Martial Arts Magazine Australia

by Maria Francis

I sincerely hope that stretching after warmup and following cool down is part of your training regime, but have you thought about taking it a step further? Have you asked yourself about the benefits of cross-training in another modality? Have you thought of trying Yoga? Regularly practised, Yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, strength, and mental focus, all of which are valuable attributes to a martial artist.

Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II):
Warrior II is excellent for building strength and stability in the legs, while also increasing hip flexibility and opening the chest.

Benefit: Strong legs are essential for powerful kicks and stances in karate. Improved hip flexibility can help with agility and ease of movement during sparring.

Tree Pose (Vrksasana):
Tree Pose is a balance pose that strengthens the muscles in the legs and core while improving concentration and focus.
Benefit: Enhanced balance and concentration are crucial in karate, especially for maintaining stable stances and reacting quickly to opponents.

Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) Downward Dog is a full-body stretch that primarily targets the hamstrings, calves, and shoulders. It also helps improve balance and posture.
Benefit: Enhanced hamstring flexibility can improve kicking techniques and allow for higher, more controlled kicks. Better shoulder mobility can improve arm movements and blocking techniques.

Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): This dynamic duo of poses helps to warm up and mobilize the spine. Cat Pose rounds the back, while Cow Pose arches it.
Benefit: A supple spine allows for better torso rotation, which is essential for generating power in punches and blocks. It also helps with overall body awareness and control.

Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana): Pigeon Pose is a hip-opening stretch that can relieve tension in the hips and lower back. Benefit: Improved hip flexibility can enhance the range of motion for kicks and stances, making it easier to execute techniques with precision and power.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana):Cobra Pose helps strengthen the muscles of the back, particularly the lower back, and opens up the chest, stretching the front of the body.
Benefit: A strong lower back can assist in maintaining an upright posture during karate stances and improve back support during bending movements. Chest opening can improve lung capacity for better endurance

Plank Pose (Phalakasana):Plank Pose is an isometric strength exercise that targets the core, shoulders, and upper back.
Benefit: A strong core is crucial for maintaining balance and stability during karate movements and can help generate power in strikes and blocks. Strong shoulders aid in punching and blocking techniques.

Maria is a Certified Yoga Teacher – she teaches by appointment only. Currently her schedule is full but thankfully, she is working on her first book – Yoga for the Martial Arts Body.