Karate is a martial art that originated in Japan and is taught throughout the world. Karate consists of a variety of styles, including shotokan, kenpo and goju-ryu, all of which differ slightly but also have much in common. Flexibility is an integral part of karate and all martial arts. Keeping your muscles stretched and loose helps you perform better techniques and avoid injury.
Butterfly
The butterfly stretch is done in a seated position and stretches your groin muscles at the top of your inner thighs. Sit on the floor and place the soles of your feet together. Place your hands on your ankles and press down with your elbows on the insides of your knees until you feel a stretch in your groin. If you are particularly flexible, you may be able to stretch your legs flat on the floor while your feet are together.
Seated Splits
Becoming flexible enough to do a full split is a goal of many martial artists. Toward that goal, sit on the floor and spread your legs as wide as possible, with your toes pointing upward. Lean your upper body straight down as far as it will go to stretch your groin, inner thighs and hamstrings. Rest your torso on the floor, if possible. For a different angle, lean your upper body over your right leg and reach up over your head with your left arm to try to touch your right foot. If you can't, just lean in that direction as far as you can go. Do the stretch on both sides.
Reverse Chest
It's also wise to keep your upper body flexible if you study karate, as it includes many strikes with the hands and elbows. To stretch your chest, stand with your back to a table and place your palms on the table so your fingers point away from you. Bend your arms slightly and lower your body until you feel a stretch in your chest.
High Leg Bent Knee
A high knee stretch with a bent leg works your hamstrings and glutes and requires a box or bench at least waist high. Place one foot flat on the bench and leave your other foot on the floor. Lean in toward the bench to feel the stretch, keeping your other foot planted on the floor.
Double-Leg Front
To stretch your hamstrings as well as your lower back, sit on the floor and bring your legs together so they're straight in front of you. Place your hands under your knees, calves or ankles, depending on your flexibility. Lean your chest toward your knees as far as you can to feel the stretch. Relax your body as much as possible to get the most out of the stretch.
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