Red89

Yeah I think one of the best ways is to just do alot of cardio. Like in the gym do stuff like the treadmill, cross-trainer and rowing machines. I know I have been trying to gain weight but Im not really doing so as im doing too much cardio

Gym, cycling, running, reading, graphic design, digital painting, music and playing football (soccer). oh and sleeping is another good one!

thanks everyone for your kind welcomes!

Most likely not Baron Thanks for the great response anyway guys, some good advice!

Yeah I can handle the pain from striking with my foot hard, im just wonderring though, is this toughening the foot or damaging it long term?

Followed by a nedan geri and Urakin!

Yeah well thats the thing, a thai roundhouse wouldn't really work in point sparring, as its more of a full contact kick, but in the street I would choose a thai kick over a karate kick most times, it depends on the situation though.

Hey everyone, Been hanging around here a while but havn't formally introduced myself. Real names Jonny and im from Northern Ireland! I had always been interested in MA sinse I was a child, I loved Tekken on the PS1, my dad was keen also and he encouraged me so I think i was 8 or 9 when I started Karate training, im still at the club to this day at 17 years old. Someday I hope to be all Ireland karate champion and maybe... just maybe, a world champion. And looking further into the future, I would maybe like to start my own karate school, and teach to others. Karate for life, if you know what I mean . Im still going to school at the moment, studying Art, ICT and history. One of my Idols in life when it comes to MA has to be Tony Jaa, I love that guy. I would like to start Muay Thai but unfortunetly the nearest school is something like 50-60 miles away, so.. thats out the window.. until I get a car maybe! Jackie Chan is also great, I like Bruce Lee but I didn't really get into MA because of him, I saw his movies after I had already been at karate for a few years. I also like Junior Levefre, he is an awesome karateka, just watch him spar! He is an inspiration. I really like this forum, its really interesting to read and get involved in. Hey everyone!

I do weight training and if you think about it though. Dont you think you could ift something heavier than you normally could if you let out a massive kiai as your lifting?? I havn't tried but im nearly sure I could.

Well the way I kind of look at it.. The Kata is the "fine art" part of Art, like drawing or painting. Its like a foundation, to move onto many other things.

Im 5'9 and I like my height, I don't want to grow anymore! Im 17 though so it might happen

Hmm if you can do all the other exercise I find it strange you have trouble with the running, maybe you could ask a doctor, then again don't, you know about doctors when it comes to MA I actually run alot for training, it really improves your stamina for the likes of sparring. I really have no idea about your question though, maybe your balnace when running or something, as you get dizzy? Im not sure.

Thanks for the advice baron, thats the thing though, I have a great Thai roundhouse and all, but I train karate lol! I was out again tonight, I tended to try to kick with the top half of my foot/closeer to the shin, and keep away from the lower part. Its good fun doing Thai kicks though ^^

hehe, the bag is fine I think, Havn't asked him though! Well I practice front kicks too, with the ball of my feet, and up high, to stop the bag swinging too much. I side kick occasionally too. I just do everything I guesse, I dont forget the hands and elbows too ^^ Although sitting here on the computer now Im getting pains in my elbow lol One problem is though Im in quite a confined space so I cant practice spining kicks or anything fancy, just need to keep things simple

I suppose its possible, and is most probably the same in any other sport. But the way I look at it, theres always someone better.