Banshee

I used to be able to do the splits when I was younger and doing TKD, but now, I have stretching issues with my outer thighs just below the hips (the illiotibial bands I've been told). It sucks cause it's a pain when trying to roundhouse kick high, which I would like to do. Anyone have any good stretches or work-arounds? In the meantime, it's off to the stretching section for me!

I know this seems like a really basic question, but I want to see how everyone else prefers it. When I took TKD when I was younger, I was taught to kick with the instep/top foot portion, however, I have read in some places that the ball of the foot should be used, and I have sometimes seen my instructor use the ball of his foot, even though he tells us instep. He doesn't correct me when I use the instep, but doesn't correct others who use the ball of the foot. When sparring with the feet covered, pulling the toes back is out of the question, and I would say the same with shoes on. I broke a toe with a front kick (it was a no contact sparing drill and the guy I was doing it with came at me instead of moving back like he was supposed to) and I hate cranking the toes back to do a kick. I could see, however, when having to break a board for example, using the ball of the foot would probably be a good idea. What technique do you all use?

How's it going? Just wanted to say hi - I had a username here, but didn't post too often, and wanted to start fresh. My current style is Tae Kwon Do, and I studied Kung Fu and TKD when I was younger, and a bit of Aikido in college. There is a ton of good info here, and I think it's great that sharing of different styles occurs here! That's it for now!