(July 12, 1972 - March 24, 1999)
In 1980, Gilbert Narvaez began his studies in the martial arts. Mr. Narvaez excelled in several forms of combat during the years of his training. In which, he attained a 2nd degree Black belt in the system of Aiki-jujitsu. During his martial art career, Mr. Narvaez was exposed to other systems, such as Hung Gar Kung Fu, Bagua and Muay Thai. Between 1989 and 1991, Mr. Narvaez fought both as an amateur and a professional with the North Western Kickboxing Association and the International Kickboxing Association.
More recently, Mr. Narvaez co-founded Tong Il Lo. In 1995 , he began teaching professionally for the Hot Shots Self-Defense program. Holding the title of “Curriculum Coordinator” & “Chief Instructor” for the Tong Il Lo discipline . Mr. Narvaez conducted seminars and played an active roll in the teaching and developing the skills of the Tong Il Lo students.
Credited for the ability of bridging multiple martial arts together and dissolving traditional barriers, Mr. Narvaez helped pioneer one of the newest martial art systems recognized world wide, Tong Il Lo. It was his goal to see Tong Il Lo reach everyone who wishes to learn to protect themselves with an unlimited means of defense.
"If you attack someone, if you are the aggressor, and put someone
in the situation that they have to defend themselves, then you have already
defeated the purpose of the martial arts and you have already lost. Even
if you win the fight, you have lost against yourself. The purpose of the
martial arts is to defend, not attack!"
Gilbert Narváez .