PRISONER NO MORE: The True Story of Tae Jin Park
In a Nutshell
Tae Jin Park, born with cerebral palsy that left him weak, non-verbal, and dependent, transformed through strength training with coach Jerzy Gregorek, progressing from lifting a 3lb bar to benching 170lbs, gaining independence in daily tasks, communication skills, and college admission. Gregorek's philosophy—treating cerebral palsy as surmountable challenges via progressive overload, not disability—unlocked Tae Jin's potential, proving belief and action can free anyone from physical and mental imprisonment. The story extends to helping others like Jacob, emphasizing that societal pity worsens outcomes, while coaching fosters achievement regardless of condition.
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Throughout the years, I learned one thing that everybody can get better. It's just where to start. Find the starting point. My name is Tim Ferriss and I'm here to share a story about what can happen when belief meets action. Many of us take things for granted, things that feel second nature, automatic, easy. But for some people, even the simplest tasks are challenges that must be overcome each day. Things like walking, talking, bathing, interacting with the world can feel like barriers. It can make someone feel like a prisoner in their own body. With help from the right people, the very things that once imprisoned us can become the fire that sets us free. This applies to all of us.
Oh, hey Desan. >> Yeah. Hi, Mr. Greg. Greg. >> Fantastic. Are you ready to conquer that mountain? >> Yes, I am. Okay, let's do it.
Tae Jin Park was born in Seoul, Korea, 2 months premature. Stayed at the hospital for 15 days. Around 6 months, 7 months, when babies start crawling, he didn't crawl. That was the first sign. A year or a year and a half later, he didn't stand up and walk. Brought him to the hospital and found out he had cerebral palsy. Did every kind of therapy and exercises to develop him into a normal kid, but saw no improvement. When he started walking, he walked on tiptoes. Hospital recommended surgery. Surgery was the last thing wanted. By 10 years old, hospital said if delay surgery, may not perform it anymore because of his weight. Made a painful decision for surgery to put his feet down to the ground. Doctor said you will see your son walk normally. No choice but to do surgery in Heidelberg, Germany. After surgery, feet put to the ground but couldn't balance well. A small bump could trip him and he fell easily. Needed to do something to help him.
The definition of cerebral palsy has changed over time. Most modern definition describes it as a clinical diagnosis involving onset of trouble with movement at a very young age, typically around birth. Permanent disorder causing lifelong problems with mobility and movement control. Used to think only related to brain injury around birth, but recent data shows up to 30% of individuals have a genetic factor contributing. Even if genetic cause, does not take away the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Variety of causes: injury, infection, brain develops differently, genetic, environmental factors.
Wanted to give him a personal trainer, but trainers changed jobs often, couldn't find steady one. Many years passed. Ran into Jerzy Gregorek because of Bob, a friend who ran a restaurant in town. Partner and I managed to get heavy, weighed a little over 200 lb. Friend gave bra for Christmas. Saw article in paper about guy who wrote book Happy Body. Went to Woodside to get signed copy. Four or five months later, down to under 160 pounds. Friend asked if it would do anything for his son.
One day Bob asked if I can see his friend and help his son. Said of course. He has cerebral palsy. Said it's not different than anybody else. When met Tae Jin first time, he was hunched, holding arms, very weak, lethargic, walked on toes. Sat and asked questions, didn't get answers. Took him to gym, thought put on bench press bar to see strength. Couldn't lift it off, so weak. Used wooden 3 lb bar. He lifted it. Added 5 lbs each side, total 8 lb, did it. Removed weights, back to aluminum bar, did it. Realized he would progress fast. Father wanted normal child. Said give me 5 years, see where we end up. George (Jerzy) first one who said he can do something. Signed up immediately and started training.
Heel and toe. Easy, easy, slower. Heel and toe. Slower, slower. The way I walk. Slower. Yes, that's good. Heel toe. Heel toe. Heel toe. Nice. Okay. Heel toe.
If somebody has cerebral palsy, that's the tip of the iceberg. Next is to figure out why, to determine what to do. Assess baseline activity, strengthen it, build to optimize functional movement, efficient movement, quality of life. Wide variety of severity: some minimal symptoms, others profoundly affected. Tailor interventions to individual needs for magic to happen.
From experience as Olympic weightlifting coach, with 5 years training, can create major change. Called father to watch in gym. Parents have to coach children. Shift parents' brains: not sick, ill, or handicapped. Just people with brains having boulders to move around.
Went twice a week to train. Before, couldn't jump up and land, awkward, legs tight, fell on landing. After stepping and jumping, started jumping higher, on 11-inch box. Added 1-2 pounds every week, progressively stronger. Body adapted, got stronger, more flexible, waking up. Progression amazing.
18 19 20. >> All right. >> Yes. Really good. 12 lbs 20 times. Wow.
From unable to do 15 lbs to 170 lbs bench press. He's 150 lb boy able to press more than body weight, more than most 20-year-olds. Building strength opened possibilities for Tae Jin to awaken.
About six, seven months, asked father about changes. Father said Tae Jin always slapped, no voice heard. Last time heard voice from back of car: saw a car. Asked what kind, color. Didn't know. Told him to look at cars on way home, remember car and color. Next time: saw two cars, Honda and Prius, told colors. Later: who drove, memorized car, color, driver, age, license plate. Father said his only language was time to go to bed or eat. Had first real conversation.
I am grateful for the ways that I have changed since I worked out with coach Jerzy. Previously, I did not pay attention to what was happening around me. I have communicated better with my parents by sharing my training in the gym. In conclusion, I'm happy with the progress that I have made.
Inside every person is an endless well of potential that when unleashed can exceed our wildest imagination. Sometimes all it takes is one person who believes in that potential.
15 was interesting time, going to high school. Parents thought college not for me, for others. Father locksmith, so I needed to be locksmith. Passed exam, went to high school. Not ready for work and study. Did other things like drinking vodka. Alcoholic years began until 18. No school, everyday blackout, suicidal thoughts, almost done. Guy came, mother threw out weightlifting equipment. Said come to my place to lift. Brought equipment, maybe train a little. I said no, you train, I'll spot. Maybe bench press then beer. Said beer? Took attention. Trained, extremely weak, barely lifted bar. Next day repeated. Got stronger, felt new strength waking up. He pulled me out of alcoholism like an angel.
At 18-19, time for army. Fire department offered 3 years training instead. First time in fire engine to fire, felt somebody needs me, I am that person. So proud, never felt before. Waking up inside.
High school, wanted to go, friends after high school talking things I couldn't relate. Went to same high school evening classes. Soccer player Edu dad 200m away. Walked with me to school, back, for year or two. Saved me from drinking. Another angel. Idea we need people to drag us out of hard places to next level.
Okay. All right. Let's do it. One, two. All right. Very good. Three, four, five, six, seven. You remember walking upstairs? It was difficult. >> I feel really nervous >> and afraid. >> You used to, right? >> Yeah. >> Now you're okay. >> Yeah. I'm okay now.
Good things happening. Not only awakened but talks about it. Can lift leg from stepping on higher boxes. Not shuffling, tripping, crashing. More flexible. One day noticed shoe laces untied, father rushed to tie. Stopped him, he can do it. Tae Jin leaned down, tied shoes. Asked father what else they do. Everything: dress him, toilet. Said cannot, boy ready to take care of himself. Give chance. Parents stopped dressing him, Tae Jin more independent.
Kennedy said we don't do these things because they are easy. We do them because they are hard.
Hard attracts because hard means progress. Easy means repeating, useless. In weightlifting and coaching, hard means pushing athlete to unknown to improve over time. Hard choices spiritual, mental, physical everywhere.
Cerebral palsy people born with condition, doesn't get worse over time. What worsens is how they live in society. Walk on toes, speak slowly, awkward. Don't develop as others. Others see them to comfort, not improve. Medicine doesn't do it. Coach like athletes for progress. They can read, study, go to schools, become independent like Tae Jin at 30 figuring out who he is. Given second chance.
I am pretty good piano player. I practice every morning. My dream is to study with normal kids.
Eventually passed eighth grade, now college. Talked to college, they offered special program. Said no, around normal kids because he is normal, capable, studying, slow but okay, needs people.
I feel I am at the same level as any other student at college.
When heard accepted to college, amazing what can be done. Journey he went through, fired from within, stood behind all needed. Felt like first fire engine ride, helping someone.
I can express my thought more effectively and clearly. I have more confidence in college.
Cerebral palsy people not different, just harder for certain things. Can be coached, trained, achieve amazing things.
Married 40 years, watched Jerzy's genius. Important for him to see suffering people, stuck in mind, imprison themselves. Cannot be emotional, but is in those situations.
With Tae Jin off to college, Jersey answers call from Jacob Zalewski, founder of One Step Closer Foundation.
My dad's professional poker player, got me started. Want to start foundation for scholarship for people with disabilities with medical issues preventing school. Sponsored 12 people with disabilities to go to college, live dreams, disability not hindrance.
All right. You must be Jacob. >> You must be Jerzy. >> Pleasure. >> True pleasure. >> Ready for magic? >> Let's do it.
How old are you? >> Just turned 40 in February. >> Not bad, wasn't supposed to be here more than 2 weeks. >> Born 3 months premature. Umbilical cord wrapped around neck. Brain infection. Doctors thought no quality of life, eat, speak, do anything. Wrong on 95% predictions.
What best for you? Wish to improve? >> Balance, not need walker as much, walk if possible. >> If I said you could turn balance around, maybe walk, phenomenal? >> Would give 3 years? >> Give 20 years.
He helped many, encourages, inspires, good words to move right direction. So Jerzy and Jacob set out on journey fueled by hope and dedication, belief one day he too can be prisoner no more.
All this time in a body that won't heal my mind. I'm so much more than they believe. Draw the line. I won't accept this is just fine. I'm more than who they said I'd be. Heat. Heat. I'm a prisoner no more. Break the chain by me. I'm a prisoner no more. I won't let them tell me what my life has in store. Cuz I'm a prisoner no more.
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