How to Toughen Your Feet for Martial Arts

Sore feet are an inevitable part of most students' first martial arts training session. While your feet will eventually toughen as you continue to practice, you can speed the process. These steps are useful if you study martial arts that involve extensive kicking.

Instructions

1. Train barefoot for as long as you can every day. Stop the moment you feel blisters or other discomfort coming on. Refrain from training until any blisters or sores on your feet heal. If you must train during this time, wear martial arts shoes to protect your feet.

2. Walk, dance and train barefoot on surfaces with increasing friction whenever possible.

3. Run or walk outside on uneven terrain. This will strengthen the muscles of your feet and ankles. It's best to do this barefoot, but wearing light shoes with thin soles will toughen your feet until you can go barefoot.

Tips & Warnings

• Doing balance work on a wobble board or similar device will strengthen the muscles of your ankles and calves, which in turn help to strengthen your feet.

• Resist the urge to use spirits or other "quick fix" devices to toughen your feet, as these may damage your feet.