Left side problems

[Piston]

Has anyone got any good tips for training their left kicks and punches? My left leg is just as flexible as the right just not as strong or co-ordinated, same for my left hand.

[Eyegouge]

you haven't watched rocky have you? lol man just sit there and kick and punch the bejesus out of a bag with your left side. I'm a right handed south paw, and my left leg isn't as coordinated as my right, but after training it over and over it gets better.

[kuk sool won]

Yup im a south paw, i suppose i have an advantage really because all forms etc. are in a right handed set-up. What most Martial artists tend to do is only train thier strong side and do very little work on thier weaker side, just for a little while everyday work on your weaker side, practicing kicks and punches, eventually you will be able to control your weaker side and it will be just an effective strike as your perceived stronger side.

[tomjfd]

Guess I'm "lucky". I broke my left leg when I was about 6 and after dragging a heavy cast around for a few months, I became left footed. I am still right handed, which gives me a distinct advantage when sparring...lol (not many right handed, left footed people around that I know of). But, to answer the question you asked...make a point to begin ALL of your practice outside of class on the weaker side. When practicing kicks, begin with the weaker leg, and the same with your hands. Before you know it, you'll just more naturally use that side first, as you have practiced it more. Hope this helps.

[Hardball]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but nothing is going to help but constant practice. Everyone goes through it. How much do you practice? It could take years for your "Bad Leg" to catch up to your good leg. For some people it's the reverse. The right leg sucks and the left leg is awesome. Look at Mr. Bill Wallace, he is world renowned for his Left leg kicking.

[Piston]

Thanks for the tips fellas, I guess it makes sense that the muscle eventually 'learns' the motions better. Cheers!

[shaolin-warrior]

try limited weapon sparring, dont worry about chalking up wins, just favor your left side. Have fun with it and you'll be surprized at how your body can adjust and adapt. We have whole classes with our opposite sides, because we do a right handed system (kempo).
Good Luck