How to Stretch for Martial Arts and Fitness:: Your Ultimate Flexibility and Warm Up Guide! Paperback – 30 May 2013

A very good little book. Teaching Martial Arts myself something I always say to my students is no matter how advance you get always remember the basics. If you don't know why you are doing something ask. I love this books no nonsense, keeping things simple format. If you are looking for new-fangled because you have grown too advanced for the old ones this is not the book for you, but if you are someone interested in creating you own stretching routine to compliment your training, or wanting more detail as to why certain stretches are done and the psychological benefits this it the right book to go to.The first part of the book talks about why it is important to stretching and the benefits of flexibility in life, sports but especially Martial Arts. However one of the big problem in Martial Arts is there is a big traditionalist style thinking, where instructors when asked why this stretch is done and the answer is being I was taught it by my master and they were taught by their master to do it this way. There is an article that does suggest some of the techniques might not be the best or that they might they might not be the best for that time. Also for instructors that do not have an answer to the question or what that stretch is good for this will tell them why. The second half of the book is basic example (with pictures) of warm up and cool down stretches, as well as adding to heat Vs cold debate.Another benefit of the kindle edition is it is easy to call up on the phone and show someone an example if you do not have the space to demonstrate after the class. Most instructors should already know 90% of the book but it is always good to have refresher or an example to show people.

I am pleased with my purchase of this true self-teaching and useful book that does help to improve your stretching on body flexibly in warm up to any martial art sport fitness. Good recommended buy!

as a student studying the art of Karate, this is very useful to me and anyone else that is studying a martial art, as in all sports, flexability is very useful!I bought this to help improve my flexibility, and after doing the exercises enclosed, I have to say, I can see an improvement already!

The stretches were easy to follow. Very good on the detail. I especially liked the head to toe warm up section. Well written and presented with good eritten descriptions ang photos. Well done

Good book of useful stretches for martial arts and fitness routines along with some helpful photographic illustrations.

The book is essentially a list of stretching exercises. I had hoped for a daily stretching exercise program in the book but there is none. If you have already done martial arts for a few years then you probably know most of what's in it already. At £2 odd it won't break the bank and it may be of interest.

Great

So far so good, love the stretches and general fitness tips. I suffer with lower back ache and am looking to start Taekwon-do, definitely the book I was searching for in preparing myself for stretching.