More often than not you will want to become more flexible when doing Martial Arts. I would say most people start Martial Arts with very little flexibility and they become significantly more flexible over time. As a student you probably often wonder how do I get more flexible for Martial Arts? Here are some easy ways to get more flexible.
1. Stretch before and AFTER class
Martial Arts classes always start with some sort of stretching routine so people usually don’t have a problem stretching before. But the problem is your body, muscles, and tendons are not warmed up and you are not even stretching for your full range of motion. After class you are all warm and you can get your maximum full range of motion and push your boundaries with stretching.
Quick Tip: If there is a class after yours, stay and do the stretching routine on the side or in the back. This is an easy way to get your stretching routine done after class.
2. Practice High Kicks on the Wall
Doing kicks with one hand on the wall is usually used for perfecting your kicking technique. However, you can add to that. When you are doing wall kicks do an extra set where you are trying to kick as high as you can with the proper form. For example, do 20 Round Kicks then do 20 more as high as you can. Eventually, you will become much more flexible when kicking.
3. Practice Low Stances during Form Practice
I run by the Mantra that if you practice you will get better. So if you practice during your form even once a day with proper, low stances you will become more flexible just through regular practice. It is unrealistic for me to think that you will do low stances 100% of the time because it is so tiring. Make sure you try proper stances as many times as you can without sacrificing the quality of your form.
Quick Tip: Here is a good way to practice Good Quality Forms.
