Junan taiso.
What is your stretchingroutine?
The ability to move the body
using taijutsu is predicated on the flexibility of the hips, and building up
the range of motion of the legs. To help with this we have a number of specific
stretches- junan taiso to help limber up the body and increase the range of
motion specific for taijutsu.
Another aspect of our movement is
the ability to move smoothly and without body tension, which is why we also
have stretching movements for the body and arm.
These two sets are often followed
by breathing exercises, called dragon body, to relax and keep that relaxation
through the movement.
So when do we practice these exercises?
One can do them for as long as
they like, a kind of meditation, or just through a set of them, which can be
done in about ten or fifteen minutes or so. They are perfect for a first in the
morning and last in the evening routine, which help to remain limber and
increase flexibility over time.
They are also perfect to practice
before class starts at the dojo, arriving a few minutes early to stretch out
and limber up.