Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Hernandez.
Hi Dana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I traveled to South Africa in 2010, while in Johannesburg, we were told to be cautious as it was a dangerous city. I walked around scared, not knowing what I would do if I were attacked. It was not a comforting feeling. Fast forward to my recent trip to Egypt in October of 2021 where I walked around feeling completely different. I was much more aware of my surroundings. I took note of exit strategies inside buildings should I need them. Most importantly, I KNEW that if I were forced to meet violence with self-defense, that I would use my bony weapons (think, elbows) against an attacker’s soft targets (think, jaw/temple.) Whether you plan on traveling alone or not, this world is more unpredictable today than ever. The staggering statistics of increasing incidence of violence since the start of the pandemic are horrifying. Some call centers have reported five times the amount of incidents since 2020. Things happen. Even in safe cities. Have a game plan. Be aware. Learn some fundamentals. Let me help you.
Dana is a veterinarian turned trainer in the fields of self-defense, mixed martial arts, strength training, and nutrition. Oh, and snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain. After experiencing firsthand how self-defense instruction allowed her to travel the world more freely and walk with less fear, she made it her goal to aid others with the confidence of protecting themselves and their loved ones. Her goal is to empower people in all aspects of self-protection: of mind, body, and energy. She encourages everyone to share the knowledge she gives. Likewise, she remains a continual student herself. She thrives off of learning from as many other self-defense disciplines as possible on a regular basis. Krav Maga (an Israeli army self-defense system), Coach Tony Blauer (founder of SPEAR system and self-defense instructor for over four decades) and Sheepdog Response system (self-defense fighting combined with weapons instruction) are a few courses that she routinely studies and uses to evolve her seminars. Her combination of high-energy instruction and relatable stories will keep you engaged while you gather and practice valuable skills.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, I believe most things in life are not a smooth road. Changing primary careers was a scary thing to undertake. My salary dropped significantly however being happy in my career was more important to me. I have to voice this to potential employers along the way. Learning how to become a businesswoman has presented challenges as well. This wasn’t taught in veterinary school. These are just a couple of examples of challenges.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I empower women in the areas of self-defense, health & fitness and confidence. I am very proud of the way I connect with people, causing them to feel how much I care about their success. My medical background and various jobs allow me to intertwine different disciplines, showing how seemingly different things such as snowboarding and self-defense actually are more similar than one might think.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’d love to show them that every single one of them has an inner warrior. It’s just a matter of waking it up.
Pricing:
- Self Defense seminar in person $99
- Individual personal training session $150/hr
- Group personal training session $50/hr
- Virtual group coaching $997/6 weeks
Contact Info:
- Website: www.empoweredbydana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredbydana/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/empoweredbydana/
Image Credits
Bas Rutten
