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Sean M Adler

Train like Neo from The Matrix to squat like a ninja and dance with the grace of a samurai. Whether you’re lunging or leaping, this program will take you from basic stretches to effortless front and straddle splits. Sculpt a body that’s agile, strong, and gracefully poised by using 9 core exercises and 3 powerful variations.

In this course, you’ll use periodization methods borrowed from Olympic athletes to craft your own flexible training plan—no fancy equipment required. Backed by exercise science, you’ll not only master classic techniques but also do it on your own schedule to enhance the body and mind.

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Train like Neo from The Matrix to squat like a ninja and dance with the grace of a samurai. Whether you’re lunging or leaping, this program will take you from basic stretches to effortless front and straddle splits. Sculpt a body that’s agile, strong, and gracefully poised by using 9 core exercises and 3 powerful variations.

In this course, you’ll use periodization methods borrowed from Olympic athletes to craft your own flexible training plan—no fancy equipment required. Backed by exercise science, you’ll not only master classic techniques but also do it on your own schedule to enhance the body and mind.

Why You’ll Love This Course:

Elevate your flexibility with a smart blend of static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching

Train for peak performance across martial arts, dance, yoga, acting, and modeling

Increase strength, stability, and peace of mind with meditative breathing

Watch your balance, coordination, and power soar with each workout

For those looking to push the limits, we’ve included advanced moves like kicking into splits, jumping into straddle or front splits, and daring arm-supported variations balancing on 1 or 2 arms. But remember—progress at your own pace. This course is designed to grow with you, whether you’re starting out or aiming for elite-level fitness.

Prepare to unlock the full potential of your body and transform how you move, stretch, and perform.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Training front and straddle splits for graceful and functional movement
  • Movement progressions: from lunges to full splits
  • How to stage movements as you progress
  • Ways to test and gauge your progressions readiness
  • How to customize workout duration, intensity, and structure according to your needs
  • Physical alignment to reduce injury
  • Example movements and rationale for training front splits

Syllabus

Introduction
Promo
Intro
Equipment
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Stage 1: Back Lunge

Stage 2: King Pigeon

Stage 3: Full Front Split

Stage 1: Single Leg Stretch

Stage 2: Half Front Split (Back Leg Out)

Stage 3: Full Front Split

Stage 1: Butterfly Stretch

Stage 2: Pancake Stretch and Single Leg Half Straddles

Stage 3: Full Straddle

Gauge your ability with basic leg folds and apply them accordingly. Do an easier exercise if the existing variation is too difficult to meet the repetition standard. Follow the same procedure if it is too difficult. Mix and match the arm variations to leg positions according to what you can do and what parts of your body are tightest. Your body is unbalanced if either the front or back leg folds are at different tiers.

Move on to the next stage once the progression standard is achieved for front and back leg exercises with Stage 1 & 2 arm variations. Stage 3 & 4 front and back leg folds are advanced variations not required to progress to the next exercise for the front or back leg.

Alternate between front and back leg stretches. Don't hold your breath.

Progression Standard 1: 3 reps with 15 second holds

Progression Standard 2: 3 reps with 30 second holds

Progression Standard 2: 3 reps with 60 second holds

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers training methods that can be applied across various disciplines, such as martial arts, dance, yoga, acting, and modeling, to enhance overall performance and flexibility
Employs periodization methods used by Olympic athletes, allowing learners to create a personalized training plan without the need for specialized equipment
Includes meditative breathing techniques to increase strength, stability, and mental clarity, which can be beneficial for both physical and mental well-being
Covers static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching techniques, providing a comprehensive approach to improving flexibility and range of motion
Requires learners to gauge their ability with basic leg folds and adjust exercises accordingly, which may require a degree of self-awareness and body awareness

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Reviews summary

Master splits & conditioning

According to learners, this course offers a highly structured approach with logical progressions, making it very effective for achieving splits. Many students report experiencing significant progress and achieving their flexibility goals, noting improvements in overall flexibility and stability. The course is praised for its clear technique explanations and the helpful program design section, allowing for personalization. While widely effective for achieving splits, some reviewers found there was less emphasis on conditioning than anticipated, and a few noted it might be too basic for advanced practitioners already possessing high flexibility. Overall, it appears best suited for dedicated beginners to intermediate students aiming for front and straddle splits.
Most suitable for those starting or progressing in splits.
"Suitable for dedicated beginners to intermediate."
"Found this course too basic for my needs. I'm already quite flexible and was looking for elite-level conditioning and split variations."
"It's probably good for total beginners but not for experienced practitioners."
Technique explanations are easy to understand and follow.
"...the instructor's technique explanations are very clear."
"I appreciated the focus on safe progression and understanding the 'why' behind each stretch."
"The emphasis on proper alignment prevented injuries. The videos are high quality and easy to follow."
Clear, logical step-by-step progressions.
"This course is amazing! ...finally made significant progress thanks to the structured approach. The progressions are logical..."
"Excellent program! I appreciated the focus on safe progression and understanding the 'why' behind each stretch."
"Solid course. Provides a clear path to splits. The conditioning aspects are less emphasized than the stretching, which was a slight disappointment for me."
Effective for improving flexibility and achieving splits.
"...finally made significant progress thanks to the structured approach."
"My flexibility and stability have noticeably improved."
"Absolutely transformative! This course gave me the structure and knowledge I needed to finally achieve my front split."
"The flexibility gains are real."
Stretching emphasized more; conditioning felt secondary.
"The conditioning aspects are less emphasized than the stretching, which was a slight disappointment for me."
"I was hoping for more advanced conditioning specific to performance arts."
"Some of the advanced moves felt a bit rushed, but the core progressions are solid."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Master Splits & Conditioning for Martial or Performance Arts with these activities:
Review Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Reinforce your understanding of the muscles, joints, and connective tissues involved in stretching and flexibility. Knowing the anatomical structures will help you understand the rationale behind each exercise and prevent injuries.
Browse courses on Human Anatomy
Show steps
  • Review the major muscle groups involved in leg and hip movement.
  • Study the structure of joints, especially the hip joint.
  • Understand the role of ligaments and tendons in flexibility.
Explore 'Complete Guide to Sports Training' by Tudor Bompa
Understand the principles of periodization and how to apply them to your flexibility training. This book provides a framework for structuring your workouts for optimal results.
View Periodization on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on periodization and training planning.
  • Adapt the principles to your flexibility goals.
Read 'Stretching Scientifically' by Thomas Kurz
Deepen your understanding of stretching principles and techniques. This book provides a scientific foundation for the exercises covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on the science of stretching.
  • Apply the principles discussed in the book to your training.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Static Stretching Holds
Improve your flexibility by consistently practicing static stretching holds. This will reinforce the techniques taught in the course and help you achieve deeper stretches.
Show steps
  • Perform static stretches for the hamstrings, hip flexors, and groin.
  • Hold each stretch for 30-60 seconds.
  • Repeat each stretch 2-3 times.
Document Your Progress with Photos/Videos
Track your flexibility journey by documenting your progress with photos and videos. This will help you visualize your improvements and stay motivated.
Show steps
  • Take photos or videos of yourself performing stretches before starting the course.
  • Take photos or videos periodically to track your progress.
  • Compare your before and after photos/videos to see how far you've come.
Design a Personalized Stretching Routine
Apply the principles learned in the course to design a stretching routine tailored to your specific needs and goals. This will help you internalize the concepts and create a sustainable practice.
Show steps
  • Assess your current flexibility levels.
  • Identify your goals (e.g., achieving full splits).
  • Select exercises from the course that target your areas of tightness.
  • Create a weekly stretching schedule.
Follow Online Tutorials for Advanced Stretches
Expand your knowledge of advanced stretching techniques by following online tutorials. This will expose you to different approaches and help you refine your skills.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific stretches (e.g., advanced hip openers).
  • Follow the instructions carefully and pay attention to proper form.
  • Incorporate new stretches into your routine gradually.

Career center

Learners who complete Master Splits & Conditioning for Martial or Performance Arts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Yoga Instructor
A yoga instructor guides students through various poses and breathing exercises, often emphasizing flexibility and balance. This course helps prepare aspiring yoga instructors by detailing methods to achieve advanced flexibility such as front and straddle splits. The course's focus on static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching, as well as its progression from basic to complex movements, will be beneficial for designing classes that cater to different skill levels. Additionally, the techniques learned can inform a yoga instructor on how to help their students achieve advanced poses safely and effectively. The course also emphasizes mindful breathing, which is a core aspect of yoga practice. By learning how to train for splits, an instructor will have the tools to help their students push their own limits.
Martial Arts Instructor
A martial arts instructor teaches techniques involving fighting, combat, physical fitness, and mental discipline. This course is useful for those who seek to be martial arts instructors, since it emphasizes training for peak performance, especially through improved flexibility and strength, which are vital in many forms of martial arts. The training methods taught in this course, including periodization methods and the blending of static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching, would enable an instructor to create structured routines for students. The course also provides useful example movements, which will be helpful to martial arts instructors who need to show students how to perform techniques. The course's emphasis on progression makes it easier for a martial arts instructor to structure a class for students of all levels.
Dance Instructor
A dance instructor teaches various styles of dance, focusing on movement, coordination, and musicality. This course provides training methods particularly relevant for dance instructors since it provides techniques to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. The course's focus on achieving front and straddle splits directly translates to a dance instructor facilitating the achievement of similar flexibility-demanding moves for their students. This course can help a dance instructor structure classes by providing methods for movement progressions. Also, the information on static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching will be indispensable when designing a class. The course can further aid dance instructors by showing how to improve balance, coordination, and power.
Acrobat
An acrobat performs complex physical feats that demand exceptional flexibility, balance, and coordination. This course is directly relevant for acrobats who seek to master new and advanced movements by focusing on flexibility through static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching. The course will help an acrobat because it details methods to obtain front and straddle splits. The course also provides useful methods to improve balance, coordination, and power, which are essential for acrobatics. The emphasis on safety and pacing by the course through proper alignment and progressions is valuable for acrobats who want to practice safely. An acrobat will also appreciate the information on advanced moves including kicking into splits.
Strength and Conditioning Coach
A strength and conditioning coach develops training programs to improve athletes' performance, focusing on strength, speed, and agility. This course can help strength and conditioning coaches by providing methods to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. The course's emphasis on periodization methods and movement progressions may be useful to create structured training programs that optimize athlete's physical conditioning. This course further offers insights into how to improve strength, stability, and peace of mind through meditative breathing, which may be useful for a holistic approach to training. The detailed information on routines and exercises, as well as the focus on advanced moves, can help a strength and conditioning coach develop more effective training routines for athletes.
Gymnastics Coach
A gymnastics coach teaches gymnastic skills, focusing on strength, flexibility, and coordination, often to athletes with high performance expectations. The course helps gymnastics coaches with information on how to obtain greater flexibility, specifically the front and straddle splits, which are commonly required in gymnastic routines. Furthermore, the course provides information on how to build a training plan, which can be of great importance to a gymnastics coach who manages the schedules of multiple athletes. The course also has information on static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching, which will help coaches teach the athletes. The focus on advanced moves like kicking into splits can also be directly applied to training gymnasts.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer works with individuals to create customized fitness plans, helping them achieve their health and wellness goals. The course's focus on achieving splits using various stretching techniques may be useful for personal trainers who want to provide training that focuses on flexibility. The course gives information on periodization to create a training plan, which is valuable for personal trainers who work with clients with unique schedules and needs. The focus on strength, balance, and coordination can be integrated into a variety of fitness routines. The emphasis on breathing also aligns with holistic fitness principles that personal trainers often advocate when working with clients. The personal trainer can also use the course's knowledge of advanced moves when training advanced students.
Fitness Coach
A fitness coach designs and implements training programs for individuals or groups, focusing on strength, conditioning, and overall wellness. This course can help a fitness coach create effective training programs by teaching methods to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. The course's insights on periodization methods and movement progressions allow a fitness coach to design structured training routines. The course emphasizes using core exercises and variations to enhance physical strength and coordination, which are fundamental to general fitness. Fitness coaches may also find value in the course's inclusion of advanced moves, which will allow them to push the limits of their clients' capabilities. The course's focus on breathing makes it relevant to overall fitness and wellness.
Performance Artist
A performance artist creates works of art through actions or movement, often requiring physical agility and stamina. This course can enhance the physical capabilities of a performance artist given that it focuses on increasing flexibility, agility, and strength, all of which are often required for dynamic and expressive performances. The course will be helpful since it emphasizes methods to enhance balance, coordination, and power. The course's approach to movement progressions, as well as its focus on advanced moves, can also help a performance artist push the boundaries of physical expression. The knowledge of precise breathing techniques from this course may also help a performance artist enhance their physical stamina and control.
Corrective Exercise Specialist
A corrective exercise specialist focuses on identifying and correcting movement imbalances and dysfunctions. This course may be useful to those working in this role since it focuses on movement progressions, flexibility, and physical alignment. The course's knowledge of how to achieve front and straddle splits may be helpful in designing stretching routines that can correct movement issues. The course's information on how to gauge movement progress may be especially useful for a corrective exercise specialist to understand how to best address a client's needs. Furthermore, the focus on injury prevention may also be relevant for this kind of specialized work. The corrective exercise specialist can also use techniques from the course to customize movement sequences for clients.
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist helps patients recover from injuries or manage physical conditions through exercise and rehabilitation programs. This course may be useful for physical therapists because it provides knowledge of precise movement progressions and methods to improve mobility. The course's focus on flexibility and alignment techniques could inform rehabilitation plans for patients who need to improve their range of motion. Although a physical therapist role typically requires a master's degree, this course can still provide useful exercise principles applicable to therapy. The course also emphasizes physical alignment to reduce injury, which is an important consideration in physical therapy. The course's focus on static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching would also be helpful for a physical therapist.
Actor
An actor embodies characters through physical and emotional expression, which often requires flexibility, coordination, and physical control. This course may help an actor who requires flexibility in dramatic roles and physical expression. The course's emphasis on static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching, along with its focus on achieving front and straddle splits, may be useful for an actor's physical training. Information from this course relating to balance, coordination, and power may aid in more convincing physical performances. By carefully understanding movement progressions and customized training schedules, the actor may be able to achieve their physical goals. The course's advanced moves can also inspire an actor with possibilities for physical embodiment on stage or screen.
Pilates Instructor
A pilates instructor leads classes that focus on core strength, flexibility, and body alignment. This course may be useful for a pilates instructor who wishes to incorporate advanced flexibility into their routines for clients. The course gives specific methods to achieve splits, which involves a unique blend of strength and flexibility. The course's focus on static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching may provide useful methods to design more effective pilates routines. The course also has useful information on breathing, which is an important part of pilates. A pilates instructor can also use the information from this course to create routines that are customized to their client's needs since the course focuses on adjusting workout intensity, and structure.
Recreational Therapist
A recreational therapist uses recreational activities to improve clients' physical and emotional well-being. The course can be useful for a recreational therapist who may want to use stretching and movement as part of their therapeutic activities. The course's focus on improving flexibility and overall movement may be relevant for those clients who have physical limitations. The course's focus on breathing, and mindful movement may aid the recreational therapist in designing more thoughtful interventions. The different stages for exercises may also be helpful in helping clients of various abilities. The recreational therapist can also utilize core exercises and variations for client needs.
Model
A model showcases products or services through various forms of media, often needing poise, physical control, and good body awareness. This course's focus on overall body movement, flexibility, and poise may be useful for a model seeking to improve presence and physical control. The course's detailed methods for achieving front and straddle splits may allow a model to improve flexibility. The knowledge of static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching provided by the course may also be used to enhance physical conditioning. Also, the course's focus on balance and coordination would be directly translatable to poses and movements required for modeling. The course's emphasis on meditation and breathing may help a model achieve greater calmness and physical control.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Master Splits & Conditioning for Martial or Performance Arts.
Provides a comprehensive overview of stretching techniques based on scientific principles. It delves into the physiology of stretching and offers practical advice on how to improve flexibility safely and effectively. It valuable resource for understanding the science behind the exercises taught in the course. This book adds more depth to the existing course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of training methodologies, including periodization, which key concept in the course. It will help you understand how to structure your training plan for optimal results. While not specifically about flexibility, it provides the underlying principles for structuring any training program. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.

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