Is this a problem when it comes to Muay Thai?

Question

I'm really NOT flexible at all i cant really throw a high kick so is that something i should work on or what?

Answer 1

I think you should a little for a couple of reasons.  First greater and better flexibility helps you to avoid strains, tears, and pulled muscles and down time while waiting for them to heal.  Secondly a head kick is a good thing to have in your arsenal to use and rely on at the proper time.  Cung Lee is an excellent example of this.  He can throw awesome kicks at multiple levels with great speed, power, and accuracy and it makes him much harder to fight.  He even does a few spinning kicks and jump spinning kicks and shows how effectively they can be utilized along with higher kicks to better dominate an opponent.  

One of the big problems with all this is most people don't develop their flexibility, balance and skill to learn how to use them to that degree as effective as he does.  They tend to be more limited and work and rely on low kicks and leg kicks for this reason.  While that is not bad just think if you could kick like him and in order to do that you have to have better flexibility, balance, and coordination than what leg kicks and low kicks require.  Greater flexibility will aid in all this and make you a better, more versatile fighter and hopefully add a few more weapons to your arsenal.

Answer 2

You don't NEED to be flexible, but why limit yourself? With more flexibility comes better balance, more power, and higher and faster kicks.

I mean, think about it; you can kick high right now, but I bet your low kick is stronger/faster/better right? Everyone is always more comfortable kicking low. But imagine if you could kick 5 inches higher than you can now. Your head kick would be as comfortable as your current body kick.

It's as easy as stretching after every workout for like 5-10 minutes.

Also, it reduces risk of pulling something. One of my friends who did Sanda and Boxing (way more Boxing than Sanda) never stretched his legs. One day he tried to throw chest-level front kick and he tore his hamstrings.

I'm hardly the most flexible guy in the world, but I can throw a head level front kick before I'm warmed up without straining anything -- which is more than he could say.

Answer 3

stretch your legs apart little by little, day by day..

first on the floor (leg split) then, no joke, stretch like ballet dancers on a rail. Then when you get good, stretch your legs on a wall. (one foot on ground, one foot up the wall)

once you can do that, you're ready to kick anyone in the head.

Answer 4

in muay thai the main kick thrown is a leg kick. head kicks are good but you are so much more open with them. leg kicks win fight. do those first then worry about head kicks.

Answer 5

If you feel you need to work on that kick, by all means go for it.  Kick the pads/bag and slowly work your way up.  Stretch often and make sure you warm up before doing so.  (My understanding is stretching warm is more beneficial compared to stretching cold).

Personally, I don't very often kick to the head.  I feel it is too easily countered, so I don't practice this much.. But that's me.  If this is your personal goal, train hard and get 'er done, brother.

Answer 6

Be the best low kicker bratha !

Answer 7

Are you interest it, If you're you need to practice . That will be good.