Holding side kick straight up?

[xnfx]

Hey guys.
I was watching some ISKA kata competitions on ESPN, and there were a couple Taekwondo guys I think. They could hold their side kick almost vertical. I was wondering if you guys could tell me what kind of stretches and exercises you do to achieve that? I know it takes years or persistance, but what can get me started towards that goal?

Thanks!

[Bianca]

I would guess, that slow controlled side kick and round house will help with the holding part. Having someone push the leg up will help with the height part.

[Tant01]

Dance, dance, dance...

Hey guys.
I was watching some ISKA kata competitions on ESPN, and there were a couple Taekwondo guys I think. They could hold their side kick almost vertical. I was wondering if you guys could tell me what kind of stretches and exercises you do to achieve that? I know it takes years or persistance, but what can get me started towards that goal?

Thanks!

Yoga or ballet? Or maybe TKD?

[Sah Bu Nim]

I Agree dance stretches are the best way to achieve controll like that. I have over eighteen years of dance exsperience and it has helped me tremendously in martial arts. When I was instucting at a school I was trying to tell the Master of the school that these stretches are effective but he was so hard headed he wouldn't listen. One of the best split stretches you can do is on the wall laying with your back onthe ground. Your butt must be touching the wall and legs up on the wall, the gravity will pull your splits wider. YOu must hold this for at least five to ten min to get results. Since you are in a relaxed possition this give you the ability to relax the muscles in your legs. Then stretch on the floor, then assisted stretch standing up. You can also use rope if you don't have a partner. To gain strength in the legs just do simple controlled leg lifts from front to the side then to the back, This is a basic excersise in dance. YOu will get results.

[thescottishdude]

they just focus mor eon kicking than most othe rmartial arts and stretchign their legs as wel. Then again, I don't think you really need as much flexability as that to fight. though some is essential.

[Balrog]

Start stretching on a regular basis long before you hit puberty.

Seriously, if I succeeded in getting a side kick straight up, it would be accompanied by some serious screaming as the tendons and ligaments snap right and left and my hip dislocates.

[kuk sool won]

do it the Russian way!