“WE don’t have to go far to find success,” said National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer Jerry Diaz.
He believes that every individual can acquire the tools and attitude that will allow them to perform at a high level.
“As a student at San Vicente Elementary Schools, I had the privilege to be coached in track in field by Mr. Valrick Welch,” Diaz said. “We trained consistently every day and focused on what matters, including self-improvement and believing in yourself.”
Later, as a member of the CNMI basketball national team under Coach Rufino Aguon, Diaz said he learned the importance of work habits, consistency, discipline and not giving up during challenging times.
He also learned that reverting to negative habitual patterns would only lead to frustration.
“Today I tell my clients that everyone has an individual path to take,” Diaz said. “Each path might be different, but the rule to success is that there are no shortcuts.”
Each individual undergoing fitness training will have to cope with challenging situations, mental blocks, and even injuries, he said.
However, he added, once an individual completes the initial stages of their training program, they will soon excel in any activity or sport they are in.
Diaz believes he won a gold medal in the recent WKO Shinkyokushinkai 2023 Guam Full Contact Karate Championship because of his disciplined preparation.
Diaz said one must have a balanced workout schedule to acquire specific sporting skills, strength, mind and body conditioning and endurance.
But one must also learn how to rest and avoid over training, he said.
In addition, it is crucial to have the emotional support of family and friends, he added.
“Motivation and encouragement during difficult and challenging times are important for any individual who wants to maintain high spirit,” Diaz said. “An individual’s family must understand the challenges and must be supportive.”
It is also important to have a professional coach. “I’m a certified professional personal trainer, but I had to seek professional guidance from Sensei Danny to learn martial arts. It was a great partnership. One must truly prepare with discipline and not leave any stone unturned.”
Diaz added, “Any athlete could achieve success when preparation meets opportunity.”
For professional fitness inquiries, contact Jerry Diaz through Instagram at @BBJ_Athletics or Facebook.
Jerry Diaz, left, trains with Jiahang Wu at Kyokushinkai Dojo in preparation for the WKO Guam Katate Tournament held on April 29, 2023.
