Flexibility and Kata

My CrossFit coach Mateo is stressing flexibility and it is really helping my kata. As my body ages, joints become stiff, muscles and tendons lose range of motion. This can be countered I believe but requires that flexibility be an integral part of training.

Here's a good example of some standard crossfit warm up drills that help increase range of motion. Here's an example of a stretch sequence called dead bug which works the core beautifully. Finally, here is an entire sequence of really good range of motion boosters.

But being bendy needs purpose, and kata is a great purpose. Here is a good example of what flexible kata looks like. I love how Asai Sensei does the double palm heel strike in this wonderful kata. But to see the benefits of real flexibility, watch Asai Sensei, 'the thunderstorm,' in this clip! Inspirational.