Can this help me get a split?

[Supercharge]

I found an article which shows exercises that you need to do in order to get a front to back split. The twist is there because they are not stretching exericses, rather different type of strength exercises. If you can perform a split or know about stretching, would the exercises in this article be good to get a full split?

Link

 

[MikeMartial]

I've heard good things from people that have that Elasticsteel program; I'm not sure of what it's totally composed of myself, though.

Basically, all the methods are based upon PNF-type stretching (aka isometric stretching) to get to a full split, side or front. How it's packaged, pitched and sold varies from one book to another.

While a full split is impressive to some, it's totally not necessary for martial arts. My static flexibility is pretty sad, but I can throw multiple head-high kicks easily---the key is dynamic flexibility. One of the best authors IMO on the subject of dynamic flexibility is Thomas Kurz. Google his name, and I'm sure his website will pop up.

His book is excellent---and what I said earlier stands true. Nothing he writes is a new, scientific, secret method, but well packaged and well explained.

 

[PyRoTeK]

I am not sure of the article of which you are speaking about, but if oyu are looking for some advice on how one might gain flexablitiy with the splits, I have some advice.
You will want someone to help with this as you both will be doing this together, using the other ones weight and force. Sit on the floor, with your legs spread till comfortable. you both should be facing one another. Grabing ahold of one another wrist/forearm area and touching the bottoms of right and left feet. Come in closer to each other as to have a good grip. Once you have your position, pull backwards slightly as to apply pressure to the opposing member. stretch should be held for no less than 45 seconds. This should then be done with the opposing member pulling you forward and him back, again for 45 seconds. once this is complete begin to slowly circle either direction clockwise, or counter-clockwise. This should be done 10-20 times in both directions.

The frontal split again will need someone to asist you. Place yourself flat against a solid wall. Heels and head, with back facing the wall should be applied. standing against wall, raise one leg in front of you slowlyas high as possible, with opposing member assisiting the raise. Stop when comfortable. Opposing member raises further about a half inch to inch past resistance. Hold, counting to 10. Once you get the count to ten, the stretchie pulls downward to put pressure. Opposing member is careful not to let grip break from pressure. Count is again ten. Repete as wanted.

 

[MikeMartial]

Stop when comfortable. Opposing member raises further about a half inch to inch past resistance. Hold, counting to 10. Once you get the count to ten, the stretchie pulls downward to put pressure. Opposing member is careful not to let grip break from pressure. Count is again ten. Repete as wanted.

I like you Pyro, so don't take this the wrong way: But that's a recipe for injury. Partner stretching in regards to passive static stretching is
extremely dangerous. I know some dojos and gyms still utilize this, and I'd bet money it's the reason for beginner injuries. What you are explaining is PNF stretching multiplied many times over. PNF is an advanced type of stretch in and of itself---add outside force and more bodyweight, and I can hear the fibers tearing as we speak.

If you must partner stretch, do it in a way you can control the resistance yourself, %100 of the time.

Some articles by Thomas Kurz

 

[Supercharge]

Thanks man.
I read a bunch of articles. The thing is, they are all written in such a way that you can't pull a program together. Basically they make you buy their book. I decided to go with Elasticsteel book. Hopefully it will work.

 

[PyRoTeK]

Right on man. Sorry you had to pay for information, but such are the way of things.