My last article identified that different types of flexibility are achieved through different types of stretching. This article provides examples of the different types of stretches and outlines how to use them to increase flexibility and range of motion.
We all know that being successful in Kung Fu is about more than just physical strength and agility — your mind plays a key part in your performance.
Flexibility is needed to perform everyday activities with relative ease…things like getting out of bed, lifting children, or sweeping the floor. Better flexibility improves athletic performance and can decrease risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion and enabling your muscles to work effectively.
Self-reflection drives your “current” self to grow into your “ideal” self—the martial artist you aspire to be.
You need to train smarter, not harder sometimes, until you are physically able to continue. As we advance in physical age, our technique changes again as we can no longer move as fast, dip as low, or move as smooth. Sometimes, we have to train through injury.
The mental theme in August was Motivation. It’s timely given that the lazy hazy days of summer are wrapping up and we are heading into the action-packed season of autumn with the usual higher levels of activity associated with back to school, and a return to a more stringent routine. I think it’s safe to say that most people experience a slow down or some absences in their training over the summer months, given vacation time and the opportunity to take advantage of other seasonal activities in lieu of time in class. So, how do we regain and maintain our pre-summer momentum as the summer comes to a close? Here are some thoughts….