September 2019 REmarks
Hello Everyone,
“Walk on road. Walk right side, safe. Walk left side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later, get squish, just like grape. Here karate, same thing. Either you karate do, yes, or karate do, no. You karate do, guess so, just like grape” Said Mr. Miyagi.
The point I have taken from this is, make a decision, commit to it and do it. My parents and coaches have instilled a hard work ethic that I try to live up to.
My parents made me complete anything I started. When I started to club wrestle, it was the hardest thing I ever did, in my long life of a seventh grader. I was physically and mentally challenged every day of practice. I learned if I worked hard at practice my matches went better, lots better. I was reminded of this with the Gatorade commercial that says find a rival and they will push you, and you both will improve.
Coach Reade at Augustana College had a mantra that he would not tolerate mental mistakes; off sides, personal fouls, etc. He would demand you knew the play, you worked hard at practice, you worked hard in the off season, studied hard and behaved with dignity, pride, humility and class. If you met all of those demands and you got beat in the game he would not be mad because there will always be a competitor bigger, faster, stronger at some point in time, but eliminating the teams mental mistakes lead to great success. I was able to be part of 2 of his 4 national championships.
There are so many of our Chicago Region members that work harder, faster and better than I do and I look to them to motivate me. I challenge all of you to pick your Karate Kid side of the road, find your rival/mentor, volunteer and be active in our events. I know you will achieve success.
Chris Gregor
Regional Executive
Chicago Region SCCA
