Tips Before Tournament
What is the most disliked, but most necessary part of the Martial Arts? Stretching of course. We would all like to be naturally limber. We would all like to be able to be able to kick as high as possible without the tedious stretching, but the human body is not designed that way. The human muscle structure is comprised of muscle, ligaments, and tendons. These muscles, ligaments, and tendons have a natural length to them. Some people have a muscle structure that is long and allows them full range of motion without much work. Others of us must work harder to achieve full range of motion.
Although the muscle structure may not allow full range of motion in the natural state, with some work they can be “stretched” to allow full range of motion. This stretching must be done not just to allow high kicks, but also to prevent injury.
Prior to any stretching the Martial Artist must “warm up”. I prefer to do forms or jump rope prior to stretching. This way I stay sharp on my forms and keep my stamina up, and the “warm up” increases the blood flow to the muscles. The muscles are comprised mostly of water. This fluid composition is what gives the muscles their elasticity. We have all noticed at one time or another, how “stiff” we are when we stretch “cold”. Stretching a cold muscle is like pulling on a spaghetti noodle. The noodle will only stretch so far before it tears. Stretching a warm muscle is more like stretching a rubber band. The rubber band will stretch further before tearing.
Once you have stretched for a while you will notice it is easier to kick higher. Your technique will be better due to the increased range of motion. To maintain this new range of motion you must continue to stretch on a daily basis. The muscles will “remember” their original length and they will return to that length if you do not stretch.
To stretch properly remember to warm up first. Do whatever stretches you feel comfortable with, in order to keep yourself from “dreading” stretching. Assume the stretch position and hold it for a minimum of 10 seconds up to one minute. Any longer and the blood flow slowly becomes restricted. Do not bounce in your stretch. This is called ballistic stretching and is very dangerous. Ballistic stretching is just like the earlier example of pulling on a spaghetti noodle pull too hard, too fast and something will tear. And remember to breathe while in the stretch. The muscles need oxygen.
Last but not least don’t get discouraged because you may not be able to do a “split” yet. You don’t need to be able to do a “split” to kick to the head. Trust me, I can’t do a “split” and I have no problem kicking at head level. So keep stretching and eventually you will achieve the “split” that we all want to do.
posted by Excellent Taekwondo Academy @ 11:26 PM
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