[ChachiKiller]

Originally Posted by Evil Eye Gouger

Tendon and ligament stretching is fine when you're young (children).

But for older people, this can lead to joint instability.

Generally, for most people, controlling the stretch reflex (learned through patient stretching and strength training) will provide all the flexibility they will need and do it safely.

People like gymnasts, contortionists and Wushu practitioners who need absolutely ridiculous flexibility have to start at a really young age. It's very difficult to get a 20-year old to display gymnast flexibility, regardless of your training methods.

For pretty much everybody else (including TKD and other kicking arts), I believe dynamic stretches, relaxed stretches, PNF stretches and static active stretches are more then enough, and you don't need to mess with the tendons at all.

Perfect. That may be the first time I saw the stretch reflex mentioned here.

[koreankid6413]

flexibility is a big deal

[OAKS]

I agree with everyone that mentioned flexibility, strength, relaxing, and repetition as ways to increase your kicking speed. I would like to add that using your feet to do things like switching on and off light swithes, opening doors, picking up stuff, etc., is a great way to help increase your kicking proficiency. It works on balance and accuracy.