Hello all, a lil bit of backgroud here so I (not so) recently found my calling in something that I would never, up until this year anyway, would have thought would have been something that would have interested me. As a matter of fact it goes beyond interest and has full on captivated me and have decided that I want to make it more than just a hobby. I have always been involved with sports ever since i was 12. From soccer, to swimming and eventually what would become my favorite sport, volleyball.

Problem is, those were just that: sports. I wanted a real challenge. So I decided to take up Muay Thai, and fell in love with it since day one. I know, sounds overused but its true! My MT coach was quick to compliment me on my "athleticism" and how quick I was to learn things, and the fact that I could hang in there without being completely embarrassed despite the fact I am the only girl in the training facility.

I've sparred with some of the guys here and I like to believe I did well. My chin held up, my body could take the punishment, I could take a good leg kick to the thigh....but when it comes to checking leg kicks, or having my own kicks checked or blocked my shins just couldn't take it!!

I couldn't tell you the countless of times a good sparring session had to be halted because I would check a leg kick and wound up on the floor crying like (for the lack of a better word) lil girl :( I have been training since February, but had to take a break for the summer as I was out of town. I however didn't stop trying my darnest to condition my shins and was the main focus all summer long. Having been a life-long tomboy I thought imitating Van Damme in "Kickboxer" would be a good idea. So I decided to wrap an oak tree outside my dormitory with cardboard (3 layers thick) and kicked the bejeezus out of it all summer long. Naturally, I got back into training 3 weeks ago thinking I would have shins of steel only to find out that all my kicking and hurting this summer was probably for nothing as my shins still can't seem to take the pressure. I talked to my Coach about it and all he said is to keep kicking the pads and the heavy bag. However, I've read online of pouring gasoline on your shins (to kill nerves), ointments, rolling bottles on your shins, training out in the sun, kicking bamboo trees, etc etc...but I would like to hear your favourite techniques that you've found effective to condition your shins to be able to block kicks and kick someone's shin and still be able to continue kicking.

Thanks!