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Martial Arts Q & A - If I can only do one thing to get better kicks, what would that be?
Posted: April 13, 2023
Question from a busy student.
Before I answer this I would have to have the student answer a few questions.
1. Do you have proper technique?
2. How much time do you have?
3. Any injuries?
4. When you say better what do you really mean? Faster, Higher, Stronger?
Now, when I got this question I was in class and I knew the student. So, this is the answer I gave them.
If you can only do one thing to improve your kicks, it would be to incorporate regular stretching into your routine. Flexibility is crucial for achieving higher kicks and performing them safely and effectively. Tight muscles can limit your range of motion and make it difficult to lift your leg up high, which can increase your risk of injury.
Stretching can help improve your flexibility and range of motion, which can lead to higher kicks over time. Incorporate dynamic stretching exercises into your warm-up routine to prepare your muscles for movement, and static stretching exercises at the end of your workout to help your muscles relax and improve your flexibility. Some good stretches to focus on include the hamstring stretch, hip flexor stretch, quad stretch, and calf stretch.
Remember to be consistent with your stretching routine and listen to your body. Don't push yourself too hard, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your stretches over time. With consistent practice, you can improve your flexibility and achieve higher kicks.
If you have flexibility my answer would be this.
If you already have good flexibility, then the one thing you can do to improve your kicks would be to focus on strengthening the muscles that support and control the movement of your legs. In particular, the muscles of the hips, glutes, and thighs play a crucial role in achieving higher kicks, as they provide stability and control during the kicking motion.
Incorporating strength training exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, and leg presses can help improve your leg strength and control, which can lead to higher kicks. Additionally, exercises that target your core muscles, such as planks and Russian twists, can also help improve your stability and balance during kicks.
Remember to focus on proper form and technique when performing strength training exercises to avoid injury and maximize the effectiveness of your workouts. Start with a weight that challenges you but allows you to perform the exercise with good form, and gradually increase the weight over time as you get stronger.
A well-rounded training program that includes both flexibility and strength training can help you achieve your goals and improve your martial arts practice.