Martial arts

The ancients used to say: possibility of choice is the worst illness of mind. Forgetting that modern people spend precious time in life looking for ones personal self, choosing clothes, things, which are supposed to define the invented image. They dash between “what to do” and “how to act”. Thinking that argument invokes the truth, they follow the path of “try and mistake” and eventually end up like Pushkin’s old woman: the wash-tub’s broken, tons of mistakes, and the truth’s still nowhere around. Certainly no-one in the world can avoid mistakes, but if one succeeds in stopping to think in clichés (like everybody) and pay more attention to oneself, but not from the position “I want”, but from the position “who am I”, “what am I capable of”(unbiased, not in dreams) and only after “what do I deserve”, then the number of mistakes will recede by numbers. And if you add on it the understanding that life is action, theorising and reasoning about the truth will disappear because you will see it instead. It’s easy. Try it. And now let’s talk about what should be considered when choosing the style in martial arts. From the first sight it’s a difficult task, because if you start to simply name all the styles, directions and tendencies, and then write a book about it, I’m afraid it will be longer than “War and peace”. The thing is that styles get invented and books get written by whoever’s mind it crosses. Many people start one thing and without reaching any worthy results “studying for long time, whole seven months” consider, that it’s not for them, so they start inventing their own bicycle (even if it’s got triangular wheels). Then they buy a patent, register a federation and there it is – another pile ready for the dump. But let us leave the inventers alone and look at everything impartially.

This is a good supplementary stretching program to your existing workout for your off days.

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Stretching Tips Always warm up for 5-15 minutes prior to stretching.

Move slowly when stretching. Take this time to relax and focus on your breathing.

Depending on what you choose, music can help energize or relax you. When lying on your back, move your legs one at a time.

Sudden movements with both legs can strain the muscles of the lower back. Stretch to the point of gentle tension. If something hurts, stop immediately. Stretching should feel good.

Try to stretch at least twice a week. This workout can take as little as 7-10 minutes, or as long as you'd like. A few minutes every week can improve your performance, and prevent injuries, and help you relax.

Author: Valery Prosvirov. Head master of Golden Dragon school