Being able to do the splits of Karate

[CapitalKarate]

Thanks everyone for your input. I do have Stretching Scientifically, thought it's kind of confusing for me. I just want to be able to kick high, to the face level, just in case I ever need to. Better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it. Is anyone here able to possibly come up with a routine for me to be able to do the side and front splits? If someone has read the book I have (stretching scientifically) and has suceeded using it, all the better.

[jarrettmeyer]

Kicking has little to do with splits due to the two types of stretching - static and dynamic. (Okay, they're related. But not as much as you'd think.)

 

Kicking is a dynamic activity. I walked into my first karate class able to kick over my head. It has more to do with balance than the splits.

 

I still can't do the splits. There's a lot of body physics there, and I don't know how to explain all them, but your hip structure and muscle composition has already decided whether or not you will ever be able to do the splits.

[seersin]

Luckily tha good Lord blessed me to be able to kick high and I'm very limber.I think I was born with both naturally,I do work at them,but can tell you from personal experience that it's not tha thing to be worried about.Just go out there and give it all 100 percent of ya.At tha end of tha day even if ya can't do a split you'll know you gave it all your effort,and it sounds cliche but that is truly whats more important.

[Monkeymagic]

I think with constant practice and rest for your muscles to recover you can become flexible and do the splits. I don't think it is only important though to be able to do the splits but be flexible all round. I think with a proper club you can achieve this.

 

I have been very flexible for many years and have kept this up. I had to practice and keep this up. It was important to let my muscles rest though. I went through a period of overdoing it and had many problems with my hamstrings.

 

It is not biologically inherited. You can do it. A good type of stretching practice is PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular facilitation) - Look for this book - Sports stretch - Michael J Alter. Some good ideas and diagrams.

 

I am a physical education teacher and have always incorporated stretching into my classes. Good luck.

[mattyj]

Kicking has little to do with splits due to the two types of stretching - static and dynamic. (Okay, they're related. But not as much as you'd think.)

 

Kicking is a dynamic activity. I walked into my first karate class able to kick over my head. It has more to do with balance than the splits.

 

I still can't do the splits. There's a lot of body physics there, and I don't know how to explain all them, but your hip structure and muscle composition has already decided whether or not you will ever be able to do the splits.

 

this is true

[Monkeymagic]

Static stretching should be done first before the dynamic stretching. There should be a good warm up to get the blood flowing around the muscles being used. A good jog, run - maybe some balistics, such a jumping. Then hamstring stretches, groing, aductor, calf muscles, etc.

 

Then maybe some forward and side leg swings for your dynamic stretching. You do need solid exaples to actually see if you are to get it right though.