What's it like learning karate in English?

[Wastelander]

Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you are experiencing pretty standard Kyokushin, from what I know of it from those who practice it. I've trained with some Kyokushin karateka once or twice in my area, and there were variations from what you describe, but every dojo is a little different. The stomach-standing and leg-kicking are normal, although I didn't think sparring with shin pads was terribly common with Kyokushin (not a bad idea, though).

Your legs will get tougher as you get more accustomed to taking those kicks, but I will add a recommendation--bend your leg into the kick. Just bending it does take some of the shock of out if and protects your knee, but if you lean into the kick a bit, I find that it helps take out just a bit more. That could just be me, though. And, of course, shin blocks or "checks" a feel a lot better in sparring than just absorbing a kick to the thigh.

[Drew]

Will give that a try Drew thanks!! My injury though was just above the kneecap, not just below, so perhaps it was a case of not bending my legs enough to avoid hyperextension as you mentioned the other day. A few drinks the next day and running for the last train also could have aggravated it if I'm honest

I had assumed it was above the knee actually. Turning the knee out and bending it prevents that injury from even being a possibility. I even purposefully catch it on the knee. I guess I'm beating a dead horse at this point though, you've probably already got it down.

[pacman]

Cheers and cheers, I really appreciate these latest two replies! I will bear them in mind next session.