Stretching

[wadoka]

At this moment in time the height of my sokutogeri is shockingly low. Obviously through lack of maintenance but I do a series of stretches as part of the club warm but must have been lacking the specific ones.

Aside from getting a partner to lift the leg up in sokutogeri position, are there any static solo stretches that you would recommend?

One that has been recommended is to lie on the floor but with legs up in V shape flat against a wall. This uses gravity to ease into the stretch and reduces the pressure on the knees compared to doing it upright.

[WKU]

Hi Gordon,

I always find that when i regularly kick (mawashageri) a punch bag or pads, then my overall leg flexibility improves. Maybe this might help you as well.

Kate Williams

[claas]

Hi,
I wonder why you want the exercise to be static?

[wadopaul]

Hi Gordon,

dynamic stretches will probably bring the most improvement, simple leg raises (keeping the supporting leg straight) when warming up worked best for me. Keep statics stretches for your cool down -(these are some good statics stretches https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp6rdtCQoG4)

[laurie]

Hi,
This page (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums ... hp?t=89245) has some useful information. The embedded video has been deleted but can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxokaEvKnD8

[wadoka]

Thanks everyone.

I need to try a change and will give the leg raise type stretching a go after a general warm up.

[jamieholden]

Hi Gordon,

There is a fantastic guy that I follow called Elastic Steel. He covers everything from stretching to strengthening. Just youtube elastic steel side kick.

Hope that helps.

Jamie