Hi Lloyd,

There is so much out information available today online and in books with regards to the quickest way to become more flexible when it comes to martial arts training.

However a key thing with any flexibility programme is the need to strengthen the muscles at the same time as trying to create more flexibility in them.

Flexibility (or lack of it) is controlled by and large by the golgi tendon organs within the body and increasing ones flexibility basically comes down to slowly re-educating this organ and the rest of the nervous system to allow the muscles to lengthen and relax.

A fantastic system (now over 20 years old)out there is by Russian flexibility guru Tom Kurz. His programme available as a do along DVD is great and it focuses on strengthening before lengthening each muscle group.

You should be able to pick up this DVD on ebay for around £35.00.

The best part about his programme is all the strengthening exercises can be done in any normal gym although he does recommend something call iron boots for the adductor exercises. These are becoming almost impossible to find these days.

Just be careful, and most importantly do not expect to be able to carry out the box splits in only a few weeks despite some of the claims of other stretching systems out there. Patience is the most important factor as if you injure yourself pushing too hard, too soon, injuries will surely follow.

If you are anywhere near Aberdare then I specialise in providing Sports Performance Analysis and Enhancement programmes including martial arts specific strength, fitness and flexibility programmes. The difference with my services as opposed to ones online or in a book is that part of my performance enhancement programme involves personally working with you over several sessions to ensure you are carrying out each exercise correctly and safely and fully understand your new programme.

As well as improving your flexibility my bespoke programme would develop your all round functional Karate strength, fitness and nutrition.

If you are interested let drop me your email address and I will send you over some more information.

Good luck

Simon

Simon Vincent
Sports Performance Analyst
Body Bullet Dynamics!
Aberdare
South Wales