[Loki]

I used to do martial arts when I was younger (and flexible - but not splits flexible). I'm older now and returned to karate last year and fortunately after a while it started to come back to me. I intended to enter a full contact tournement in June (and still might, although I have other priorities) but I will be in the June 2011 tournement certainly.

Anyway, I can happily kick to the head as I am but I want more control. Also I think improved flexibility will improve my kicks in any event - certainly int he hamstrings. I like to kick in close and the only way that happens (to the head at least) is if your flexible.

I have lots of questions, none of which are how long does it take to achieve full splits. I would like to know though if the extended length conditioning is PNF stretching though? In all my research (there are some very boring articles out there) on stretching, these seem to come out on top, as well as dynamic stretches. Is PNF just another name for isometric stretches (which are clearly covered in the deep stretches).

I've just bought the kicking set of DVD's having bought the stretching ones around christmas. I may not be doing the splits yet (and didn't epxect to) but I no longer get hip pain. My hip was clicking too on my right hand side when I kicked and this seems significantly better already.

[ms_jan]

Extended length conditioning is a strengthening exercise and not a stretch exercise.
Proprioceptive Neuromascular Facilitation (PNF) stretching is a physiotherapy technique and is done by using the muscle in a vigorous isometric (held) position for some time or by using the opposing muscle group in same way (reciprocal inhibition). If the hold is released, the sustained tension will facilitate a greater stretch.
The purpose of ECL as mentioned by Paul is to establish the strength of the muscle. all the way from full stretch to the common range. So combined with flexibility will result to awesome kicks -).

[Paul Zaichik]

Originally Posted by Loki

I used to do martial arts when I was younger (and flexible - but not splits flexible). I'm older now and returned to karate last year and fortunately after a while it started to come back to me. I intended to enter a full contact tournement in June (and still might, although I have other priorities) but I will be in the June 2011 tournement certainly.

Anyway, I can happily kick to the head as I am but I want more control. Also I think improved flexibility will improve my kicks in any event - certainly int he hamstrings. I like to kick in close and the only way that happens (to the head at least) is if your flexible.

I have lots of questions, none of which are how long does it take to achieve full splits. I would like to know though if the extended length conditioning is PNF stretching though? In all my research (there are some very boring articles out there) on stretching, these seem to come out on top, as well as dynamic stretches. Is PNF just another name for isometric stretches (which are clearly covered in the deep stretches).

I've just bought the kicking set of DVD's having bought the stretching ones around christmas. I may not be doing the splits yet (and didn't epxect to) but I no longer get hip pain. My hip was clicking too on my right hand side when I kicked and this seems significantly better already.

PNF is not ELC.
I use many techniques for kick control, but slow kicks is one of the best exercises to start with.

Paul

[Loki]

Thank you both. I understand more now. It's very complicated.