Genetics vs Training question

[Taniko]

I have a question that ive discussed quite a bit with friends on and would like some of yalls input.

Some people are born with abilities others dont have or arent at the same level at. IE. Speed and quickness. Can a person (such as myself) thats just plain slow, gain speed and quickness? Not relative to ones self, but beyond that of the average person? IIf so, what are some simple beginning steps to incresing ones quickness. I dont know how many times Ive debated with a friend that no matter how hard I trained (worked out, practiced a sport etc) I would never be the athlete he is. I argued that he was a natural athlete. He argued its because he had done it growing up as a child throughout highschool. I disagreed, I told him, some folks are born predisposed with ablities, (musical awareness, mathematics, athleticism). Playing sports, Martial Arts etc. just hone these abilities already present.He said, had I grown up with him and plyed sports with him, I would be his equal or better. I disagreed.

So, can I, a naturally slow (6'2" 199lbs) person gain speed and quickness relative to the average athlete though Martial Arts? Thanx.

[Bon]

A mathematical mind can be developed, I assure you. Maths is all practice, practice, practice.

As for your question, I can't answer that sorry.

[r4bid]

yes, you can get faster. Loren Christinsen has a decent book on gaining speed. Some of the advice in it is wrong but overall it has good ideas.

[Jazman]

I guess I kinda know how you feel(I'm the same size and though I may have decent athletecism I have very slow reflexes and used to be quite slow) I think you can improve your reflexes or speed. I have improved mine greatly, all it takes is practice practice practice. I don't think you'll ever be like the natural(as long as the natural works at it as well, if he doesn't then you can become quicker/faster than him) but you can probably get extremely close. No ideas for "exersizes" or anything, just practice.

[Knight_Errant]

I think you can, yes. Spar to 'improve' your reflexes. For physical speed, there is a litany of techniques you can use. These include
Plyometrics
Hard, short sets with full recovery
general repetitions.
Good genetics means you will make quick gains. The idea that you are forever 'condemmed' by your genes is rubbish. I attended a lecture by Steve Jones and he agrees.