Ultimate Flexibility
A Complete Guide to Stretching for Martial Arts

ULTIMATE FLEXIBILITY: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO STRETCHING

FOR MARTIAL ARTS.

Be friendly with your body. Your mood and condition change hourly,
daily, monthly and with the seasons. You’ve got to build up from wherever you
are. You should not and don’t have to compare yourself to someone else who is
way ahead of you. Be yourself. Build from your honest self. You cannot cheat
with flexibility. You either have it or don’t.
The exercises in this book are those that I have practiced for over 30
years. Even now I have some degree of difficulty with some movements. So
when you are struggling with a particular exercise remember that even after
thirty years, I struggle too. Begin from wherever you can and work toward the
ideals that you see in the photos. While some of the exercises are quite difficult,
some are very easy. These are the exercises that you can and should do every
day because they don’t cause pain or require much effort.
Keep your stretching regimen interesting and relevant to your overall
training. When you feel that your flexibility training is related to your martial
arts practice, you will definitely progress toward your goal. Begin with what
you can do well, then gradually challenge yourself before finishing with
something pleasant and relaxing. Always end your workouts on a positive note
so your muscles will be eager to try again and your mind will be fresh and
alive.
The road to flexibility travels through both the scenic woods and the
barren desert. Whatever you meet and wherever you find yourself, remember
you are on a journey.
Happy Stretching!
Sang H. Kim