Becoming a better kicker

I'm about as supple as a fencepost on a winters morning, and I remain pretty poor at kicking above head height. Couple this with suppleness being a bonus for BJJ and I feel the need to get better - the question is how?. Does anyone here use those stretching machines? What exercises are good for increasing kicking height?

Any responses would be greatly received...

Hi jay,
My base art is Taekwon-Do of nearly 20 years. I've always gone to yoga instructors to help keep the hip muscles loose, these are very important and a section of the body always disregarded when stretching. If you can find a good Hatha yoga teacher your flying.

I've also found Thomas Kurz good for dynamic flexability drills;
see - www.stadion.com for a good selection of tips from him

All the best

Put your hand on a wall and swing your leg forwards and backwards - this is the way the hips naturally work, you will probably be able swing to head height in both directions as you relax. All kicks can be done powerfully in these directions, a side kick or full hip twist round kick is backwards and turning your waist to make them to the side. Use momentum for both power and height - don't try and 'hold' the leg up, ensure that your centre of balance is always behind and powering the kicks. I've never met anyone that I couldn't teach to kick head height in minutes and powerfully in weeks using this method.

Edit: Of course it's always better to kick 'em in the balls first and then the head when they're on the floor.

Thanks for the responses guy, think I'll begin with Steve's advice and seek out a decent Yoga lesson once I'm a bit more supple...

Jay,

Tony says it best here

https://selfdefence.darkbb.com/qa-with-tony-terranova-f19/stretching-t81.htm

Both methods mentioned would benefit you.
Dynamic flexions are excellent as they relate more to what you are trying to achieve (kicking high) than static stretching and Yoga is definitely worth looking into for overall flexibility and postural balance.

Mate, I would recommend that Thomas Kurz old vhs video Stretching Scientifically, its simple & easy to follow & I got good results, it teaches you how to stretch properly. I think Stretching Scientifically has discontinued & the latest is Secrets of Stretching or something like that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbpES5v9mj4

I guess each to there own have a go & see for yourself.

Good luck,