Martial Art for the painfully inflexible

[sir_mycroft]

This is my first post. I have a western boxing and wrestling background and would like to find a martial art that focuses on flip, throws, and locks (something on the order of Aikido). However, I am extremely inflexible, and always have been, and worry that even with more flex training I will be unable to become skilled in any art that requires even mediocre flexibility. Is there hope for me? Is there a martial art for the painfully inflexible? Thanks in advanced.

[JediMasterChris]

I used to be a non-flexible person too. Most people aren't flexible at first, you have to get flexible you have to do alot of stretching. And it sounds like you are looking for a "grappling" art, Jujitsu is a good choice if that is what you are looking for.

[sir_mycroft]

Originally posted by JediMasterChris
I used to be a non-flexible person too. Most people aren't flexible at first, you have to get flexible you have to do alot of stretching. And it sounds like you are looking for a "grappling" art, Jujitsu is a good choice if that is what you are looking for.

I have looked into jujitsu but it seems to focus a lot on ground fighting. I would like a martial art that would alow me to avoid, or prevent ground fighting if possible.

I understand my flexibility can improve, but I have had some orthopedic work done that sets definate limits.

[JediMasterChris]

Well then...like you said, give Aikido a try. :D

[WhiteWizard]

well i was painfully inflexible three months ago just ask Greyghost but now after doing 3 months of Kung Fu my flexability has improved greatly.

[RedSkaNite]

You might also want to look into Hapkido. It is alot like Aikido, but it incorporates more strikes.

[Marku]

Hapkido is a mix of many styles : Judo, Aikido and Jujitsu etc

[creaturegrl]

I train in To-Shin Do which is a martial art that was started by Stephen K Hayes after he had mastered the art of ninjutsu.

At my dojo there are all kinds of people, ranging from REALLY overweight, to twig skinny.
Super bendy-flexible to stiff as a board.
All of them are AMAZING martial artists and the training really depends on how much you want to put into it.

So if your not really physical or flexible To-shin Do would be great for you because you train at your own pace and level.
Heres the main site and if you click on "train at our schools" you can find a school in your area.

www.skhquestcenter.com

[smee193]

believe it or not i broke my back 10yrs ago! and i am a fairly big fella! but i have just taken up Aikido and i didnt find it too restrictive!

I am learning breakfalls and foot movements at the mo and they said take it at your own pace!

I was a bit worried about the backwards fall i told the Sensei and he told me to give it a try first squatting then standing and honestly after a few trys to get it right it actually didnt hurt!
(mat burn hurts though so be warned)....

also because Aikido doesnt rely on strength i find that a big help!

whatever you do though enjoy it as best you can if there are things in it you cannot do then concentrate more on the things you can..

good luck.

Mark

[pgm316]

Flippage sounds a good art to train in.

However some form of wrestling may be the only one that exists, Judo maybe?

[Jazman]

flippage!

[morphus]

I too am painfully inflexable but since starting martial arts my flexablity has improved a hell of a lot! I'll never do the splits i don't think, but i 'll keep on stretching just to stay healthy - I'm sure it will help in later life!;)

[Andrew Green]

Originally posted by sir_mycroft
I have looked into jujitsu but it seems to focus a lot on ground fighting. I would like a martial art that would alow me to avoid, or prevent ground fighting if possible.


In that case, you should study groundfighting ;)

Grapplers are the best skilled at staying on their feet.

Judo maybe? Back to wrestling?

[KickChick]

I just gave a member some advice in the TKD forum about his inability to kick high because he doesn't have that much flexibility.

Flexibility is part nature and part nurture, part genetic and part fitness. In fact, there are five factors that determine flexibility:

The genetically determined elasticity and the length of the involved muscles and tendons, which can be altered through a well-designed strength-training program.

The genetically determined structure of the joints.

The genetically determined level of basic coordination that determines motor control of the involved joints, something that can be enhanced with training.

Your fitness level, which is determined by genetics and training.

The psychological/emotional state of the martial artist, which is determined by genetics and environment. The stressed out or tense person will probably be less flexible than one who is calm and confident.

Whatever martial art you do choose remain confident and postive and you will attain results.

[Jay]

Originally posted by sir_mycroft
I have looked into jujitsu but it seems to focus a lot on ground fighting. I would like a martial art that would alow me to avoid, or prevent ground fighting if possible.

AK47-jitsu ??

Biglongstick-Do ??

Runasfastasmystifflegswillcarryme-jitsu ??

Seriously - if you are thinking of starting a martial art for self defence then you should realise that most fights (I said MOST before everyone jumps on me !) will go to the ground at some stage - even if it is just 'Oh my god that hurt, I'm gonna hold on to him and fall over !!' If you've done some wrestling then you should be pretty comfortable on the ground anyway.

If you do some gentle stretching every day then I would have thought that your flexibilty would improve - just take it slowly ... AND DON'T BOUNCE !!

Jay