There are many different factors that affect stretching and flexibility, especially when it comes to Taekwondo.

One of the main things I see as a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) and Taekwondo coach is different levels of flexibility. Some kids, as soon as they enter the gym, can stretch right down into box splits. Others have to train for years to barely touch their toes.

On the other hand, there are those who have virtually no static flexibility at all but excellent kicking ability, with great height, range of motion (ROM) and technique and others who seem to be ‘hyperflexible’ with little or no kicking technique.

So what are factors that affect our flexibility and why are some individuals more flexible than others?

I have been giving a lot of thought about how to approach the subject of the science behind flexibility. There is a whole wealth of information readily available on the subject of stretching and flexibility but it can be way too saturated and weighed down at times with information that athletes and coaches don’t really need to know about. At the end of the day all you guys want to know is how to get more flexible as quickly as possible!

As mentioned in a previous article static, active and dynamic forms of flexibility are all elements which are important to a Taekwondo athlete. A great example of this is the dollyo chagi or turning kick where the muscles of the supporting leg are stretched statically whilst the muscles of the kicking leg are rotated dynamically and actively held. The whole goal is to increase the Range Of Motion (ROM) within the body – kick people in head!