OK im SURE you guys get this a lot. Im trying to get more flexible legs so that i can do head kicks. i believe this involves being able to do the split.

YES i KNOW there are probably other posts about how to get flexible iwth the dif types of stretching and stuff. Right now all that is too much to regiter for me. If one of you wouldn't mind acutally posting a reply on how i should go about doing this directed to me that would be great. Then i can ask questions beacause the reply is to me.

Not trying to be lazy, but this thread really has many of the answers you are looking for:

http://www.fightingarts.com/ubbthreads/s...=0#Post15909217

In that case . . . good luck and happy stretching!

http://www.fightingarts.com/ubbthreads/s...=0#Post15977561

This link will give you the answers your looking for....

This is my personal way of stretching, it may not be the "correct" way but it works...

1) 3 sections of my stretching routine
-warmup/dynamic warm up
-static stretches
-dynamic stretches

2) What to stretch?
For higher kicks, I focus mainly on hamstrings. However, stretching everything you can is good.
Focus on:
-back
-hamstrings
-calves
-hips
-quads
-inside of thigh

Since you want higher kicks lets focus on that...
First thing to know is that dynamic stretching improves your kicking height better than static. You cant kick to your full potential only doing static stretches. That is why I incorporate the dynamic into it. (If you dont know dynamic stretches look some up)

For your benefit I wont make you look up the static stretches, I will just give you some hamstring stretches. (However make sure you look up the other major sections I gave you).

1. elevate your leg on a chair or a table. Then bend towards the leg. (I usually do 3 sets of 30 seconds on each leg)
2. on the ground put your feet out, bend towards you knee (2 sets of 30 seconds)
3. stand up and bend towards you knee
4. feet apart, go down towards you knee
5. work on splits, and straddles if you are comfortable enough with them

Now this was very brief, and obviously just doing this wont do the work. So look up the other stretches. And do not forget the dynamic stretches. Do them before and after static and you will see major improvement.

Some tips
* Dont forget to breathe nice and slow.
* Focus on the area that is being stretches
* Dont overstretch
* Take your time, you wont get to head height right away

thanks whitedragon, those are very helpfull tips. I didn't know about this. "do not forget the dynamic stretches. Do them before and after static".


and ide like to learn to head kick beacause you it just adds to my arsenal . why limit yourself, not to mention working more on my legs will over all make me feel better being more flexible. Also i find my balance has improved beacause im working on my legs.

I think it there would be more benefits if you learn it, you dont have to apply it though.

Well no problem.

And I agree head kicks help me all the time. I use them routinely throughout my sparring, and it helps. Once you get the speed on them, they can do a lot to your martial arts skills.