Questions on Kicking

[Mistassailant5]

Hi guys. I am having a small problem here. I have recently tried picking up kicks since I have worked primarily upper body strikes for some time now and I just can't seem to get them to work for me. For example, for roundhouse kicks it seems I cant my foot travel far enough to hit the target or for a spinning back kick I cant get my foot up high enough. Is it a problem with flexibility because I believe I am above average in that, or I just need to practice more.

[joesteph]

. . . for roundhouse kicks it seems I cant my foot travel far enough to hit the target . . .

Do you mean that you're not able to get the leg high enough? It could be how you're executing the kick, such as if your hips are turned enough.

. . . or for a spinning back kick I cant get my foot up high enough.

This could be that you need to work on your coordination, meaning more time spent on practicing this particular kick.

When you execute these kicks, who's watching you/working with you? You might just need a higher belt, or your teacher, of course, to observe and suggest.

[Mistassailant5]

Well to answer your question. For the roundhouse kick my leg is certainly high enough, but it may be my hips arent turning enough. Second problem, I have been studying the martial arts by myself from books for 3 years. (I have actually been very successful, I have never lost a spar, even against black belts) But I have never trained in kicks. SO yeah.

[DWx]

Kicks are a bit harder to learn by yourself since most people aren't used to moving their legs in this way, normally most people only move them forward and backwards (as in walking) and not round and to the side. Best thing to do is get someone to teach you them first hand.

But if you can't, maybe post a video for critique?

[joesteph]

DWx is right that the best choice is to be taught, but if you want to supplement books with videos, here's an excellent YouTube video on the roundhouse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfSfiOxsfTo

Another YouTube video by the same people, but on the spinning back kick:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Buztke3UZ-8&feature=related

[Kuma]

No offense, but I'd just find a teacher. That can help you loads more than solo training.

[Mistassailant5]

Thanks guys. To Kuma and DWx, I know I need a teacher . Its just that as of now I can't afford to go to a school, thats why I practice by myself.

[bushido_man96]

I'd guess its a technique issue. Kicks are a lot more technical than hand strikes are, in my opinion. They have always been more challenging for me, anyways. Having someone with some experience look at what you are doing and guiding you along can go a long ways in helping.

[Kuma]

Just be wary of what you practice by yourself. If it's already things you know, no worries. However, if you're trying to learn new skills from just solo teaching, you can pick up some very bad habits that will become so well ingrained it'll take a long time to get rid of them.

[Lee M]

Its often - increasing strength and flexibility and plenty of reps.