未學功夫，先學跌打
Before studying skills one shall study acrobatics1
Flexibility has been researched for over 100 years. Its track record is unimpressive, particularly when viewed in light of other components of physical fitness. Flexibility lacks predictive and concurrent validity value with meaningful health and performance outcomes. Consequently, it should be retired as a major component of fitness2.
三年樁，兩年拳
Postures for three years, boxing two years
The first quote apparently makes the link between practising martial arts and acrobatics, which become a prerequisite. Acrobatics and the extreme flexibility they require doesn’t seem to have a lot to do with using a sword or any weapon of the old times. So, why did it use to be a part of the basic training of a lot of styles until recently, shared by both internal and external methods?
