How I throw a dolyo chagi (instep version)

[singularity6]

I didn't start seriously practicing MA until my mid-30's. That started after about a decade of sitting on my rump playing a whole lot of WoW. Needless to say, my hips weren't happy. My flexibility is still relatively limited, but improving, as I work on it regularly. Due to my lack of flexibility AND weak hip flexors, I have been battling injuries. Here are some things that helped me:

Leg lifts in 4 directions (lifting up while on your back, on your stomach, and you can get 2 directions when on your side.)

Stretching my hips with specific stretches on a daily basis (you can look these up)

Simple leg stretching machine (link isn't intended as an advert... )

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QVN0X6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Jesse Enkamp has some decent videos about how one can improve their kicks. He's a bit hyper, but the content is solid.

Do you think my static stiffness affects my performance? i have no pain in my limbs and can kick fluently as long as it's fast.

Take it from an old guy. You may be able to force the height now without damage but as you age you will find that damage is looking for you. Forcing your leg to stretch passed it's normal limits will eventually catch up with you. Developing actual flexibility so you can legitimately perform these kicks will save you a lot of discomfort later in life.

Take the time and stretch everyday and you will eventually get to the point where you can do these without relying on momentum. Your body will thank you for it later in life.

Just my 2 cents.

I've been careful to not over-stretch, and I try to stretch regularly. Typically 4-5 days per week (though the past couple weeks have been less due to house renovations.)

[bushido_man96]

I agree, start with low kicks, and work your way up.

Your snapshots show a way of doing the round kick, but its not the way I teach it or do it. I have the chamber more parallel to the ground, and bring it around, which I think adds more power, but can be a bit slower.[/quote

Isn't that just a matter of degrees? The chambering is clearly semi circular and it does travel in an arc.

I don't think it is. Just from the way each of the chambering methods feel when I do the kicks, I tend to notice the difference.