High Kicks

[bushido_man96]

Stretching and improving flexibility is the key to high kicks. Why not try stretching with a partner. Stand agianst a wall to assist your balance, then place your foot onto your partners shoulder and hook your foot around the back of your partners neck while they are in a kneeling position. Then ask you partner to slowly stand up. This will then begin to stretch your inner thigh muscles. When you feel the stretch ask your partner to hold their position. Hold the stretch for 10 - 15 seconds then slowly release. If you use this technique during your training sessions on a regular basis you will soon be able to allow your partner to fully stand and hold the stretch in the Jodan position. If you combine stretching with gradually increased focus mit hieght or pad work you will soon be achieving jodan mawashigeri

To add to this stretching drill, when you get your leg as high as it will go, hold it for 15 to 30 seconds. Then, when on your command, the partner resists while you try to push your leg down against them, contracting the muscles. Hold this position for about 10 to 15 seconds, then release. Have your partner lower the leg a little, then stretch it up more, and you should reach a little farther. I believe this is called PNF stretching. Don't start it out right away, but give yourself some time to gain some flexibility. This will be helpful when you notice your gains in flexibility are slowing down.