kicking question..

[osuperu]

ok...wow this maybe is embarrasing to say but how do you do certain kicks in karate without breaking your freaking toes!...i guess you use the balls of your feet but i cant pull my toes back, especially when trying to kick..does it just take loads of practise to keep them back??..or am i just tendon-ly challenged...anybody got any good tips for training them..haha..??

[P.A.L]

there is no written way of kicking, as a karate-ka we have to adapt or techniques according to our body, i don't risk doing side kicks with my right anymore due to a knee injury.if you can't kick with ball of the foot try to learn toe kick, there been some geart masters with ability of strong toe kicks, my sensei has a very strong toe kick just by spending lots of time practicing.

[cathal]

Just focus on your toe muscles, keeping them up. If you practice with a bag, you'll learn pretty quickly to keep them up

[MASIsshinryu]

If you presently have a physial limitation which prevents you from drawing the toes up/back, look at some supplemental stretching which focuses on that issue.

 

With (lots of) practice on a bag, progressing from low to full contact over time, most people who initially have this challenge will be able to work into the proper kicking form.

 

Practice, practice, practice...

[yamesu]

One of my instructors taught me to improve my foot-technique by simply holding different foot-positions while watching tv, reading, or whatever your doing that doesnt require any wieght on your foot.

 

I find doing this has helped me with my foot-technique immensely.

 

Osu.

[vertigo]

If you practice with a bag, you'll learn pretty quickly to keep them up

 

Exactly You won't want to kick more than a few times with your toes down

 

Just keep practicing, it'll come with time

[karatekid101]

Hmmm... When I first started karate, it naturely happened! Keep practicing!!

[mindsedgeblade]

Everyone in my school has jammed their toes. I guess it's natural when you've just started. The more you practice with body pads and a heavy bag, the easier it gets to keep your toes up. You really don't want to smash your toes doing a full power kick into the bag. Maybe calf or wall stretches would help?

[karatekid101]

Right... What mindsedgeblade said!

[steve57]

To develop improved flexibility in your toes, you could practice calve raises. Stand with your feet together on the balls of your feet on a block and hold on to something to help your balance. Raise up and down concentrating on getting a full stretch in the raised and lower position. Aim to complete two sets of about twenty five reps.

 

This will greatly enhance your foot flexibility and also have a knock on effect with your general kicking ability.