Kicks and Muscle failure

[Orion]

Hi All

I thought i'd just create one post with 2 questions, saves everyone looking at two different posts.

Firstly, after sparring I have found out that my roundhouse kicks are just short of normal peoples heads by about 4 inches, in sparring a controlled kick to the head is three points, at 6'7" I should be able to kick to peoples head's with no problems. My legs are quite muscly(sp?) which restricts my reach, what stretches would be best for allowing my Mawashageri (roundhouse kicks) to get those few extra inches. I managed it on a slightly smaller person and it gave me a confidence boost so even if I didn't score the points from it, knowing I could do it would help.

Wow after all that babble i'll try and make this one a short question! I went to the gym on sunday, i'd had a very restful weekend, and had been eating correctly, I sat on the rowing machine for my 5 minute warm up and after 30 seconds I could feel the pain in my muscles, it was sort of a achy pain you get after doing a bench press super set.

Thanks in advance

Russell

[bushido_man96]

Well, to stretch for your roundhouse kick, I would work on the good 'ole splits, both side and front. Also, you could get a partner, put your foot on his shoulder, and have him stand up slowly, while you hold the round kick position. Then, you tense your muscles, and pull down on your stretching buddy for 10 seconds, then relax, and have him stretch your leg up further. Do this 3 times each leg.

Here's another tip: make sure that you are rotating your base leg completely around so that the heal is facing your target. This will open your hips up, and give you some more range.

[Orion]

Thanks bushido.

I'll give all the stretches a go, would really like to get to doing the full splits.

Regards

[bushido_man96]

Your welcome.

Just keep at it. It only takes time. After 13 years, I am fairly flexible, but cannot do the full splits.