How to Do Hapkido Wrist Stretches

Wrist stretches are very important in Hapkido. The martial art uses many wrist locks and throws. Flexible wrists are necessary to perform these techniques and to avoid injury. There are four basic types of Hapkido wrist stretches. They should all be performed prior to any Hapkido work out.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Hold your right hand like you are going to give a salute except place it in front of your chest. Place your left hand on top of the saluting hand and wrap your thumb and middle finger around your right wrist. Bring your elbows down and toward each other while you bend your right wrist straight down. Push on the wrist with your left hand. Feel the stretch in the top of your right wrist and forearm. Hold the stretch for about 20 to 30 seconds before switching hands.

2. Place your right hand in front of your face. Twist it clockwise until your pinkie finger is pointed toward your face. Reach around the thumb side of the right hand with your left hand. Place your left middle finger in the right hand's palm and your left thumb between the knuckles of your right ring finger and middle finger. The rest of your left hand should be around the meaty part of your right palm below your thumb. Now pull your right hand straight down and twist your wrist around by pressing with your left thumb. Stop when you get to your belly button. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.

3. Create an "L" with your wrist. Point your right arm straight out in front of you. Twist your hand counter clockwise until your pinkie finger points straight up and your thumb points down. Place your left hand on top of your right hand with your left thumb in the middle of your right palm and your other fingers of your left hand across the back of your right hand. Now pull your right hand toward you until your right hand is at a right angle to your right forearm. This is the "L." Now turn your right wrist up and toward your nose. See if you can touch your nose with the pinkie of your right hand. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.

4. Extend your right arm out in front of you. Turn your palm up. Grab the fingers of your right hand with your left hand. Pull the fingers of your right hand down and toward your body. You should feel the stretch in the inside of your forearm. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.

5. Perform all Hapkido wrist stretches slowly and gradually. If you are too rough you may hurt yourself. Shake your wrists out between sets and exercises. You want to keep them loose so you won't cramp up.

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