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Questions tagged [flexibility]

Increasing or maintaining range of motion in joints

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1 vote
1 answer
70 views

How can I improve my overall flexibility for Aikido?

Training in Aikido improves physical conditioning, and helps develop balance, flexibility and coordination. Falling down and getting up repeatedly during class teaches you the ability to easily regain ...
6 votes
6 answers
6k views

How to improve flexibility for a 40yo guy

I am a guy in my 40s and would like to improve my flexibility in Tae Kwon Do. Not new at it but there is always room from improvement. Any sugestions? Thanks in advance
3 votes
3 answers
2k views

Hip issue with Mawashi Geri (Roundhouse Kick)

I am new to Kyokushin karate, and I am trying to learn how to do a "proper" mawashi geri. I have read through several posts on this site, in regards to this issue. The "proper" karate form for ...
2 votes
2 answers
829 views

Is the splits necessary for Tae Kwon Do?

I am not flexible, never have been, and most likely won’t be. I have attempted to do it before it ultimately ended in failure. I have searched this up and there are mixed answers. I'd like to try some ...
12 votes
8 answers
919 views

What aspects of health does form-based tai chi improve?

Similar to other practices--strength training, physical therapy, running, et cetera--we can evaluate the effectiveness of tai chi for improving fitness, mobility, strength, and other health markers. ...
5 votes
2 answers
444 views

Are there specific martial arts that can help with (or at least not aggravate) sciatica?

My fitness level and flexibility are fairly poor and I would like to find a martial art that is complementary with yoga to help improve my overall physical wellbeing. Are there specific martial arts ...
2 votes
2 answers
215 views

Increase flexibility by manipulation under anesthesia (MUA)

There is MUA method or manipulation under anesthesia. I was wondering if such a method would help increase flexibility like achieving a front or side split? Did anybody try it?
2 votes
0 answers
88 views

What would be a good training regiment/exercises for BJJ beginner?

Peace, Love, and Divine Blessings to all. I'm 6'0Ft, 150 lbs, not very flexible, and have not worked out consistently in a long period of time but always desired to learn self-defense. My goal is ...
4 votes
1 answer
115 views

How critical is tendon strength?

There's lots of literature, advice, and hearsay out there on muscle strength, flexibility, etc., Comparatively little is available for the tendons in regards to martial arts. Knowing more about their ...
5 votes
3 answers
517 views

Very high horse stance

When I attempt to go into a horse stance my form breaks down after just a couple inches of depth. I cannot go lower than this and begin to lean significantly if I go any lower. I'd estimate my thigh ...
3 votes
2 answers
169 views

How to gain back my flexibility and muscle memory fast?

I have been practicing Taekwondo from 2011 to 2017-2018 and then I stopped. I am wondering how I can regain my muscle memory and flexibility as soon as possible. Also I have been doing gym for a year ...
-2 votes
4 answers
2k views

Double jointed martial arts?

Is there a style of Martial Arts that requires a person to be double-jointed or is performed better if double-jointed? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njWL8woekB8 You must watch to get the range of ...
13 votes
9 answers
9k views

Is it ok to start taekwondo at the age of 14?

I am a 14 year old female and I've always wanted to try taekwondo, however I am not the most flexible of people, and I am concerned to whether that will affect learning the sport in any way. I've also ...
4 votes
1 answer
82 views

Resting leg muscles in cold water and temperature

I have watched some Taekwondo practitioners resting their legs inside ice cold water for a specific amount of time: Also, I noticed Cryotherapy devices being used: What is the effect of low ...
6 votes
6 answers
11k views

The 180 degree leg split

I started taking kung fu lessons from my shifu around 2 months back. However, I have yet to achieve a full 180 degree leg split. When I attempt this, my inner thighs and outer hips hurt a lot. I am ...
3 votes
2 answers
859 views

How to do a good yoko geri (side kick)

I'm really struggling to perform a yoko geri. My hips and flexibility simply don't allow my legs to kick sideways. Any tips to improve my position and flexibility ?
15 votes
6 answers
17k views

How do I increase flexibility to achieve a full split?

I am 21 years of age. I have been learning taekwondo for a year. However, I am still unable to achieve a complete split. What are exercises that I can do to increase my flexibility to reach a complete ...
0 votes
1 answer
150 views

Stretching for the split [duplicate]

What stretches are the best for being able to do the split and the side split? I'm already very close.(like 170°-165°)
5 votes
2 answers
149 views

Does leaving the fan switched on in the dojo reverse the effect of warm up exercises?

While learning Kalaripayattu in a city, it was not done in a traditional mud-based basement, but in a school hall. So there were fans available. When we used to perspire profusely from an intense warm-...
15 votes
6 answers
21k views

Daily Tae Kwon Do routine to improve kicks

I'd like to become proficient with the basic TKD kicks (front, side, round, hook, spinning back) and I'm looking for a routine/workout that I can perform throughout the week by myself to ensure that I ...
3 votes
1 answer
579 views

What causes stiff body while kicking? (Lack of flexibility or balance)

I have been doing roundhouse kicks for some time on my own. But recently my sensei told me that my body was getting stiff during this. I think my flexibility is ok. But its not perfect yet. However ...
7 votes
5 answers
2k views

How necessary is youth and flexibility in Jiu Jitsu? As compared to Boxing?

I have a little experience with boxing and kickboxing (< 1 yr) and did ok in those sports. I have a chance to do jiu jitsu, but am wondering how much flexibility is needed. I am older (late 40s). ...
4 votes
4 answers
1k views

How do I increase my flexibility to obtain a full lotus position?

I've just started Kung Fu a little over a week ago. I'm older (43), big (tall, and still slightly overweight), and haven't done any serious exercise in... well, longer than I care to admit. I feel ...
-3 votes
1 answer
120 views

How much time is required for heel stretch?

I am not an athlete but I play football. Approximately how many days will it require to learn a heel stretch? I want to be able to raise my leg up to head level so that the sole of my foot is facing ...
4 votes
5 answers
5k views

Why is it so essential to do a full leg split to learn martial art?

I cannot do any split.Why is it so essential to make a full leg split to learn martial arts? Will I be able to learn martial art without doing it? Please help me.
5 votes
3 answers
218 views

What are some supplimental training techniques which improve the practice of martial arts?

I'd like to find some specific physical training exercises to directly benefit my practice of martial arts (both unarmed and weapon). For example, I recently discovered weighted Indian clubs and ...
3 votes
0 answers
112 views

Stretching for kicks [duplicate]

I'm 42 years old and have never been very flexible. I do Tae Kwon do and need to improve my kicks. Any good leg/hip stretches? I've been working hard on it for last year but not much improvement. ...
22 votes
7 answers
74k views

How do I increase hip flexibility for round kicks?

In the process of doing a round kick, or roundhouse kick, you need to turn your kicking leg over, to be perpendicular with your body. When I do this I loose significant height on my kick and can ...
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

Can my body learn to split at 25?

The title pretty much says it all. I am a little flexible like, I can get to touch my knees with my head. When I was young, I could try side (right splits) but never comfortably. Now I won't even dare ...
4 votes
2 answers
236 views

Building shoulder flexibility for Queda de Quatro

I enjoy doing capoeira, but one of the escape movements is giving me a lot of trouble. In the Queda de Quatro, where one leans backwards into a crab walk position to avoid a blow, I can't seem to do ...
2 votes
1 answer
485 views

How to avoid injuries in spinal ligaments?

I'm a natural flexible person. I can't do a full split, or fit inside a small box but I kinda can lick my elbow and stood up and then put my hands on the floor with my legs extended. But in the past ...
5 votes
2 answers
4k views

How can I avoid hip injury while practicing Tae Kwon Do?

I did Tae Kwan Do for many years, but I took a hiatus for a couple of years and now that I've started up again, I find myself ending nearly every class with a minor strain in my right hip. I started ...
22 votes
3 answers
49k views

Good exercises for higher side kicks?

I've been training martial arts for several years but still aren't impressed by the height of my side kicks. I think its a combination of strength and stretching since I can use my hands to lift my ...
3 votes
2 answers
363 views

hip flexor stretch and popping sound

I used to practice Taekwondo before, my hips would pop when I externally rotate my hips after sitting for long and I assumed it was normal. No pain or snapping, just a pop like you might hear when ...
18 votes
3 answers
6k views

What are ways to increase flexibility for karate kicks?

What are the most effective ways to increase flexibility for karate kicks?
3 votes
4 answers
973 views

I have very little toe flexibility - are there other front kicks I can use?

I have very limited mobility in my toe joints, to the extent that I can't pull my toes back the way you need to to perform a front kick, so currently the only forward kicks I know I can manage are axe ...