This page provides you with Taekwondo stretching
techniques in order to improve your flexibility and help prevent injuries (i.e. a
strained hamstring during Taekwondo).
You should stretch for at least 10 minutes before Taekwondo. You should also stretch
after Taekwondo when your body is warmed
up & limber in order to maximize your flexibility. Remember do
not bounce when you stretch, do each Taekwondo stretch slowly and
do not
try to stretch beyond your body's limit (i.e. stop if a stretch
hurts). As always, you should see a doctor before starting
any strenuous exercise program!
Taekwondo & Martial Arts Stretching Videos- Watch
these free martial arts & Taekwondo stretching videos in order
to learn the proper techniques for many basic stretches.
Taekwondo Grand Master Stretching - In this video, a Korean
Taekwondo Grand Master demonstrates his personal warm-up &
stretching routine.
Taekwondo Warm-Up & Stretching Routine - Watch a Taekwondo
stretching & warm-up routine done by a well-known Taekwondo
Master and author.
Many basic stretches and exercises (although some of the
techniques look a little strange). Pick & utilize the parts that
are right for you.
Taekwondo Stretching - Watch more Taekwondo stretching
techniques done by the same well-known Taekwondo Master and
author.
Taekwondo Stretching - A Taekwondo stretching video from
another Taekwondo instructor. Utilize the bits that you like in
your martial arts stretching routine.
Taekwondo Stretches for Higher Kicks - This Taekwondo video
shows various stretches that a black belt instructor uses in
order to increase the height of his kicks.
Splits
- Front & side splits. Done by a Taekwondo instructor. These
Taekwondo stretches will help you to achieve higher roundhouse
kicks.
Side Splits - This Taekwondo video teaches you how to do a
side split. Helpful for higher roundhouse and side kicks.
Kung Fu
Warm-Up & Stretching Routine - Watch other martial art forms
in order to gain additional insight into useful stretches.
For variety, consider incorporating the useful elements from
this Kung Fu stretching routine into your normal Taekwondo stretching.
Stretching Videos -
Targeted to Specific Muscles & Body Areas
Basic
Stretches - A number of basic stretches. This useful video
is taught by a fitness instructor.
Lower
Body Stretches - A number of basic lower body stretches.
Many of these stretches are used at our Taekwondo school.
Upper
Body Stretches - A number of basic upper body stretches. A
number of these stretches are also used at our Taekwondo school.
Calf Stretches - Several videos that show a variety of calf
stretches. This is one of my problem areas in Taekwondo so I try
to do these stretches often in order to prevent injury.
Groin Stretches - These videos will
help to lessen the chance of potential groin injuries during
Taekwondo. Groin stretches include the butterfly stretch and
many more.
Hamstring Stretches - Several videos that show a variety of
hamstring stretches. These will help you to achieve higher axe
kicks.
Quad
Stretches - These videos show you how to properly stretch
your quad (thigh) muscles.
Ankle-
Given all of the spinning and turning
in Taekwondo, you need to work on your ankle flexibility in
order to avoid injuries and improve your kicking techniques.
Sit & cross one leg over your other thigh & use your hands to
rotate your ankle. Then switch legs & work on other ankle. *
Looking for a picture for this stretch.
Sit with legs straight out &
gently use one foot to push
the other foot down to the left and then to the right. Then
switch & work on other foot. * Looking for a picture for this
stretch.
Latissimus Dorsi Stretch
- Latissimus Dorsi Stretch from SportsInjuryClinic.net -
One of my favorite stretches! Very relaxing.
Calf- When I was first
learning Taekwondo, I tore my calf muscle. Now, I stretch
religiously in order to try and avoid "self-inflicted" injuries.
My favorite Taekwondo calf stretch is where you lean into a wall & stretch
your calf muscles (see the Mayo Clinic calf stretch).
Calf Stretching Videos - Several videos that show a variety of calf
stretches. This is one of my problem areas in Taekwondo so I try
to do these stretches often in order to prevent injury.
Calf Stretch
- Here is a good calf stretch from Mayo Clinic
Calf Stretch
- Calf Stretch from About.com - Sports Medicine
Groin & Inner Thighs
- These Taekwondo stretches will
help to reduce potential groin injuries.
Groin Stretch
- Groin Stretch from SportsInjuryClinic.net
Sitting Groin Stretch
- This Taekwondo stretch is good for higher
roundhouse kicks. Keep trying to spread your legs just a little
wider every time that you stretch.
Hamstring (back of thigh) - If you want high axe kicks (i.e. over your head) then you need
to work on your hamstring stretches, especially if you are
inflexible oldie like me. :) My favorite Taekwondo hamstring stretch is
the Lying Down Hamstring Stretch!
Hamstring Stretching Videos - Several videos that show a
variety of hamstring stretches. These will help you to achieve
higher axe kicks.
Barre Stretch
- Barre Stretch from About.com - Okay, this is from their
ballet page but it is great for achieving higher axe kicks. Use
a desk or a staircase and gradually increase the height of the
stretch.
Upper Hamstring Stretch - Another good & easy
hamstring stretch that helps to
prevent injuries when doing very high kicks.
Trunk Twist
- Trunk twist
from About.com (Ergonomics)
Hand, Fingers,
Wrist & Forearm
- These Taekwondo stretches will
work out your hands, wrists and forearms.
Forearm and Wrist Stretch
- Forearm & Wrist Stretch from About.com
(Golf) -
This wrist stretch is listed on their golf section but
this technique is used in Taekwondo & other martial arts as well.
.
Many basic stretches and exercises (although some of the
techniques look a little strange). Pick & utilize the parts that
are right for you.