on different exercises and training views on it, and it seems to vary a lot. Some say that using little hand weights like a pound to a couple pounds will help with speed development. Others say you should do you punching drills without any weights, gloves, etc. to develop more speed. What are your views and thoughts on this, and what methods do you use? I know some guys use say, 16oz. and up to do bag and padwork to develop more speed and power. I'm one of them. I don't feel like doing pad drills without any gloves, or really light gloves would help me develop more speed, it just feels funny to me. But, i've never really found a definite answer on the subject. What do you guys think? Thanks!

How do you guys go about avoiding foot injuries in a sport that demands so much contact with the legs and feet? Do foot problems/injuries hinder your performance, training, or mental focus in anyway? What do you do to prepare your feet, and care for them, before and after a fight, or hard days training? Just wondering because I am type 1 Diabetic, and I've had a few foot injuries over the years. For some reason, when the weather is hot or muggy, my feet will sometimes swell up a little bit. My circulation is all good, so I'm not sure what else diabetes has to do with swelling in hot conditions. Thanks!

Thanks for the tips guys! Sorry for the late reply. I'll try out all the things suggested in here. Oh, and keep em coming if you got anything else! Thanks!

Hello everyone. I would like to ask some help from those of you who are into Deep Breathing exercises, Meditation, TaiChi, and other Japanese or Chinese arts that deal a lot with self control, and control of the body. I am getting ready to have my first few kickboxing fights this year, and I want to be strong and focused. I hear about a lot of people who have their first fight, or first real big Pro fight, and get adrenaline crashes, feel weak in the legs, see spots, can't focus, no power in their punches etc. I would like to avoid all of this before it get's to that point. I'm willing to explore what ever it is you guys suggest, but if you would like to give some tips, that would be cool too. How can I avoid these negative effects? Thanks! **I posted this question on another site I visit to get more responses**

Actually I got some anti inflamatory stuff prescribed when it first happened. They told me to rest until the pain was gone, which it is now after roughly 6 months. But some fluid still seems to be in there. On humid days that is.

Interesting theory. That's exactly what seems to be happening. Just more fluid in the area on humid days. You guys got any tips on getting rid of the fluid and inflamed tissue? I've been massaging it for a while (since it's happened) and just started to massage it with Thai liniment.

I wonder what the humidity has to do with it? My foot only comes a little fat when it's humid.

Hello everyone. Let me know if you ever experienced something like this. About six months ago I had a sparring accident where I hit the top of my foot on my partners elbow. It resulted in a good sized lump and swelling. Probably about the size of a golf ball, right in the middle of the top of my foot. Over time under the doctors orders I rested it and massaged it down to where it is almost flat with the top of my foot, but is now hard like bone. Doctor said it was scarred tissue and you can't do anything about it. I had it x-rayed and nothing was broken, and I went to a foot docotor who said to keep massaging it. He said it may go down a little by little over time, and he said it was okay for me to continue training. So now it's not sore or anything, and it's pretty much gone except for some little lumpy parts I can feel around the bones that go to your toes. Pretty much the basic calicification I think. But here's the weird part. On hot muggy/humid days, my foot will get a little fat. I can tell because my on my other foot, I can see all of the bones and vains, while when it get's muggy my injured foot will look flat and you can't make out the bones and vains. This only happens on certain occasions where it is really muggy and humid. If I wear a shoe all day and take it off, my foot looks perfect. lol. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? It's hard to imagine that I'm the only one, as I know everyone makes mistakes and misplaces kicks every once in a while. Thanks!

Yeah.

Oh okay. I did'nt understand your post at first. Do you fight under any of the sanctioning bodies that I mentioned by any chance? ISKA, IKF, WKA?

Have what? Diabetes?

Anyone happen to know? Still have'nt been able to get in touch with any sanctioning bodies yet. I've tried emailing and calling the ISKA, IKF and WKA. Thanks!

Hello everyone. I just ordered some Thai Liniment from Fairtex and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the proper way to use it is? Or what your personal procedures are that you have foung to work good for you. The main thing I bought it for was to reduce the swelling of banged up shins and bones after training or sparring, as that's what I've heard it does. Is this the only purpose for Thai Liniment, or does it serve other purposes? Does it promote quicker healing of bruises, lumps, swelling? Or is it just for temporary relief? I see that it contains Menthol, so it must have something to do with swelling. So far I've only used typical american made pain relievers like Iceyhot. But I've heard that the liniment is way stronger, and just all around better. Thanks!

I have hit the top of my foot on elbows before, and it leaves behind some big scarred tissue build ups or something. They seem to take forever to heal, and leave your foot like semi swollen for a long time.

Yeah I know they're brutal. That particular sparring would be done really light though, so not too bad. I've seen pictures of Alex Gong fighting another guy, both with elbow pads on. Looks like the regular volley ball foam kind. I'll try to find the pics. Thanks!

Hey what's up guys. Can anyone recomend some good elbow pads for sparring? Something good, but not too pricey? Thanks!

Does anyone know if the ISKA has anything agains fighting with a medical condition? I have been trying to contact them, but I have'nt had a chance to speak with them yet.

Hey guys thanks for the replies. I actually have Type 1 Diabetes, had it for roughly 6 years, and I currently use Lantus like Vito mentioned, and a Humalog mix. I've been trying to search and see if there were any Diabetic fighters out there, but I've come up empty so far. I would really like to compete at some point, but the only thing holding me back is keeping a stable blood sugar level throughout the fight. I know that the adrenalin would most likely kick it up a little bit. But from there it can go both ways, so it's a little risky. Let me know if you guys got any suggestions. Thanks!