How do you kick higher for tae kwon do?

Answer 1

To kick higher you should do exercises that open up your hips. Such exercises are scissors and just working on your splits.

Taekwondo is predominantly a kicking art, thus the stretching you should be taught are sufficient to gain flexibility. What is required (and often lacking in students) is dedicated, and consistent stretching on a daily basis. You should go through every position for stretching the legs and hips, and hold each position for at least 30 seconds. Don't bounce, or move too quickly as the muscles will automatically contract in defense, and you might injure yourself. Stretching has "discomfort" which must be tolerated for brief periods, and relaxing your muscles helps. However, you should never feel "pain" or a "burning" sensation. This indicates tearing and injury.

Muscles should be warmed up with calisthenics before beginning, and basic stretching before going through a half-hour of full stretching every day. Every fourth day, do an hour of stretching by going through every position twice, and holding for longer periods of time.

Remember that it is not absolutely required to kick high to be an expert at Taekwondo. As long as you can kick quickly, accurately, and with enough force to do damage to the knee, groin, or even the abdomen, you will be effective with Taekwondo. If you are pushing yourself to be the best, flexibility for kicks are more for reach than height. However, if you want to kick head level, stand on one leg, and put your other leg on a sturdy, stable object high enough to feel the stretch to a slight discomfort. Each week, you will be able to rest the foot at a higher level while standing on one leg. Do both front hip, and side hip stretches.