Stretching for BJJ????

[mgwaves]

I am just getting back into training and need some tips on key stretches for BJJ...I am stiff as hell!!!! any ideas?

[dan downard]

One thing I like to do is get to class early.Then you get to watch the class ahead of you while you are stretching and warming up.You already have a head start on your other classmates.Then do the exercises with the class ahead of you,so you get twice the workout as the others in your class.All your escapes come from that shrimping and exploding movement.So,ab's of steel are a great benefit.I know it doesnt sound like much.An extra 20 mins.But,it will really pay off.Over a year,you end up with over a week of training your classmates didnt get.Wanna get ahead?Work for it!

[Jaguar Wong]

The thing I like about bjj, and flexibility is that people start to realize that the goal of flexibility isn't just the side splits (Just because you can do the splits doesn't mean your upper body is flexible as well ). I like Dan's suggestion of warming up before the class. That way, you're already warmed up, and anything extra that you do just helps a little more. Plus you won't be as stiff when you start.

One thing I would suggest if you're looking for a stretching routine is to make sure you find something that works the whole body. If you're looking for a little something extra, Yoga blends very well with bjj. If you're just doing this at home, just make sure you stretch after a workout, or after warming up, that way you don't injure yourself, and your body retains the added flexibility a little better.

I also suggest back bridges (with your head to strengthen your neck, or just with your hands to stretch the abs), and whatever that excercise is called where you lay on your back, and bring your feet over your head, trying to touch your toes/balls of your feet to the floor above your head. that way when you get stacked, you can still breathe easy and work for that armbar, or triangle.

Just remember to hit the major points like the back, shoulders, hamstrings, etc. and again, take Dan's advice.