Role
Head Instructor
Rank
3rd-Degree Black
Master Emmanuel “Manny” Hernandez was born in Loveland, Colorado. As a kid, he dreamed of becoming a police officer and maybe even a movie star. That mix of service and performance has shaped his life ever since.
He started martial arts at age nine, after facing bullying and challenges with ADHD. While his parents originally looked into boxing, martial arts quickly became his outlet. He earned his first black belt at 13 and now holds a 3rd Dan in Taekwondo, along with several other black belts. He is also a certified boxing coach, MMA coach, and Kru instructor in Muay Thai, a discipline especially close to his heart.
In February 2025, Master Hernandez joined Ripple Effect Martial Arts as the Master Head Instructor in Longmont. He brings a family-first, mission-driven approach to his teaching. From anti-bullying seminars to self-defense clinics and law enforcement collaborations, he uses martial arts to create real impact.
Outside the school, he is a husband to Amber and father to three children: Giovanni, Amaya, and Elena. Their home is also full of love from their three dogs: Zero, Luna, and Desoto.
Master Hernandez holds an associate’s degree and originally studied criminal justice before transitioning to strength and conditioning. He is also active in the film scene as a stunt actor and performer, combining his love for storytelling with martial arts choreography. Whether he is teaching on the mat or working behind the scenes on a film set, his mission is the same: to help others realize their potential.