Rizal Center

George Hernandez

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by

George Hernandez
  • I was born in Manila, but my family is largely from the Sorsogon Province in the Bikol Region of Luzon, Philippines.
  • Boxing. In a family of 7 boys, our father had us boxing from 7 years old. Participated in the Silver Gloves program with the Chicago Park District. The smell of leather and sweat is nostalgic for me.
  • Shotokan Karate. 13 years of heavy practice. Collegiate national champion. UIC Karate Club President. 3rd-degree black belt with the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF). Interesting connection with the South African JKA. I participated in the build-out of 2 dojo/schools.
  • Western Martial Arts (WMA). Member of the Chicago Swordplay Guild (CSG) since 2003. Scholar in both Rapier and Longsword. I did the website for CSG and the Western Martial Arts Workshop (WMAW) for years. Studied and practiced Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), period documents, arms, and armor, including Italian, German, English, Spanish, Singlestick, Arming Sword, Side Sword, Spear, Saber, Dussack, Messer, Poleaxe, Buckler, Rotella, Rondel, and so on. Yes, I was there as the community transitioned from wood/rattan to bamboo Shinai to synthetic to aluminum to steel.
  • Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). Student of Guro Nate Defensor and the Defensor Method of Filipino Martial Arts. Emphasis on Baton and Muay Thai. Although I have a fond memory of a marine stepping on my neck with combat boots, we will generally avoid combat boots in our classes.
  • Firearms. Trains in firearms. Registered in Illinois with a current Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) and Concealed Carry License (CCL).
  • Misc. I dabble in various other martial arts including BJJ, MMA, Archery, Aikido, Wing Chun, and Judo. I watch a lot of YouTube videos on martial arts. I have taught adults, seniors, and children.
  • CrossFit. Training since 2007. Constantly varied functional movements ranging from gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing, swimming, and more. I like the concept of general training combined with specialized training.
  • Health: Nearsighted in both eyes: -2 diopter, i.e. perfect vision to 10″. Deaf in the left ear. Sinus bradycardia: Resting heart rate in the 50s. Allergic rhinitis: Seasonal allergies. Gout: Filipinos are genetically susceptible to gout. Two surgeries on my right knee have embedded titanium screws there. Various bones, teeth, & nails were previously broken.
  • Certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED.