Is there any way to excercise the lower back so that kidney shots aren't so damaging (or even somehow get used to it!)? or is the only answer to defend the area and avoid it at all cost?
I got hit there sparring last night and it's sore. I was also caught there a couple of months ago, which back then was painful enough to restict my training for the next fortnight i.e. unbable to do sit ups or intense workout on the bags and roadwork.
Each time it happened I was ok to continue sparring, it was sore but bearable. However its the fact that its restricting my traing thats bothering me.

Any insight or tips would be greatly appreciated.