I started taking kung fu lessons from my shifu around 2 months back. However, I am yet to get a full 180 degree leg split. While attempting so, my inner thighs and outer hips pain a lot. Since, I am able to stretch only a 130 degree, my kicks do not reach the required height as desired by my master.

Overall, my kicks do not feel up to the mark and while holding up my leg, I can feel some stiffness. Also, While attempting a kick, I don't feel the degree of smoothness in the movement like my instructor displays.

How do I make this better. I know that ultimately training hard and bearing the pain are the only alternatives. But, is there something else I can do to make my kicks more graceful and my stretching more pronounced.

Thank you very much for your help in this regard

I started taking kung fu lessons from my shifu around 2 months back. However, I have yet to achieve a full 180 degree leg split. When I attempt this, my inner thighs and outer hips hurt a lot. I am able to stretch only to 130 degree, so my kicks do not reach the required height as desired by my teacher.

Overall, my kicks do not feel up to the mark and while holding up my leg, I can feel some stiffness. Also, while attempting a kick, I don't feel the degree of smoothness in the movement that my instructor displays.

How do I make this better? I know that, ultimately, training hard and bearing the pain are the only alternatives. But is there something else I can do to make my kicks more graceful and my stretching more pronounced?

Thank you very much for your help in this regard.