When I started training in Tae Kwon Do many years ago, I was totally inflexible. But after a few years of "showing up," I could do the splits within 4 inches of the ground, kick way above my head, and touch my toes with ease. I used to stick around after class as another student would push down on my back while I had plastic bags on my feet (so they'd slide on the floor when I did the splits). It was torturous but very effective.
It's been 7 years since I trained in TKD though, so now I can't even touch my toes. It will be a long road to rebuild that flexibility, but I know that showing up will eventually get me there.
I worked with one of the black belts in class this evening, and it was inspiring to see just how fast and accurate he was with all his moves. |