This thread made me think of something one of my teachers told me,
"practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect." You can't just show up and expect good results (though you do indeed have to show up...)
For instance, while somewhat trivial, getting a split shouldn't take a long time. Showing up AND practicing correctly will get you there in a couple months. One (of probably several ways) is
The Best Video on Stretching and Flexibility - Secrets of Stretching: Exercises For The Lower Body - DVD
I used this many, many years ago as a young black belt in tae kwon do and it worked great.
Stephen
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