There's a reason for that. Scoring with a kick above the waist is difficult, it takes more time to execute a kick and as they are also executed from further away, our opponents can often see them coming, i.e. they are pretty telegraphic.
It's for that reason that kicking in Jeet Kune Do, tends to target lower parts of the body such as the groin, shin, thighs, knees, and are also often employed as a means to stop the opponents advance (stop kick!). In addition, with it's focus on street defence/fighting, you will likely not be wearing clothing that allows you to kick as high and as easy as I'm doing on the photo here (taken somewhere around 1988-89).
Still I'm going to state here that being able to kick high (and fast) is beneficial and should be practiced regularly.
The reason is simple: If you can kick high, you can kick low. In fact, if you can kick high with ease and speed, you can kick low with even more ease and speed!
If you only train low, you won't be able to kick high! Having the option available opens up other ways of landing a hit, from further away too due to the reach of your legs. Obviously using them depends entirely on the circumstances and your proficiency. In most self defence situations, a high kick may not be the best and simplest solution and deciding to do so despite other better options can very easily go very wrong, very quick!
Yet, as I said if you're able to do so, you can integrate kicks and have a greater 'range' , using kicking combo's as part of your attacks, just as you would use your hands.
So start stretching (if you weren't already doing so) and strengthening those leg muscles, and train your kicks! Oh and another benefit is an increase in general mobility/flexibility, which will help you in your advanced years. Wouldn't it be great if you could still tie your own shoelaces aged 80+ ?!
Walk On!
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