Folding vs Curving Theory

[Alan Armstrong]

Taking two pieces of paper fold one in half and roll the other in to a tube shape.

Folding stretches along the crease alone, while the rolled one stretches the entire sheet of paper evenly and gently.

The folded paper going one way then the opposite way will tear the paper in half, similar to bending a metal spoon, it will eventually weaken and snap, meanwhile rolling the paper one way then the other this doesn't happen.

If the paper is stiff and brittle, folding into creases will only break it down quicker but rolling the paper will make it more pliable.

Folding paper doesn't make it more pliable but rolling and curving it does.

For instance a newspaper with its fold in the middle is permanently creased whereas when rolled up it remains in a reasonable shape to be read.

As paper and muscle contain fibres, there are similarities between them that we can make use of to make simple assumptions about how to stretch.

As we have hinge joints in our body we can choose to stretch in curves and bends instead of folding which if you notice when sitting cuts of circulation whereas the "reverse method" by reaching releases tension, is an important element and factor for gaining flexibility and range of motion.

The natural movements of ealy morning yawning, curving, reaching and twisting is how we are designed to stretch simply called pandiculation, but like all things we can artfully improve upon it or mess it up.

As much as we martial artists see yoga folding movements and contortionists, even dancers and gymnasts, doing their thing perhaps we can feel that we might be missing the point in the area of flexibility.

When looking further into the difference, stand up fighting martial artists should be strength mobility stretching (in curves, arching, cork screwing, spiralling and twisting) where the intent is towards striking moving objects and also to move as not to get hit or to become an easy target, whereas everyone else have different types of objectives that require the necessary folding.

Stretching in my mind should be reaching out in all directions by the means of making the best of the self sufficient and propelled, autonomous twisting mechanics of our body in motion slow or fast, far beyond the folding capabilities alone.

Creating a leaner body that is powered by the combination of strength, speed and elasticity with a greater amount of possibilities for movement for combat purposes, that doesn't resemble static or passive folding positions, moreover towards the contrary.

So the question is, are you doing more folding or curving for gaining flexibility and thus, is it improving your combat readiness for strength and mobility purposes simultaneously?