Back Pain no More

When I began Tae Kwon Do, I had been through nearly 2 years of chiropractic and physical therapy treatments for my lower back as a result of a serious fall while skiing. I had some improvement, but I still experienced significant lower back pain and limited flexibility. I could not easily bend to put my socks on in the morning. I could not bend to touch my toes and even reach my knees without pain. I could not sit in a chair and extend my legs. Getting in and out of my car or standing up too quickly caused spasms that I had to subside before I could walk. I thought of how many years of this might be ahead of me.

Upon the recommendation of a friend who participated at Jhoon Rhee I came to class. With the agreement of my orthopedic surgeon who supported martial arts before surgery as a last resort, I began my training. It was difficult at first, but the instructors and other members in class were understanding and supportive. Many other students had come to benefit from the strength building and conditioning of Tae Kwon Do. Within three months I began to notice significant improvement in my flexibility and a reduction of pain. Within 6 months nearly all pain was gone. Well before my first year I had regained all flexibility and was progressing further than I had before my injury.

Today, I can not only touch my toes but flat palm my hands to the floor. I am getting closer to full side splits. The health and fitness benefits have been enormous and along with the focus and coordination learned through the curriculum I have accomplished something far greater than I had imagined.

- John Van Weeren, 1st Degree Black Belt