[Superflex]

Kicking power is to a large degree a technique.
Learn a proper technique. HOw to step into the kick. HOw to transfer the power into the kick.
Strengthen your hip flexors as much as possible. Strengthen your core as much as possible. As your trainer for advice on which exercises to use.

[WushuPadawan001]

Chinese Heavy Leg Training. It?s boring, tiring, and painful, but has great results.

[dojutsu]

what exactly is "chinese heavy leg training"? Is it more than just training the various stances?

[WushuPadawan001]

It?s not necessarily stance training per say. I?ll give you an example of an exercise:

Stand up straight with your feet together. Lift up one leg and extend it straight out (hold the leg as high as you can). Hold the leg in this position for 30 seconds. Then pull the leg into a tuck position. Grab around the knee and hold it closely to the chest. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Let go of the knee and hold the leg up for 30 seconds. Now extend the leg straight out and hold for 15 seconds. Slowly lower the leg back to the ground. Repeat on the other side.

That?s about as descriptive as I can get verbally. It?s one of many things that are more easily demonstrated than described. Anywho, as one trains and gets better the height that one holds his/her leg increases as well as the height. I?ve been told that one has mastered this exercise when he/she can hold their leg up for 10 minutes or more with his/her foot above their head.

This is a fairly common exercise in Kung Fu schools, so if you are interested in learning more about it, it should not be hard to find a teacher familiar with it. Also the book ?Kung Fu Elements? may have some of these exercises in it.

[Gazelle]

That sounds a bit like the slow kicks i've done in the past at kickboxing. They definately work!

[butterfly]

yeah i think i've done something similar. A good stretch before this exercise is a must or you will get cramps. i agree it can be boring and painful but it can corect your kicking technique and i feel you must have good technique before you can concentrate on power

[Gazelle]

A good stretch after, also recommended! Otherwise it can leave you rather stiff!

[mrmyz]

Originally Posted by Muay_Thai_MGM

lancey~

You're right to kick the heavy bag, that will condition your shins and help with the kicks. It's not quad strength you want, the power is generated from your hips and turning them over, as well as your core muscles (abs, back stabilizers). Also, work on pivoting your support foot when kicking. This can also be practiced when kicking the heavy bag. When you finish your kick, your support leg heel should face the bag. It's hard to explain, maybe one of the senior members on here can point you to a site that has pics, videos...

people still kick with their shins lol

[zefff]

not me pal!...Lately I've just started kicking with the backs of my ears!