Static Active Stretching

As part of our workout this Saturday, I led the class in some static active stretching exercises.  I like to do these stretches because they help develop the strength and balance needed to deliver solid, controlled kicks. This day's exercises consisted executing front kicks and round kicks in the following progression:

1. Position the pedestal leg for the kick 
• Front kick: turn base foot outward 20 degrees
• Round kick turn base foot outward 90 degrees from the target
2. Lift the leg to chamber for the kick
3. Extend the kick as high as possible and hold for 5 seconds
4. Re-chamber the kick
5. Put the foot back down

This type of exercise helps develop superior strength in the legs, hips and foot.  This will make both sparring and forms training easier in the long run because students will have the strength to hold themselves strong in every component of a kick technique.