Today we’d like to introduce you to Virgil Greer.
Virgil, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
At a very young age I was super fascinated with watching Bruce Lee movies. I was also amazed by how strong, flexible, quick and confident he was. This is how I wanted to be, but I was only a 10-year-old skinny, super shy kid from Akron, Ohio, who was occasionally bullied.
I begged my parents for birthday gift to let me try martial arts and they agreed. I remember to this day it was a one week trial. During my second trial lesson while I was working on my kicks, one of the instructors, who was a police officer in the city of Akron, (at the time he was the head of the gang unit), came to me, looked in my eyes and told me if I dedicate myself and train hard that I could be one of the best. At 10 years old, I believed him.
Right then and there, I made the decision that I was going to become a black belt no matter how hard it was. It was a tough process, but during it I became faster, stronger, more focused, more confident and the most important thing that martial arts taught me was to be self – disciplined. I realize what it did for me, how it made me feel and how it changed me for the better, so when I became a black belt, I already decided in my mind that one day I will become a master and run my own school. I was 14 years old at the time.
Fast forward about five years of training and competing, my master instructor relocated the school to the Palatine area to be with his parents. His mother passed and he takes care of his father. He actually took over an existing martial arts school on the border of Arlington Heights in Buffalo Grove and then offered me the chance to come and become his head instructor. I saw this as my chance, so I eagerly waited till I’m 20 years old, told my parents I was going after my dream, packed up and moved from Akron, Ohio to Palatine, Illinois. My Master Instructor lived here now and I was running the school with him in Arlington Heights.
Now I have to tell you, these were some of the toughest years of my life, I was literally working about 12 hours a day, I had no friends and I lived in my master instructor’s basement. I taught classes, I cleaned, I enrolled students, I did everything for very little to no money and I could barely pay my bills. Nevertheless, I was focused and determined to make this work, because I believed this would lead to me having my own school someday, and that was my dream.
Fast forward another year and a half, I was still working like crazy, but by then I stopped believing this would get me anywhere. I came to a conclusion that my instructor really didn’t have my best interest in mind and I decided to leave. I felt defeated, I felt like a loser. I felt like I waisted my time. You see, when I left Akron, I told everyone that I was gonna be successful and I wasn’t coming back. So when I had to return to Akron, it literally killed me inside.
One thing Martial Arts teaches you to do, is to persevere in the face of adversity even when it looks like things aren’t going your way. You see, when I was teaching, I absolutely loved it. I had such a passion for it that apparently people could easily tell that this was my gift. I did a great job, I really changed a lot of lives and I loved what I did so even though I was working 12 hours a day it didn’t bother me too much. Even though it didn’t work out between me and my former instructor, I do have to credit him for giving me a great work ethic, the ability to grind and always get things done.
After six months of being back home something amazing happened. One day I got a call from a former student at the Arlington Heights school and they informed me that the school wasn’t going good and I was missed. My instructor really wasn’t enjoying teaching and it clearly showed. When I left we had close to 200 members but when the former student called, the enrollment was below 40 and the school was deemed to go out of business soon.
Unexpectedly this family/former students, who kept thanking me and reminding me of how big of an impact I made in their lives, wanted me to come back to Illinois and offered to help me invest to purchase the school, kick out my original instructor and completely start over.
I literally cried when I got off the phone and couldn’t believe this generous offer. Once again, I packed up and moved back to the Arlington Heights area. I thought in my head this is it, I finally did it. I’m going to own and run my own martial arts studio! The big downside of the school though was that it was failing miserably. On top of that, I barely had any money, I was driving a 1988 brown Thunderbird and I didn’t even have an apartment, so I stayed with a friend that I used to train with when I first moved to the area. Also, that week I found out that the books have been cooked and the 40 suppose students was actually 25.
My instructor had cashed out a lot of people and skipped town as soon as he got his check. So, I was in a giant hole. I couldn’t pay my rent and at times was actually hiding from my landlord. The only thing I knew was that this time there was no giving up. I was determined to make it work no matter what. Failure was not an option. I had the drive and the passion. I loved teaching and helping others become the best version of themselves. I had no idea how to actually run a business and that was a big problem.
However, I truly believed that if I could train hard and become an instructor, I could definitely work hard and become a successful business owner.
What I learned in that martial arts studio could be applied to any other goal or dream that I had. This was my defining moment. So, I began to train by reading books, attending seminars, seeking help from other successful school owners.
I was willing to learn, just like a new white belt. It was tough. I had to change my mindset, let go of limiting beliefs and even had to let go of some negative people in my life. Whatever I needed to do, I was willing to do it.
Fast forward to today; that original location was less than 2000 ft.² our current location is over 4000 ft.², those 25 members are now close to 300 members and I have an awesome staff of six instructors, some of them have been training with me since they were children.
I’m very proud of that and very proud of all of them.
We’ve been helping those in our community for the past 14 years. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife Malwina, I live in a beautiful house and still every day I’m determined to be better than yesterday. Martial arts taught me to focus, to have the self-discipline, to have the drive and determination to never give up, never quit until you reach your goal. I did it because of the training and the change that I made in my life. I don’t only consider it an honor, but an obligation to help others do the same thing because I know it can be done. So, to that little skinny, shy, out of shape, bullied, unfocused, unmotivated child that’s out there that has a deep desire to strive for more- I am here for you. I can show you the way. If I can do it, you can do it too. All you have to do is make that decision and be clear and concise about what you want. They say “success is a journey, not a destination” and I truly believe that is why I am here, to help others on their journey to achieve their dreams and goals.
Martial arts is not just kicking and punching. It is a system that will help you achieve your full potential.
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” -Benjamin Franklin
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about U.S. Elite Martial Arts & Fitness Center – what should we know?
To touch as many lives as possible with the benefits that training in the
Martial Arts offers.
To inspire our students to achieve success in Martial Arts as well as all areas of life.
To far surpass the expectations of clients in service and professionalism.
To create an experience that is so positive it will forever be remembered by its practitioners and their families.
We are also known for having the best fitness kickboxing classes in the area. Great results are what our clients get here.
I’m very proud that as a company I have developed an awesome staff that is dedicated to giving exceptional service to our clients and we give back to our community by participating in charity events. Also, some of my staff have been training with me since they were children.
What sets us apart from others is that we are a family that truly cares and wants you to succeed. That is why we go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals. We pride ourselves on doing more than any of our competitors. #AverageSucks!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
GOD for everything.
Virgil Greer Jr. For encouraging me to pursue my dream.
Eula Greer for always supporting me.
Denise Soblio. Giving me the opportunity to become a business owner.
Ryan Andrichak. Being a friend and Mentor.
Young Oh. work ethic and Taekwondo training.
My wife Malwina Greer for supporting and believing in me.
Pricing:
- Martial Arts 2 weeks web special! Only $29
- Fitness Kickboxing 3 classes for $19
Contact Info:
- Address: 4210 N. Arlington Hts rd Arlington Heights Il 60004
- Website: www.arlingtonmartialartscenter.com
- Phone: 8477970100
- Email: info@arlingtonmartialartscenter.com
- Instagram: uselite
- Facebook: U.S. Elite Martial Arts & Fitness Center
- Twitter: @mastervgreer
- Yelp: US Elite Martial Arts & Fitness Center
- Other: us elite martial arts & fitness center
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
