Stretching before a competition, how long is it good for?

Question

If you compete an hour after you stretch is that too long. Sometimes when you go to the tournaments you can stretch than wait for an hour or longer before your name is called. Any advice on how to say limber in the meantime?

Answer 1

If you stretch out, the benefits will only last as long as your muscles stay warm.  If you are stretching and then sitting around for an hour, your legs have cooled down and tightened back up.  You should warm up and stretch again a few minutes before your name is called.

Answer 2

your supposed to warm up not stretch before sessions....stretching is for after otherwise your setting your self up for injury.....stretching before training or fighting is old school nowadays your supposed to do dynamic range of motion like shoulder circles and shadow boxing...old school martial artists don't know this.....

go for a jog, then a walk, then hit pads, then shadow box...keep it light just stay warm and keep the blood flowing

Answer 3

Intimating stretching is best say every 15mins if you don't know the final time )***

Answer 4

Keep your blood flowing and stay warm.  Warm muscles are less likely to strain.  Sitting for hours will tighten up your legs and exposed areas.  I typically show up to the tournament, sign in, check the current divisions being called.  If I'm coming up in less than a couple of hours I will change clothes and begin my initial warm up.  After I warm up I'll put on a hoodie and find a comfortable seat somewhere.

If I sit longer than expected I periodically find a place to jog around and break sweat once again, I will also do a light stretching routine to keep my body limber.

Once my division is called I will head to the waiting area and have one of my team mates warm up with me.  I practice my gripping, pummeling, take down setups etc...  Once I feel warm enough I'll go through a full stretching routine and prepare mentally for my matches.

Then I'm ready to go, warm, lose and mentally focused.

I hope this helps you out.

KK