I'm taking a kickboxing class and its really rough, we kick each other in the shins and stuff, my teacher says

Question

My teacher says that when we kick each other in the shins, the calcium goes there, and that part gets stronger, or anywhere else in the body. Has anybody heard anything like this?

Answer 1

Yes, it is a practice of Muay Thai kickboxing, originally from Thailand. For those that say this is crap, then why do soccer players have "harder heads"? Probably becuse they continually deliver headers. Ask any M.D., and they will tell you that if you break a bone, you can never break it in the same spot ever again. Kicking repeatedly at one's shin streghtens one's shin, which enables the person to deliver punishing kicks, with the shin, to an opponent.

Answer 2

Actually after years of doing Muay Thai, I have decided that no one actually know the answer. Even many medical expert disagree on this subiect. Here's a couple theory:

-Skin build calluses

-Nerve on shins skin slowly deaden or become desenstive over time.

-Every time you block kicks, bones create microfracture. Once it heal, it become much stronger than before.

-After taking blows to certain part of body repeatly, brain finally tell the shin that it's normal.

-There's a glisten or whatever it's call between skin and skeleton that become harder and thicker over time.


There's few more theory, but above are some most common theory.

Answer 3

Muay Thai fighters have been doing this for generations, so there is probably some truth to it, but it also has to be doing long term damage. I don't recommend it. I also do not recommend shin kicks to hard targets. It is best used to attack a soft target such as the groin. If you are targeting the legs, use the ball of your foot. It will be far more effective.

Answer 4

The jury is still out on this one. Medical people will say it's stupid and Muay Thaiers will say "Do it".

I say

1) Kick a punching bag at home and build up to it slowly.

2) Tell your instructor that you got injured and need to where shin pads until you heal.

Take the middle ground.

Answer 5

Your teacher and naturalbornthriller69 are right!! Something called Wolfs Law Check out this link it is a Nation Geographic video that talks about Hard Body training it takes a little bit to start talking about how these peoples bones work but it will answer your questions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os7pAzP5ULY

Answer 6

I have seen martial arts schools that do this (especially if you are talking Muy Tai). It shouldn't be to the point of BREAKING. The main goal of this is to desensitize your shins. Anyone who has done competitive breaking etc likely does the same with their knuckles...whatever.

Answer 7

A very small amount does build up that way to repair the damage. The exercise & diet is what is really helping you toughen up. Wear padding to protect yourself untill your body is strong enough.

Answer 8

I have heard of it. I understand that it is to make your shins tougher so you can use your shin to kick . I personaly prefeer to kick someone in the groin or use my forearm to their face.

Answer 9

never! i think that's not true. calcium doesn't go on a specific part wherever the bones are hit. calcium divides itself into all parts of the bones. i think your teacher wants you to hit there more.

Answer 10

Calcium builds up when you break something. the more you break something down the weaker it actually becomes. when you want to fight someone you kick them somewhere it will hurt them not you. if you are both hurting each other whats the point