Founder of Atlanta Balintawak and Richmond Balintawak, Jemar was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines. At the age of 12,  he started receiving lessons from Grandmaster Taboada at the Balintawak International Self Defense Club, located in the backyard of the Grandmaster Teofilo Velez.  Hence he was able to receive additional training from the Velez family – GM Teofilo Velez, GM Chito Velez and GM Eddie Velez. He  received his Level 7, Fully Qualified Instructor, from GM Taboada in 2010. That same year Jemar was honored as Regional Man of the Year by the World Sokeship Head of Family Council. Additionally, he was appointed as the Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Virginia for the World Escrima Balintawak Arnis Federation (WEBAF).

Currently he resides in Atlanta Georgia, where he continues to spread the art and culture of Balintawak. Jemar frequently returns to Richmond to train with his friends and make sure that we are living up to the highest standards that he has instilled in us.