becoming flexible is easy, actually

[@KARATEbyJesse]

BIG welcome to all my new subscribers!! 🤗

[@sgoldon3886]

Hello Sensei, I hope you are fine. I am an old Uechi-Ryu Karate South American practitioner and each one of your exclusive, creative and very useful videos are simply excellent! Arigato. Now I’m a subscriber.

[@walterhough4587]

35 years of martial arts training. I have always been tight in the legs. No one has been able to explain this type of stretching to me or even suggested it. If I had known this way back when I still might be competing. I will definitely give it a try. Thank you sensei.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Wonderful! You’re living proof that there’s always more to learn. 😄 Thanks for chiming in! 👍

[@Thomasuki267]

He's not the only one. Thanks!

[@lunarious87]

I'm angry. It is a feeling. Why would I be left alone (with me demons)? ... I can see this is neccesary. I might be Jealous. Might not. And Logically; I want to kick someones butt!

[@jameshohmann535]

Anyone tried this method? Results ?

[@lunarious87]

@@jameshohmann535 Hi. I watched again to The Middle of the video. There's a Truth in this technique Sensei Jesse talks about. I broke my elbow in a Basketball game once, it got stiff, I recieved appointment hours at The Physioterapeut and he basically told me, and it worked, to; Pull my Biceps Hard as Karate is Hard External, and he as External "Partner" would resist like Sensei Jesse "Knee Experiment". It took a little while but flexibility improved VERY quick.

[@dukegunthar]

Jesse, I'm a 61 year old guy who used to be pretty active in the martial arts but haven't stepped into a dojo in nearly 40 years. I have just signed up at a local taekwondo school because I need to exercise and I miss karate. So, to say my joints are stiff is an understatement. I'm trying to unlock everything as fast as I can without hurting myself. These stretches are invaluable for my recovery. I love all your videos, but this one actually improved my life.

[@timkittle5418]

Look at a book by Thomas Kurz, "Stretching Scientifically." I am about your age. I got the book about 27 years ago. I wound up being able to do full splits and kept that to my mid 40s (I stopped working it ).

[@MrCageCat]

I can vouch for this. Injured my shoulder last year and never treated it, decreasing my range of motion, making lateral lifts very difficult. Starting seeing a physio therapist a while back, and she said I should lift the arm until I can't, then with the other arm grab the wrist and press AGAINST the arm (downwards) lightly and hold for 10 seconds. I found that afterwards I can actually move my arm HIGHER than normal. The result is the last month I have greatly increased my range of motion in my injured shoulder.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

The human body is amazing! 💪

[@andygillies5624]

Osu , I injured mine tearing a shoulder muscle in 2 places..physio gave me a length of rubber tube band ( can use bicycle inner tube) stand on one end of the tube , hold the other end of rubber expansion band in the hand on the same side - clenched palm facing against leg, lift arm straight to comfortable height - hold for 10 x 10 reps. repeat to side 10 reps, then diagonal to front 45 degrees and upward 10 reps , then back 45 degrees and upwards. Finally repeat all sets with thumb side of the holding fist to leg (ie.arm face down) Then all sets again palm up , then verticle fist (tate). Helped me build using core and working against the injured muscle group...the joys of rolling down hill with bike on cycle training :) hope this helps

[@cgbxrmyk]

@CageCat could you share the video of the physio therapist you watched? :)

[@tsuruo1203]

Jesse: “I don’t have a friend around to help me” Cameraman: “Am I just a cameraman to you?”

[@rudro5784]

Grits and hears*

[@bobbobley2712]

unless the cameraman is not his friend (dun dun duuuuunnn!)

[@mikeykun1898]

@@bobbobley2712 eh paano kung

[@bobbobley2712]

@@mikeykun1898 hindi.. hindi ka nakilala

[@BerndEbner]

Hallo I am 61 years old and practice karate since 1988,I am a Orthopädie surgeon and your Chanel is a finde Inspiration for me

[@jimmgreenharvest906]

As an amputee this is life changing! Thank you si much, it's so hard to do certain stretches with one arm and we have so much tightness from overuse which impacts on posture. You're an absolute legend.

[@otorishingen8600]

a week ago jesse was a "random karate-ka dude" on youtube for me - now im binging hes videos love the okinawa and china series thanks jesse

[@zkassai.audio.2]

Can definitely relate to that. I’m not even a Karate guy but his videos are just great for any martial artist.

[@casparbosch5615]

First. I instantly became flexible just by watching, but I've been trying to become more flexible without much progress. I'll definately try this!

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Fantastic. Stretch smarter, not just harder 👍

[@Veloce2000]

It's been decades since 1989 i started Tkd & Kickboxing and never hav i seen such intelligent isometric style of gaining flexibilty. All the isometric exercises i knew were only for strength training. 🙏Thank you sensei Jesse for such an amazing discovery for me.

[@odojang]

We have been doing this in Taekwon-Do since 1980, when my late master, J.A. Blake, 8th dan ITF, introduced us to this most effective method. One of the fringe benefits of it is joint health. I am 63 years old and after 47 years of martial arts, I have no chronic pain whatsoever anywhere.

[@paulfinch5417]

I’m a ‘new’ mature student of Karate and with this comes limited movement. Stretching is the hardest early activity and finding this video is going to help a LOT as the explanation was so clear and logical for my older head to understand. Thank you Sensei Jesse

[@HumanPotentialHacks]

This is my favourite video of yours so far. After coming back to karate after 25 years training alongside my grandson, I really miss my old flexibility from my twenties. I’ve never come across this concept.

[@Tanabataanne]

“Not in real life, of course, i’m supper flexible” -Senpai Jesse 2020 🤣❤️

[@0ratratA]

XDDDDD

[@alloutofbubblegum2380]

Very helpful sensei, having major troubles around my hips and hamstrings so I will definitely apply this!

[@KARATEbyJesse]

You’ll see great results. Good luck 😄

[@malikdespanie4344]

@@KARATEbyJesse I have stiffness due to cerebral palsy. Thanks for the stretches I'm definitely gonna use them for hip and leg flexibility.

[@thattrickytrickster612]

Just in time! My Goju-Ryu class starts in an hour, and i’m preparing for my brown belt grading. Sensei said i need to improve my flexibility. Thanks so much, Jesse! Keep up the great content ❤️

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Awesome! Train hard & good luck 🌟

[@6guns431]

So did you get it?

[@thattrickytrickster612]

6 guns I did pass the grading, yes 😊 but i haven’t gotten the belt itself since classes are delayed due to preventive measures against the virus here in Dubai. Thanks for asking!

[@6guns431]

@@thattrickytrickster612 congrats bro! 👊👍

[@MZH47]

That's so interesting! I always wondered how the natural stretching we do when waking up, kinda like cats, differed from the way people do for working out. This feels a lot like what we see animals do, apart from the resistance thing.

[@01MeuCanal]

I tried it here today and this is the best stretching method I ever seen. Thanks Jesse.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Fantastic! Music to my ears 😄

[@blaircarnegie2738]

Very informative, Jesse keeps you engaged by getting right to the point and maximizing your viewing time . Thank you .

[@SkyeDCUO01]

Another good video. This is something I never thought about. I always tell people that flexibility isn’t as understood by many as it should. It’s actually down to understanding muscle groups and the strength of these individual groups. For instance your quads are made of 4 muscles. If one muscle in this group is weaker then the whole group is actually restricted to that muscle. It’s not as straight forward as just stretching and pushing further than your capabilities. More to work on the individual groups with gentle exercises and adding a little resistance to build them up. As you can see in my pic it works well. I’m 38 now and after 6 years of no exercise and injuries, I can do the splits again. Like any exercise, for good results you have to work on it several times a week and vary the work out. Most importantly is to not push to hard as that will hinder or injure you. My moto is small steps, big results.

[@thibautmuzart4114]

I concur! Unlike Jesse-San, I actually DO have tight hamstrings and hip flexors. Just tried the first (lying down stretch) and the wall push and 3mn later huge relief. Thank you Jesse-San. Excellent video, super helpful and informative as always.

[@Brubarov]

I would need a complete guide of exercises for every main muscle because I'm stiff everywhere :') Harmstrings, quads, back, groin, etc. hahah

[@BIZEB]

The first example is precisely what my physiologist recommended. The explanation is quite interesting, though. Sounds legit.

[@nedrickgrundy]

I'm studying (or supposed to be) for the NASM CPT-7, and here I am trying to become better at karate, but little did I know I would learn, in great detail, about one the more important topics in my studies

[@Teaslippers]

This is really interesting. Having cerebral palsy, I’ve suffered from very tight limbs all my life. I will try this now. Here’s to seeing the new results! 🙂

[@daniyara8879]

Now I understand why everyone says that my shoulders are very flexible at my bjj gym. 10 years of regular pull ups did their thing lol. Thank you Jesse, will apply it to my "wooden" legs!

[@EricMySelf990]

For anyone looking to expand their knowledge of what he's explaining in the video, this is called PNF stretching: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation. Keep in mind that it's going to be best to do this after exercise or training as it has been shown to decrease muscular performance if done before training (except for jogging or something like that...no big deal). But if you do it after exercise or alone, it actually seems to increase muscular performance (in general) while also leading to increased flexibility and ROM.

[@pgong]

I'm experimenting with this concept in my office chair at work and can confirm that Jesse Sensei is right. The results are instant! So simple, yet easily felt results.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Awesome to hear! 😄👍

[@robertforehand7919]

My Iaido teacher has been teaching this style of stretching in our dojo for years! I have found it useful, and great to see it so succinctly described.

[@dojoskeptic]

This is great for those who need it the most. Those that have not done any real stretching in a while. It is also called reflexive antagonism in some circles. If you already stretch to the point that you are a contortionist, not really needed. Try it on the areas you need most first.

[@akshajbhardwaj4029]

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! I am nine years old trying to get a yellow belt and when I just demonstrated to my mother then while showing her a demonstration I just improved my hamstring by maybe 25% ! Keep making these wonderful karate videos !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : D Good job !!!

[@bobbobley2712]

wow I quitted karate when I was around 8 and had a yellow belt now I came back to freshen up but now i'm 14 how much did my stiff body miss ; - ;

[@clided2]

okay ive been a 20 plus year practitioner and have always admired flexibility from martial artists such as jcvd, philip rhee, scott adkins, jackie chan to name but a few. i have read so much nd practised so much using the likes of tomaz kurz scientific stretching and this video has been a game changer literally allowed me to attain a full boxsplit in less than ten mins. thank you good sir also you love, knowledge and passion for karate is awe inspiring and humbling. thank you mate

[@thurston2235]

Genius! It worked instantly! Been trying to improve flexibility for high kicks.

[@blaircarnegie2738]

Having just recommitted to training after 30 year layoff , and never being the most naturally flexible in the first place . I have struggled with my hip flexibility. I am committed to finding the key to unlocking this puzzle . I realize that for me anyways the passive stretching l have use is simply not enough to achieve my personal flexibility goals . I will endeavour to apply these techniques to improve my results .

[@andrewfriday2521]

How have I never come across this before? I have terrible lower back pain from a work injury - it hurts all the time and I've lost all flexibility. I've tried everything except this. A few mins gently pushing down on my knees has immediately released the tension in my lower back! I can't believe this works!

[@petritzky]

I think this video just changed my life. I have tense muscles like crazy and joints that hurt because of it. I used to do static stretches and while I do find it improves, it doesn't do enough. Massages helped as well. No I've just tried it and already felt how it stretches these areas much more effectively.

[@simoncurran6184]

About a year ago I started physio of my short calfs. (when I started karate 9 months ago my Dr signed me off saying "the karate will do the physio") using this method I just over halved the time of my morning streaches to get the same flexibility. Thank you sensei. Karate really is in everything we do

[@KARATEbyJesse]

BAM! 👊🔥👍

[@emmanuelbeaucage4461]

Wow! after just 55sec, i was mind blown! It can easily be interated to my strenght building exercises that I already do by making opposing muscles work against each other! I can't understand why I didn't try with my legs what I do with my arms! I wish I learned that 35 years ago...

[@JoseFernandez-gi7cv]

I’ve been in martial arts for about 28 years. And I do stretch but this reciprocal inhibition method has improved my flexibility all around. Just once or twice a week for me. Thanks I will stretch this way from now on. 👍🏻

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Great to hear!

[@hernanmarin3904]

Right on the money! in Sport therapy, physical therapy it is called "Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation " where you contract the agonist muscle to stretch the antagonist and vice-versa.

[@woodhandle]

Oh man, speaking to me on the Hips and Hammies. Great vid Jesse!

[@peculiarlittleman5303]

Thank you! You helped me much. I picked-up on injury that has taken my back's flexibility, which has led to more injuries and loss of flexibility, and on and on and on.

[@jeromepech5886]

Thank you, Jesse! My legs are already grateful for the opportunity. greetings from France

[@Giglioti]

Jesse, I've been watching you for a long time now and I regularly rewatch a lot of videos, you helped me so much not just with my flexibility but with my mindset, after I injured my lumbar I kinda stopped but thanks to you I came back even better than I was before, thank you so much 🐲🐉

[@PhanDucAnh]

Hope that u will make 1 video for more examples about stretching. Thank you bery much 🙏

[@pallavthaker2020]

We actually use this method in our Dojo. We don't call it reciprocal inhibition, but we do use it. We are taught to hold our leg up in the air horizontally to improve 180° stretching.

[@wernross282]

Fantastic!! Please do a video with a full body stretch workout. I Struggle with a tight back and hip flexors.

[@davidbackstrom6181]

Thank you for sharing. I used this similar method for my tennis elbow. I exercised the opposite way I hurt my elbows from repetitive lifting at work. The greatest part of this lesson a black belt I did partner stretching with yesterday had me do this same thing and it gave me a few more inches on my ax kick instantly.

[@AdrianDunevein]

Liked the hamstring flex example because in passive stretching reaching over toward your heels you often dont realize how much you are overstreching your back muscles. Your back can hurt for days after. Contracting the opposite set of muscles makes you more mindful of how muscle groups are interconnected. Love the little Marshall amp for music in the dojo by the way!

[@KARATEbyJesse]

The human body is a beautiful enigma!

[@geraldaitken478]

Thank you Jesse. As a 67 year old lifelong karateka, once I kicked to the head, and now, only low kicks. You have given me a better way to stretch. Now perhaps, in a year, I will be able to kick to the solar plexus.

[@jakeydog1969]

Jesse 😬 just want to say "thank you" your videos always make this broken old martial artist... learn. Much Love and respect.

[@brianfox5323]

I just tried this and not only do I feel more flexible but I feel much looser and more warmed up than when I do passive stretches. When I can get back to judo class I plan to do this beforehand from now on. Thanks!

[@ChrisseWorks]

Great video! I just wish I had learned about this principle when I was younger. It might have prevented a lot of injuries.

[@tsukitodecimo9004]

Sensei Jesse ihave a question does flexibility lost your power kicks? I'm lacking some flexibility so ihave train it for Round house Kick and my Others kicks

[@abhishek3197]

It actually worked. Can't thank you enough for this 🥺❤️

[@JohnUllrey]

I saw a similar concept to this used to relive a "Charlie Horse" (severe muscle cramp). I think the way it was demonstrated was for a cramp in the calf put your foot on the camping leg behind the opposite leg and try lifting against the resistance (like an isometric exercise). By working the muscles in the opposite direction that you are cramping it forces the cramping muscle to relax.

[@juandadamo]

Injures and time caused me lack of flexibility. I certainly gonna give a try to your smart advice, many thanks!!

[@jonathanbewick5492]

Wow this is honestly amazing, game changer! Tusen tack och fortsätt med vad du gör :)

[@neptunethemystic]

Very insightful, Thank you. How can one use this technique to improve splits?

[@trevorishmael1466]

Great advise. What work on for splits if we are talking about opposite?

[@cro-emils783]

I never really got into the habit of stretching over the years, but realize I really need to stretch a lot so I could be flexible practicing Muay Thai. Amazing stretchess you show here as well! Thank you.

[@andyclare03]

Makes so much more sense to basically work the opposite side to relax the side you want to use . I’ve never thought of it like that. Great video mate 👍👊

[@martialway100]

One of my favourite martial arts channels on YT, hosted by one of the nicest guys in martial arts IMHO. Always delivers helpful training tips and very interesting content for martial art fans. Thank you Jesse for uploading all of your videos onto YT.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Thanks for your kind words! 🙏

[@rubenswinckler]

Awesome video! How would it be for ankle stretching? I feel like I lack mobility there, specially when doing kihon that evolves walking backwards in zenkutsu dachi or kokutsu dachi my heels tend to leave the ground for a bit, I wonder what I can do to fix that. Thank you!

[@nascarcricketer4702]

You are so useful, I have kumite today, hopefully this improves my flexebility

[@Aracne80]

Why haven't I done this? Feels like something that I should know naturally. Will test this method for sure. Thank you!

[@xanthopoulosa]

As physical therapist specialized in Orthopedics, these are really evidence-based facts and could be found on “PubMed” and “physio-pedia.com”. Seriously sophisticated knowledge. Just a tip: all these are part of “active functional stretching in both open and closed kinetic chain”. Found this video by chance. Subscribed in a instant! 🙂

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Thanks for chiming in... and welcome! 🙏

[@freelancerblitz2579]

Any tips for stretching for high Yoko Geri “kick pics” also any advise on clicking hips when doing an Uchi Mikazuki Geri?

[@saminisrak5506]

This videos are very helpful for all karate learners... thank you sensei

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Thanks, makes me happy to hear 😄

[@scottheaton8469]

Static stretching tends to only be good if you're already flexible. Great video.

[@LionFische]

Thank you for a great video. Can you recommend any further reading on the subject?

[@jamesmunroe6558]

This is extremely helpful! Thanks a ton! Like Walter Hough below, I never had this type of explanation before, but its logic is crystal clear. It makes perfect sense!

[@Tsuk1to_Ashura]

Does Shotokan karate need a higher kick? I heard if we do too much Flexibility we lose power to kick.iwant to do splits.and idont wanna lose power. And I want to have high kick with power solid to my Legs

[@jamescantrell5639]

It's easier to use Reciprocal inhibition. Lift one knee and use your hands to press down on your knee. Use only about 10-20% force and hold for 10 seconds. Switch knees and repeat, then stretch again. When a muscle contracts, its opposing muscle relaxes, preventing muscles from working against each other. This helps to protect muscles and prevent injury.

[@CoolFool002]

Well, this is very helpful. Definitely works, and it's perhaps the best stretching technique I've come across yet!

[@Marco-qh7pl]

Mr Enkamp, i Would like to TRULY thank you for your videos. Not only this one (very useful because i'm stiff like a piece of wood), but for the many, and many that i watched so far. I used to be a wing chun pratictioner (15 years). During my childhood i practiced some shotokan karate. Well, after watching tons of your videos , i'd like to practice karate again (maybe not shotokan). Unfortunately i m 52 years old now and i live in a small town in italy where there are only some modern shotokan karate schools (only point sparring) so i think it will remain a dream or i could try to train by myself. All these words, only to THANK YOU so much for your passion, humbleness, skill and capacity of communicate all that to the watcher. Thank you so much Sensei.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

You’re very kind!! 🙏😇🥋

[@Marco-qh7pl]

@@KARATEbyJesse thank you so much for answering me. I'm trying your method and seems to work!

[@maxwu3395]

I’ve always wanted a full straddle split. Do I practice pushing against abductor muscles?

[@marcsl1974]

Resistance is a good thing. Some time ago I started using resistance bands for gaining flexibility. It helped me a lot.

[@herbbowler2461]

Tried it. It works. I went from just being able to touch my toes to being able to touch my closed fist to the floor in a couple minutes.

[@tomball9473]

Another great video J!! I'm going take your advice and incorporate it my regular stretching/flexibility exercises. It would be great if you could do a focused mini series on splits stretching Front, Box and Side and highlight all the areas using this concept as a guide.

[@antonrlndt1383]

I never did Karate, but a lot of other martial arts, you remind me of my best friend and training partner. dissecting everything to the core and explaining how it is done and debunking myths that got created over the years. Could you show more stretches? active stretching is a concept I'm new with but it makes a lot of sense when you explained it. Love your work, thank you for reminding me of the good times

[@datsuntoyy]

4:00 I think it's more impressive how you can stand on one foot and demonstate without even the slightest bit of wavering. Damn good balance.

[@Jumanji1st]

this is actually what my physiotherapist does with me to easy my back pain by relaxing the tensioned back muscles :).

[@babekakperov7009]

Hello Jesse, thanks for your videos, especially for this one detailing the reciprocal inhibition method. As a gymnast, i just wanted to add that one would need to apply all the methods I.e. static, dynamic, ballistic, with and without using additional helping objects (yoga blocs, elastics, sliding tools etc.) in order to progress and obtain a needed level of body flexibility and resulting mobility. As well, the overall body (the back, shoulders, twists...) has to be worked upon and not only splits. The benefits of flexibility work for the health cannot be overestimated !) Merci)

[@SrbendaNo1]

I know its 3 years old video but thank you. I am returning to karate after 10 years layoff. 👊

[@rick00770]

Sounds smart. I never got much flex using stretching the old way. Thanks Jesse.

[@davidkillian1710]

Interesting terminology. I know this methodology as Active Isolated Stretching (AIS), and I've been using it myself and with my students since the late 1990s. I highly recommend it. AIS was invented by Aaron Mattes, a kinesiologist, more than 30 years ago. I highly recommend any of his publications, as well as those of Jim and Phil Wharton who were instrumental in introducing AIS to Olympic training in the US. The books also give details on stretching some of the more difficult muscles both with and without a partner as well as with the assistance of a rope (or old white belt!).

[@heru6394]

Never get bored watching ur video. Thx sensei

[@justinstevens3743]

Sensei, how would you do this for abductor/adductor muscles in your legs?

[@AreteMedia]

This will be a game changer for me. I had no idea how stiff my hamstrings actually were until I tried flexing my quads the way you did in this video. THANK YOU.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Enjoy!! 🙏

[@melisslacour15]

Just tried this cuz I was definitely skeptical and holy crap it works!! And this is great cuz I'm so sore from training yesterday!

[@ty5186]

🙏 🙏 🙏 Grateful to listen. Your students are lucky to have you. Thank you Jesse.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Thanks for your nice comment 🙏

[@Drescodeleo]

This is a concept that is not well known but at my school has been proven to work for the last 10 years at least, so I will give this a thumb up. I might add that these kind of "resistance streches" are recommended for people that went through surgeries like I had on one knee some years ago, and went back to kicking in a few months as nothing.

[@manuelzapata1192]

I haven't seen this one I'm gonna try this and I'll get back to you in a week.

[@perpetualconfusion5885]

Thanks you so much for this! I've been doing Taekwondo for about 9 years now but quit and now I want to get back into it

[@alejandroceron9809]

Excellent!! Thank you Jesse, I'll do it in my training just today, and tomorrow with my students. Hello, from Santiago de Chile

[@jamescantrell5639]

I love watching your video's. Even though I'm in Pentjack Silat I find your video's helpful and entertaining.

[@joshuabaru2908]

I am a large size person and lifting the knee has always been an issue. Will try this technique and share what I have learned. Thank you sensei. Tang Soo!

[@samuel0329]

謝謝你的建議從反方向提升柔韌性的方式 我會試試看改用這種方法來增加我腳的柔韌度

[@gmddmg]

Great explanation! What would be the way for improving the ability fo splitting legs and kicking higher?