How To Improve Your Martial Arts Flexibility

This page provides instructions to help martial arts student improve their overall 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 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 above and beyond 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. For instructions and videos focused on specific martial arts stretches (i.e. Standing Hamstring Stretch or Cobra Stretch), please visit the main Martial Arts Stretching or Yoga for Martial Arts sections.

Section supported by Books on Stretching & Flexibility

Flexibility Sections

• Benefits of Stretching
• Dynamic Stretches - Many martial artists use dynamic stretching techniques in addition to static stretches. Some dynamic stretches include Ankle Bounces, High Knees, Lateral Jumps and Leg Swings.
• List of Stretches - Instructions & videos for a wide range of static stretches
• Partner Assisted Stretching
• Yoga for Martial Arts Flexibility - Instructions & Videos
• Warm-Up Exercises