Flexibility Determination

TKD_McGee · Purple Belt

How can one determine if he/she if flexible enough to perform some of the rapid high kicks or spinning kicks without getting harmed in the process.

I am 6'0 and I can touch my Toes and come close to doing the splits, does that mean I am flexible?

Plz respond if I made any sense above!

Kickbutt · Pre-Black Belt

You very flexible in my opinion, TKD. Alot of people can't get as far as you doing splits.

Lori

iamrushman · KF VIP

TKD_MAGEE..sounds good to me.
another point is, any time you do your high kicking or any kicking for that matter you run the risk of injury....thats why a good warm up and/ or regular consistant stretching is required at all times.......

_________________
rushman (karate forums sensei)
3rd dan wtf/kukkiwon
"saying nothing...sometimes says the most"--e. dickerson

kicker · Black Belt

yes i would have to agree that you are flexable in some ways and in some other ways maybe not!!!

Karateka_latino · Black Belt

You are pretty flexible by now and if you keep exercising, you will get even better , keep up.

Jack · Black Belt

Also, remember the different types of flexibility: Static, passive, and active.

Just because you can nearly do the splits does not mean you will be able to perform a quick high kick!

KickChick · Black Belt

Well you're more than half way there!
For the dynamic flexibility used in high kicks (which is separate from static flexibility), you will just have to practice quick/fast/stretches/kicks that involve a quick burst of power (such as high kicks/drop
splits/etc.) at least 6-7 times a week for 15 minutes at a minimum. Just practice your kicks after martial arts practice or your exercise work outs when your muscles are already warm.

KickChick · Black Belt

I'd like to add to my previous post.
High kicking also involves the placement of the pelvis (hip flexion. Which you can also try working on.
To see just how good your hip flexors are ...try this.Stand in a deep lunge. If your thighs are in one line, your hip joints and ligaments are in perfect alignment and if you cannot perform a full front split it may be because of tightness in the hamstrings and calf muscles. The range of motion in your hip joints is what gives you the height in your kicks.
Early in my training I was told to put my leg up onto a back of folding chair making sure that my hips and raised leg were all in one line. (yes they were)....and now was told to do the same with the other. OK...so what did I just do? Half side splits with each leg. Both of my hip joints have the mobility needed for a full side split. The muscles of each leg are in fact long enough for a side split...so I should work on my hip flexion to achieve that full split thus helping my kicking height!

SaiFightsMS · KF VIP

Tkd sounds good, now :spitlaugh:to tell you I do full splits, and put my palms flat on the floor. :spitlaugh:Now the kicker, I am 44. :spitlaugh:Okay

Actually I didn't achieve full splits until after I had passed my 40th.

:bdaybiggrin:You have been given some excellant advice. (there are some great people in this site

The height of the kick and the spin are not just a matter of flexibility. Spatial orientation matters a great deal in spinning moves.

And kicking cold is never good for anyone. Working those type of moves after class is a really good idea.

You also might want to check out plyometric work.

kicker · Black Belt

kicker as in refering to me??

..lol j/k

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