German J. Hernandez has built a life around discipline, resilience, faith, and service. Born in Venezuela, he became a national-level swimmer and karate champion before moving to the United States at the age of 17 to train under renowned martial artist Sensei Kiyoshi Yamasaki. His path has since expanded well beyond competition: Hernandez is a martial arts master, entrepreneur, fitness professional, insurance executive, soccer coach, actor, and executive producer. Through every chapter, he says his faith and family have remained the foundation of his life.
You were born in Venezuela. What was your childhood like, and how did athletics become such an important part of your life?
I was born in Venezuela, South America, and grew up with my two sisters, Carmen and Corina. My father, Dr. German V. Hernandez, was a criminal attorney and judge, and my mother, Corina Marquez, was a university professor. Athletics became part of my life very early. I began swimming at about six years old and trained every day. Eventually, my coach would pick me up from home at 5:00 in the morning and take me to the pool. I became a national champion in my category, set national junior records in the butterfly, represented Venezuela on the national team, and was named Athlete of the Year in swimming three times by the National Institute of Sports.
I also played soccer as a member of the Carabobo state team. There were days when I trained in swimming at 5:00 a.m., soccer at 4:00 p.m., and karate at 6:00 p.m. Looking back, that schedule taught me discipline, endurance, and the importance of committing fully to a goal.
How did you first become involved in martial arts?
I began karate when I was about 11 or 12 years old. There was only one dojo in my city, called Oyama, and many of the area’s leading martial artists came through it. I competed in many tournaments and eventually became a national karate champion and member of Venezuela’s national karate team.
Training and advancement were very demanding then. I spent two and a half years as a white belt and had to learn 12 forms before I could test for a yellow belt. That experience gave me a deep respect for patience, fundamentals, and earning each stage of progress.
What brought you to the United States at such a young age?
I came to the United States on January 4, 1982, when I was 17 years old. I was already a black belt and the national champion in my category when Sensei Kiyoshi Yamasaki discovered me in Venezuela. He invited me to come to California to train and live with him.
Sensei Yamasaki was highly respected throughout the martial arts world. I lived at his home next to the dojo in Anaheim for more than three years. Under his guidance, I continued competing and won several major events, including the AAU National Karate Championship, the UCI Open, the Long Beach International in traditional kata, and other international competitions. That opportunity changed the direction of my life.
Your accomplishments span several martial arts disciplines. What has that lifelong training meant to you?
Martial arts has shaped the way I approach nearly everything. I earned a fifth-degree black belt in Shotokan under Sensei Kiyoshi Yamasaki and a sixth-degree black belt in Kempo under Master David Brock. I have also been inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame, USA Hall of Fame, Elite Black Belt Hall of Fame, Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honors, and the FIMA Federation Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
The honors are meaningful, but the greater value is what martial arts teaches: humility, consistency, self-control, and respect. Those principles apply to business, family, faith, and service just as much as they apply in a dojo.
You have built several businesses. Tell us about them and how they connect with your broader mission.
I am the CEO of Art of Strength Insurance Solutions, Art of Strength Fitness, and Sun Global Alliance. Art of Strength Insurance Solutions is a national insurance marketing firm with representatives across the United States, and it has been in business for 35 years. Art of Strength Fitness is a 7,000-square-foot fitness and personal training facility in Irvine, California, now in its eighth year. Sun Global Alliance is a technology organization that develops and uses technology to market traditional and nontraditional insurance products in the United States.
Although the organizations operate in different areas, they share a common thread: helping people create greater strength and security in their lives. My education and licenses in property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, variable financial products, personal training, and nutrition have allowed me to serve people from several angles.
You have also worked in film. What has that experience been like, and what are you working on now?
I have completed seven films as an actor, executive producer, or both. One memorable early experience was assisting my sensei and Arnold Schwarzenegger with sword movements for Conan. More recently, I worked on When Death Comes Knocking, a Danny Lopez and MVP Production film. The movie received more than 34 awards from film festivals around the world, including recognition at the Martial Arts Film Festival.
We are currently filming another Danny Lopez and MVP Production project, Roaming Free. Film gives me another way to use my martial arts background, tell stories, and work with talented people. I am excited to see where this next project leads.
What are the most important things in your life today?
My faith in Jesus Christ comes first, followed by my wife, Jackie, and our children, Megan and Andrew. My faith is not abstract to me. At one point, I was alone at home and bleeding internally. A series of events occurred that saved my life, and I experienced them as miracles I could not refute. That experience, along with other moments in my life, strengthened my commitment to honor God every day.
My wife, Jackie, is my rock, my confidante, and a blessing I never take for granted. Our two children are miracles who changed my life for the better. I am deeply proud of both of them. Faith and family give meaning to everything else I do.
How are you using your business experience to support people in need?
We now offer healthcare products through a health care sharing organization. These products may function like health insurance in some ways, but they are not insurance. Our goal is to use this work to help fund opportunities for children in need in Venezuela, and anywhere else God leads us to serve.
For me, success is not only about building companies or earning recognition. It is about creating the ability to give, open doors, and make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I see myself traveling with my wife and doing God’s work. I hope to continue using my experience, relationships, and resources in ways that help other people. After a lifetime of competition and business, I want the next chapter to be guided by purpose, gratitude, and service.
Is there anything else you would like readers to know?
I want to thank Rob Fletcher and Dr. Robert Goldman for their friendship, leadership, and the opportunities they have given me. I do not take any of it for granted. My life has been shaped by people who believed in me, trained me, stood beside me, and opened doors. I hope to honor those relationships by continuing to grow and by doing the same for others.
About German J Hernandez
German J. Hernandez is a Venezuelan-born American entrepreneur, martial artist, athlete, fitness professional, actor, and executive producer. He is the CEO of Art of Strength Insurance Solutions, Art of Strength Fitness, and Sun Global Alliance. A former Venezuelan national swimming and karate champion, Hernandez holds a fifth-degree black belt in Shotokan and a sixth-degree black belt in Kempo. His competitive achievements include AAU national and international karate titles, and he has been inducted into several martial arts halls of fame. He is also licensed in property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, and variable financial products, as well as personal training and nutrition. Hernandez has completed seven films as an actor, executive producer, or both.
ABOUT MICHELE HUGHES
Michele Hughes is VP of Business Development at Longevity Masters Global, an exciting new startup founded by Rob Fletcher that brings together many of the world’s leading experts in longevity, health optimization, wellness, recovery, and peak human performance.
She is also the visionary founder of Ageless and Timeless and the dynamic host of the Ageless and Timeless Podcast®. As a monthly contributor to TopDoctor Magazine, Michele offers powerful insights on wellness, longevity, and living fully at every stage of life. With a deep passion for health and vitality, and serving as a role model for timeless elegance, she empowers audiences to embrace their highest potential and live with purpose and grace.
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