Advice on going lefty

[bluekey88]

As I'd mentioned in my post regarding my recent BB test, I discovered an issue that will impact on my training (particularly in regards to breaking).

I have gout....really bad gout. For those of you who don't know what it is...it is a rheumatism-like conidition similar to arthirtis. My body has problems getting rid of uric acid. When it gets concentrated in my blood stream, it tends to settle into my joints in the form of crystals. These crystals then are like sandpaper on the joint. It leads to incredible pain, sensitivity and inflammation. I'm on medication and basically have the condition under control.

Here's the thing. I started getting symptoms at a very young age (13) and am one of those who gets frequent attacks. It took years (until I was in my 20's) to get it properly diagnosed. By that time, I'd suffered some joint damage in my right foot. I've got a nasty bone spur on the joint of my big toe and and enlarged area on the side of my foot at the ball. Conbsequently, I have a harder time bending my toes back on that side.

Up until now, I;d compensated on my breaks. Angling the boards just so and the like. However, I'd never had to do more than one break using the ball of my foot on any given test...until my BB test.

What I've discovered is that when i use the ball of my right foot to break, the shock of the impact causes a temporary gout reaction. My foot gets painful, the ball of my foot swells up. It makes doing subsequent breaks really difficult (more a test of pain endurance than anything else). I'm thinking this is a bad thing. I don't do a lot of breaking... just for tests. BUt I don't want to cause further damage to my foot. It's messed up enough as it is.

I'm thinking it's time to learn how to do ball of foot kicking breaks using my left foot which is far less effected by the gout than is my right foot. My question is does anyone have any good advice on how to train myself to kick with accuracy and power with my non-dominant foot?

I'm gussing it will be a matter of repetition ad nauseum...but if any of you more experienced folks have had to dosomething like this...I'm looking for pointers.

Thanks so much.

Peace,
Erik

 

[Gemini]

There's been a debate in the MA world forever about whether it's better to train one side to perfection or both sides equally. Fact is, most of us are one side dominant and what you're now required to do isn't easy. I think though your reasons are unique to you, the situation is not a unique one. Most of us have had/still have been in the same boat.

"I'm gussing it will be a matter of repetition ad nauseum...but if any of you more experienced folks have had to dosomething like this...I'm looking for pointers."

You're correct and have for the most part answered your own question. I will ad what I do and if it helps you, that's good. If not, toss it.

The first thing I do is break down this new awkward motion into single movements. (One move at a time, such as a roundhouse being 5 moves). The I work on each movement slowly while consentrating on balance and mechanics. As I improve, I speed up. I do this for each part of the motion and then begin combining them back together. It's important you develop the body memory of the basics before you start repitition.

I think you'll find both sides are workable, but more likely than not, they will never work exactly the same, so don't try to make them. I hope this helps.

Most important to remember, don't think of this as a chore or problem. It's just part of the journey and you're going to end up better for it IMO.

Good luck!

 

[K31]

I hate to answer a question with a question but are you sure you have gout?

I thought I had it in my foot also and told that to the Internist I first saw about it. He told me that I probably had pseudo gout because if I had true goat I wouldn't be able to stand even a bed sheet resting on that foot (another doctor told me the same thing about gout). I then developed problems in other joints that were all treated as individual problems. I finally saw a rheumatologist and she took synovial fluid from my knee, took xrays and did blood work and determined that I had Rheumatoid arthritis and treats me for it.

The foot that it started in is disfigured but I was at a podiatrists office and saw what RA could do to a foot and I have to say I'm lucky it didn't go farther.

I am now on medication that makes me feel virtually inflammation and pain free (more important, it stops further damage) where as before I had days when I could not type on a keyboard because of the pain in my hand joints and elbow. I find it hard to believe that I can hit boards so hard now that I not only break them but can drive the pieces out of the holders hands and across the room.

Sorry for the ramble, but my point is that rather than make accommodations you might want to get another opinion.

 

[Sukerkin]

First off, you have my sympathies, Bluekey, if yu have gout then it's no fun whatsoever .

A good point from K31 tho' to make absolutely sure of your condition.

I'm guessing that you're fairly confident as the medication seems to work but it never hurts to have a second opinion.

A workmate of mine has gout in his foot too and if it flares up then there's not even any question of his making it in to the office. He gets to spend his day in front of the computer/TV etc being waited on by his missus until the medication takes effect - I'm still not at all tempted to say that he's lucky.

 

[bluekey88]

NO problem. I've had the bloodwork done numerous times. Even had fluid from my knee drawn and tested when the gout got into that joint. It's gout. I see a rheumatism specialist and as long as I follow his regime and take my meds...things are pretty much under control. I just can't do much about the damage that's already occurred.

Sukerin - Yeah, gout is no fun at all. At it's worst, I can't even stand to have a light cotton bed sheet touching the inflamed area because it is so sensitive. I have a cane on hand in case I need it to assist with walking. Luckily, haven't needed that in a few years.

Peace,
Erik

I hate to answer a question with a question but are you sure you have gout?

I thought I had it in my foot also and told that to the Internist I first saw about it. He told me that I probably had pseudo gout because if I had true goat I wouldn't be able to stand even a bed sheet resting on that foot (another doctor told me the same thing about gout). I then developed problems in other joints that were all treated as individual problems. I finally saw a rheumatologist and she took synovial fluid from my knee, took xrays and did blood work and determined that I had Rheumatoid arthritis and treats me for it.

The foot that it started in is disfigured but I was at a podiatrists office and saw what RA could do to a foot and I have to say I'm lucky it didn't go farther.

I am now on medication that makes me feel virtually inflammation and pain free (more important, it stops further damage) where as before I had days when I could not type on a keyboard because of the pain in my hand joints and elbow. I find it hard to believe that I can hit boards so hard now that I not only break them but can drive the pieces out of the holders hands and across the room.

Sorry for the ramble, but my point is that rather than make accommodations you might want to get another opinion.

 

[bluekey88]

There's been a debate in the MA world forever about whether it's better to train one side to perfection or both sides equally. Fact is, most of us are one side dominant and what you're now required to do isn't easy. I think though your reasons are unique to you, the situation is not a unique one. Most of us have had/still have been in the same boat.

"I'm gussing it will be a matter of repetition ad nauseum...but if any of you more experienced folks have had to dosomething like this...I'm looking for pointers."

You're correct and have for the most part answered your own question. I will ad what I do and if it helps you, that's good. If not, toss it.

The first thing I do is break down this new awkward motion into single movements. (One move at a time, such as a roundhouse being 5 moves). The I work on each movement slowly while consentrating on balance and mechanics. As I improve, I speed up. I do this for each part of the motion and then begin combining them back together. It's important you develop the body memory of the basics before you start repitition.

I think you'll find both sides are workable, but more likely than not, they will never work exactly the same, so don't try to make them. I hope this helps.

Most important to remember, don't think of this as a chore or problem. It's just part of the journey and you're going to end up better for it IMO.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. It's not a matter of training my sides uneuqyally. I practice all my kicks and techniques on both sides (on the heavy bag, during line and kicking drills, etc.) It's just that for breaking, I'm a righty.

I'll try some things out and see how it goes. I'll let ya'll know what comes of my experimentation. Luckily this isn't for all my breaks...I can still do hand tecniques, and foot techniques that don't use the ball of the foot normally. Just not things like roundhouse or front kicks.

Peace,
Erik

 

[terryl965]

Bluekey it is like everything else in our life the dominenet side is always stronger but with extra time and practice the weaker can become just as strong when breaking good luck.

 

[Kacey]

Bluekey, there is no reason why you cannot break with either foot. Too many people concentrate solely on their "dominant" side for breaking - which is why I periodically require my students to break with their non-dominant side, hands and feet. As has been said, it may take some extra practice, but it's certainly possible.

Also, I would consider this: for many people I know, the "dominant" side varies depending on the technique. There are some techniques that are easier for me on my left (non-dominant) side, because while my right leg is stronger, my left side is more flexible, which is significant in some situations. For example, when I tested for IV Dan, I chose to do a head-high twisting kick (which goes over your shoulder at that height) - and I did it with my left leg by preference, because my left leg is more flexible.

The bottom line is, you have good reason to practice breaking with your left leg, and there's no reason to think you won't be successful - so go start practicing, and let us know how it goes.

 

[Bret Hinds]

I have phsudo gout, it is real close to gout. I eat dried cherry's (the fruit) like candy it helps with the swelling and a preventive measure. So you can load up with them before you test.Talk to your doctor and get his or her input! There are diet issues as well of drugs that can help. TALK to them! good luck on your gout and your breaking. All the best in the arts

 

[Balrog]

My sympathies with your gout issues. I have rheumatoid arthritis, so I can sympathize greatly.

For quite a while, I had to modify my board breaks. I either did one less board per station or changed the technique. I couldn't break with my hands, so I went to elbow strikes. And I had real problems with round kicks hitting with the ball of the foot, so I stayed with side kicks.

Thank heavens for an aggressive rheumatologist and modern meds. Work closely with your doctor and your instructor to come up with breaks that will challenge you and yet not cause you damage.

Good luck in your training!