| Flexibility is the range of movement that you | | | | |
| have in your joints. Some say that this | | | | However there is more than this in a martial |
| definition should only apply if there is no | | | | art. Tension and relaxation are of supreme |
| exterior help to move the joint, but this is | | | | importance. Tension is equated with power and |
| not correct. If your joints have a greater | | | | strength while relaxation is equated with |
| degree of movement when aided by an external | | | | speed and flexibility. Russian Cossacks used |
| force, then that degree of movement defines | | | | to train with their sabres by standing waist |
| the flexibility. | | | | deep in water and slicing into the water with |
| | | | their blades. As they became weary they would |
| Hence, if you strengthen you muscles, and | | | | learn to relax on the downstroke and tense |
| these act as the external force, then the | | | | and use their power on at the moment of |
| flexibility of your joints will allow a | | | | strike. |
| greater range of movement than were your | | | | |
| muscles unable to exert that degree of force. | | | | The results were incredible and awesome. A |
| | | | Cossack could slice a man from shoulder down |
| To put it simply, if you have a great degree | | | | to saddle with one strike with only a light |
| of flexibility in your joints, then the | | | | sabre. All due to using relaxation and power |
| stronger you are, the more you will be able | | | | at the correct times. This can be simulated |
| to put that flexibility to use in the range | | | | by using a large rubber eraser. About three |
| of movement you have at your disposal. It | | | | inches by an inch square is about right. Hold |
| goes without saying that the more flexibility | | | | it in the fist and explosively compress it. |
| you have in a martial art the better. | | | | Do this using your core power. Compress hard |
| | | | with maximum explosion, just as if you were |
| However, people do not have the same range of | | | | punching. Then relax just as quickly. Repeat |
| flexibility throughout their bodies. Even | | | | this during the day - explosive compression |
| more specifically, flexibility in one range | | | | and quick relaxation. Eventually you be able |
| or direction of motion at a specific joint | | | | to carry out this rapid-fire |
| does not imply flexibility in another. Hence | | | | tight-loose-tight sequence without thought. |
| that fact that you have complete ability to | | | | |
| complete perfect front splits does not infer | | | | This is a relaxation technique, but cannot |
| that you have the same control over side | | | | replace the experience of the fight since |
| splits, even though it is the same hip joint | | | | fear of being hit cannot help tighten you up. |
| that is involved. The two are not connected. | | | | However, if you do this for a few hours every |
| A suitable flexibility exercise program, | | | | day (easier than you think since the eraser |
| therefore, should be designed to provide good | | | | can be carried in your pocket) you will find |
| flexibility in all joints in all directions | | | | that you can relax your fist until the moment |
| of movement, relevant to the martial art | | | | of the strike when you require maximum power. |
| studied. | | | | |
| | | | Whether in boxing or karate, this will |
| Flexibility training should be carried out in | | | | improve your performance and strength. |
| conjunction with strength training in order | | | | Combine this with your flexibility training |
| that the range of flexibility achieved can be | | | | and you will be on the first rung of |
| used to its full potential by the muscles | | | | achieving greatness in karate or any other |
| that move the bones in the joints. There is | | | | explosive martial art. Russian training |
| no truth in the belief that you must trade | | | | methods help you to develop this total |
| flexibility and strength. Supreme strength | | | | control over relaxation and explosive power |
| simply means supreme use of the flexibility | | | | in the use of your strength and flexibility. |
| gained through training. | | | | |