Taekwondo "A new beginning" pt3 and a bit

by Lee Thurston
(Morecambe , England)

In my last installment I covered the lead up to grading and the grading itself and the highs and lows and eventual high at the end.

Not to mention my constant moans about one injury or the other. Well I am going to mention injuries a little as they are an inevitable part of the journey for someone my age involved in such a physical pastime as taekwondo.

As I said previously I once again picked up an injury which I thought could potentially stop me training for 6 to 8 weeks if not more. But I went back to very gentle light exercise and stretching at home for a week or so. I was still limping quite badly but I can be very stubborn and when my next class was due I endeavored to go and at least practice my new patterns.

Our master was surprised to see me there as were my fellow students, and I was instructed to do as little as possible so as not to aggravate my injury. I went through a very gentle warm up before going onto some stretching.

I cant say enough about stretching, so far every time I have injured myself the stretching I have been taught to do has not actually made my injuries worse but have actually improved my recovery. After I had finished in class last night my range of movement had increased and I was limping noticeably less and in much less pain .

So for those reading this who already stretch as a matter of course keep it up! And for those not involved in tkd or any martial art, get stretching it is wondrous.

Happy kicking all.

Lee

Deb's Reply

Hi Lee

I couldn't agree more. I find stretching difficult but essential and I get far fewer injuries now that I'm more flexible.

Thanks for the photo and keep up your good work

Deb