Getting Started

[dragon]

Are you comparing kicking to stretching properly or stretching improperly? Is this kicking a bag or kicking during sparring? I think probabilities change in various circumstances.

The mechanics of correct technique aside(for either stretching or kicking) and probabilities of different circumstances/scenarios aside also,the dynamic/explosive/forceful action of kicking has more potential to be damaging than a passive/relaxed stretch.

There are more variables that can alter when the body is in motion(kicking) than when the body is motionless(relaxed stretching).


Dragon.

[jean da best]

im getting worried. is kurz's side split a wrong thing to do?

[Dean]

im getting worried. is kurz's side split a wrong thing to do?

Well, I've been arguing that it puts unnecessary lateral stress on the knees but others like Dragon have been arguing that it doesn't put that much pressure on the knees and that you are less likely to get hurt doing that stretch than you are when kicking. They've argued that kicking actually strengthens the knees. I'm not yet convinced. Perhaps it is the case that all the strength training that one should have done (e.g. deep squats, hindu squats, etc.)up to the point when they are ready to do the isometric stretches in the side split, one's knees should be sufficienly strong enough to take the pressure. Thus, no need to worry about the stress on the knees. I think this is how Dragon and Mr. Kurz would argue. Am I correct? Or is there another explanation or perhaps more to it than I've explained? If so, then Mr. Kurz's method of increasing one's flexibility in the groin for doing side splits would be ok. Furthermore, as Dragon mentioned, when doing the side splits, you should have your knees bent. I suggested that bending the knees might reduce the stress on the knees when doing isometric stretches since their not locked as they would be if you had your legs straight. I don't know if I'm correct. It's merely an educated guess.

[dragon]

Well, I've been arguing that it puts unnecessary lateral stress on the knees but others like Dragon have been arguing that it doesn't put that much pressure on the knees and that you are less likely to get hurt doing that stretch than you are when kicking.

I don't argue anything.I offer a different perspective based on personal experience.

They've argued that kicking actually strengthens the knees. I'm not yet convinced.

I haven't said that.I doubt anyone here is trying to convince you of anything.You should train in a way that you feel is both effective and safe.

Perhaps it is the case that all the strength training that one should have done (e.g. deep squats, hindu squats, etc.)up to the point when they are ready to do the isometric stretches in the side split, one's knees should be sufficienly strong enough to take the pressure. Thus, no need to worry about the stress on the knees. I think this is how Dragon and Mr. Kurz would argue. Am I correct?.

This was the point i was trying to make with the kicking analogy:-
If you can't hold a stretch due to insufficent strength what do you think delivering a full force kick will do?

Furthermore, as Dragon mentioned, when doing the side splits, you should have your knees bent.?.

I was just offering up an impartial possible explanation.I personally,perform the splits with straight legs(although i'm not offering that advice to anyone else).

Dragon.