Learn the secrets of Kung Fu


Flexibility And Strength In Martial Arts

Flexibility is the range of movement that you
have in your joints. Some say that thisHowever there is more than this in a martial
definition should only apply if there is noart. Tension and relaxation are of supreme
exterior help to move the joint, but this isimportance. Tension is equated with power and
not correct. If your joints have a greaterstrength while relaxation is equated with
degree of movement when aided by an externalspeed and flexibility. Russian Cossacks used
force, then that degree of movement definesto 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, andlearn to relax on the downstroke and tense
these act as the external force, then theand use their power on at the moment of
flexibility of your joints will allow astrike.
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 degreeto saddle with one strike with only a light
of flexibility in your joints, then thesabre. All due to using relaxation and power
stronger you are, the more you will be ableat the correct times. This can be simulated
to put that flexibility to use in the rangeby using a large rubber eraser. About three
of movement you have at your disposal. Itinches by an inch square is about right. Hold
goes without saying that the more flexibilityit 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 ofpunching. Then relax just as quickly. Repeat
flexibility throughout their bodies. Eventhis during the day - explosive compression
more specifically, flexibility in one rangeand quick relaxation. Eventually you be able
or direction of motion at a specific jointto carry out this rapid-fire
does not imply flexibility in another. Hencetight-loose-tight  sequence  without thought.
that fact that you have complete ability to
complete perfect front splits does not inferThis is a relaxation technique, but cannot
that you have the same control over sidereplace the experience of the fight since
splits, even though it is the same hip jointfear 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 goodcan be carried in your pocket) you will find
flexibility in all joints in all directionsthat you can relax your fist until the moment
of movement, relevant to the martial artof the strike when you require maximum power.
studied.
Whether in boxing or karate, this will
Flexibility training should be carried out inimprove your performance and strength.
conjunction with strength training in orderCombine this with your flexibility training
that the range of flexibility achieved can beand you will be on the first rung of
used to its full potential by the musclesachieving greatness in karate or any other
that move the bones in the joints. There isexplosive martial art. Russian training
no truth in the belief that you must trademethods help you to develop this total
flexibility and strength. Supreme strengthcontrol over relaxation and explosive power
simply means supreme use of the flexibilityin the use of your strength and flexibility.
gained  through  training.



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