Andrew Vecchio, Australia
This week in GKR Stories, Andrew Vecchio shares with us the challenges he overcame and the lessons he learned on his journey to black belt and beyond.
At the age of 14 I went through 2 major surgeries. One on my head for a condition known as Chiari Malformation and another on my back for Scoliosis. I had a 55 degree curve of my spine and currently have titanium rods from T6-L2 plus a spinal fusion. Both recoveries were tough, and even though the surgeries were successful, I was told by a doctor that I’d never lift anything heavy or do certain movements again. This affected my mindset as I wanted to get involved in the building industry when I finished school.
For a long time I struggled with what I wanted to do and it took some time to adjust and get used to my newly imposed limitations. I had a handful of supportive friends and family who helped me and kept my spirits up, but I also received negativity from some people too.
Years after surgery, I decided to try some different things, and I got into body weight training and then eventually weight training. Then, in March 2006 I got a knock on the door and was asked if I was interested in getting involved in karate. My family were a bit concerned about me joining, but I took the plunge and signed up anyway. I got to know the young gentleman who knocked on my door and learned that he was a GKR World Champion. I was so inspired and ended up training with him and the team at tournament squad classes.
Like with everything in life, my karate journey has had its ups and downs. I had some hip issues which took me a long time to get right, but I never let it stop me from progressing forward. When I wanted to give up, I had to dig deep and remind myself of how far I had already come. Through persistence and sheer determination, I’ve gone from achieving low scores at tournaments to high scores, achieving 2nd place in Male Open Senior Black Belt Kata in the 2017 Nationals, double golds or within the top 3 in regional tournaments and state titles too.
I’m proud of how far I have come. If it weren’t for karate and meeting so many amazing people from around the globe, I have no idea where I’d be. I have achieved my Yondan (4th Dan Black Belt) and most recently, 2nd in Male Open Senior Black Belt Kata at the 2024 World Cup.
I have learnt that you can accomplish anything you want if you are willing to focus and put in the hard work. Once I stopped using my back surgery as an excuse to not give things a go, opportunities started coming my way.
I learnt not to let anything hold you back, believe you can do whatever it is you are aiming for and don’t put limitations on yourself. Karate has shaped me into who I am today and helped me discover what my true purpose is in life, which is helping people and seeing them become better versions of themselves.
Success is not an overnight thing, you need to keep striving and bettering yourself each day!
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