Stretching to increase flexibility

[FCFatty]

I know this might not be the proper forum to pose this question, but I'd like to get as much input as possible. I'm going to be taking up BJJ in roughly 3 weeks, and I was needing to know if any of you know of any good books or websites that would have some good warm-up stretching techniques that are relevant to BJJ. I do have pretty good flexibility, but everything can be improved upon. Thanks for your time, and flame away.

 

[tesheu]

Hey man, there are a few threads here already. Here is one:

http://www.sherdog.net/forums/showthread.php?t=534062&highlight=stretch+routine

I've also heard some good stuff about Royce Gracie's stretch routine, which can be found in his book called "Superfit". Search for it on Amazon, it's about $20 new.

Also, I always like to get a nice little sweat going before I stretch, get the blood flowing a bit. I also feel a bit looser after that.

 

[EE6_TBOIO_MATb]

It's a bad reflex to run to buy something for everything.
Just stretch

 

[rotten apple]

my instructor was telling me about eddie bravos book, he said there was some good stretch techniques in there.

 

[FCFatty]

thanks guys.

 

[Balefire]

This is a great resource on stretching:

http://www.trickstutorials.com/index.php?page=content/flx3

 

[wOg]

Forgive me for making my obligatory "stretching/flexibility is over-rated" post, but it's a point worth making if you are just starting out.

In the same way that it can be a temptation to spend money on books and DVDs and stuff in an effort to get better sooner, trying to improve your strength/cardio/flexibility in order to get better at jiu jitsu is almost a waste of time.

Until and unless you start competing, don't worry about your cardio--it will get better as you start to train. Same with strength training.

Flexibility is even less important. Unless you are genetically stiff, a good warm-up will prepare your muscles for all the flexibility they need. A truly effective warrm-up doesn't mean Navy SEAL workouts, it means getting to the point where you feel more comfortable moving than standing still.

Exceptional flexibility is not a main characteristic of any of the top jiu jitsu fighters out there: Roger, Jacare, Marcelo, Rani, Drysdale, Xande, Leo, Lovato Jr., Fowler ... It's worth remembering ...

That said, here is my favorite website for stretching. Click on the part of the body you want to stretch and look on the right-hand side of the table for the various stretches.

http://www.exrx.net/Lists/WtMale.html

 

[rotten apple]

^^ lol when i first clicked the link i got all pissed off becuase i thought it was a joke, then i re-read your post and you actually gave directions.haha

thanks man

 

[Bubble Boy]

Yoga.

 

[Mike Mucitelli]

Capoeira, I'm a practitioner of the art (yellow chord) and i have to tell you not only do you gain unbelieveable flexibility and endurance if you push yourself, but the dedicated student learns skills such as learning how to watch when an opponent will strike and learning body movements to a level few understand. plus the kicking practice is infintely helpful. but stretch those hipflexors and butterfly stretches for as long as you can it will save your life in the guard and in stand up!!

 

[EE6_TBOIO_MATb]

Be careful with ur core...
It's an area that we don't stretch enough. It leads to lower back problems.

Also, i'm recovering from an intercostal strain. Before that little accident, I would have laughed at anyone who would put emphasis on them.
But after 1,5 months off the mat, u can be sure I'll pay attention to them, now.