Difficulties in practicing Kendo

[Miravil]

I would like to find out is there anyone that practice Kendo and at the same time suffers from some problems that may cause difficulties in their movement or training? I would like to know how to overcome such problems?

I have problems with both of my feet. I have bunions problem and it is getting worse each time I practice Kendo. And quiting Kendo is last on my list. Any advise?

[Winter_Wolf]

Hello,
Well, I can't relate to your problem exactly, but my own would be that in order to have armored practice i'm forced to remove my glasses, and because of my extreme stigmatism, I become a half blind swordsman, though so far i've done pretty good, i'm just a little more agressive towards my opponent since I have to get closer to see him.
Oh, and I know AlexM will hate me for saying this, but don't give up and keep going you'll get better!
Thanks,
W.W.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Hello,
Well, I can't relate to your problem exactly, but my own would be that in order to have armored practice i'm forced to remove my glasses,

Are you able to wear contacts? They work quite well for me. If contacts aren't possible, you could try Mengan frames. See the bottom of the page at: http://www.bogubag.com/Bogu/Pads/pads.html

[nodachi]

I have problems with both of my feet. I have bunions problem and it is getting worse each time I practice Kendo. And quiting Kendo is last on my list. Any advise?

Is the whole barefoot thing the reason why it is a problem? If so, maybe taping your feet or using tabi will help to reduce the problem and make it bearable or even go away. Just a thought, I don't fully understand what a "bunion problem" is.

[Nishi]

There are alot of options for feet in kendo...you could wrap them up in tape, (the stuff boxers use), and like Nodachi said tabi, they make many different types that cover the entire foot or specific parts...this will definatley reduce the discomfort.

I started getting a nice calise(sp?) on the ball of my left foot and big toe. The big toe now feels like there is a stone in there and if i push off of my left foot, it threatens to seperate from my foot at times. One little ring of tape around the toe has eliminated the discomfort and started to reduce the calise.

One note about the tabi...certain tabi are (apparently) seen as an advantage in shiai, so make yourself aware of this when competing, we fought Oxford uni. in a taikai this summer and one of our members got an ear full regarding his tabi....no problem in the dojo though. :grin:

[Miravil]

Winter Wolf, I do agree with Neil cause contact lenses are very useful for your situation.

[Miravil]

I seem to be unable to delete nor edit the earlier message... anyway...

Winter Wolf, I think Neil has his point. I used to have serious short sighted problem and have to put on contact lenses to keep myself from hitting other people than my own opponent. I can't see who is in front of me eventhough he is only 2 feet away.

However, sometimes I like it when I can't see directly into my opponent's scary face.... :dog:

To everyone, sorry that I've made you guys confused. I've attached 2 sample pictures of the situation that I've mentioned earlier. The only way to solve the problem is through surgery. I've done my left foot, but it is a failure and I have more difficulties in movements since then. I'm still practicing kendo, but can't move fast anymore.

[kendomushi]

An orthopedic doctor might be able to custom fit a brace that would give you better support and thereby allow a little more free movement.
I know one sensei who had to have surgery to correct a deformity in his left foot (the actual deformity I don't remember) but he has had to go this route (custom made support) and he says that he is almost good as new with it on. Either way he was always able to clean my clock.

[Miravil]

I've been to an orthopedic doctor and did my surgery last year. Sadly the correction didn't last and my left foot went back to it's previous structure (deform) with more difficulty than before. Then I seeked help from podiatrist doctor, he can't do much for me. According to him, I need to wear some pading in shoes. I can't wear shoes while practicing kendo.... The other choice is another surgery which I need to be on wheelchair for few months. And it cost a lot for me cause I need to get it done oversea.....ouch...