Martial Arts Flexibility (Beginner & Advanced)

This page provides instructions to improve martial arts flexibility. Many martial arts students work on their flexibility in order to perform advanced martial arts kicks (i.e. spinning hook kick) and/or to be able to hit high targets (i.e. an opponent’s head) with their kicks (i.e. axe kick). Moreover, greater flexibility can reduce potential over-extension injuries (i.e. pulling a hamstring while attempting to hit a high target).

In order to improve your flexibility, you need to stretch more frequently than the stretching done in your martial arts class. You need to stretch every day and try to stretch at least twice per day. However, be aware that any improvement in flexibility as an adult will be slow. Nevertheless, if you keep stretching, you should see gradual but solid improvement over time. Beyond traditional stretching techniques, many martial artists utilize a wide variety of Yoga exercises in order to improve their flexibility.

All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized.

Flexibility Sections

List of Stretches – Instructions & videos for a wide range of static & dynamic stretches.

Instructional Videos for Improving Martial Arts Flexibility

Martial Arts Flexibility

Martial Arts Flexibility

Image provided by Wikimedia Commons