Born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria, George hails from a proud Greek family. His parents, Steve and Suzie, instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and determination. Growing up, George found inspiration in his older brother Stan, who had already made a name for himself in the world of kickboxing.
George’s martial arts journey began at the tender age of 8. With unwavering dedication, he honed his skills, eventually earning a black belt in the art of bushidokai by the age of 15. This early achievement marked the beginning of his illustrious kickboxing career.
In 1998, George embarked on his professional kickboxing journey. Throughout his career, he participated in 15 fights and emerged victorious in every single one, with an impressive 10 wins by knockout. However, George’s path was not without challenges. He endured serious injuries that hindered his progress, undergoing a total of 14 operations to repair ruptures and tears, including reconstructive surgeries on his knee and shoulders.
One of George’s defining moments came on September 23, 2005, at the Osaka Dome in Japan. Facing the legendary Japanese champion Nobuaki Kakuda in front of a crowd of 50,000 fans on the esteemed K1 circuit, George showcased his exceptional skills and defeated his opponent by a unanimous decision of 3–0. This victory solidified his place among the top kickboxers in the world.
On July 24, 2009, George etched his name in history once again by capturing the W.O.K.A World heavyweight kickboxing championship. In a thrilling match against Thai Asian champion Ramba Sithsianpo, he emerged as the victor, joining his brother Stan as the only two brothers of Greek/Australian heritage to hold world titles in any sport. Furthermore, they became the only siblings to both be world heavyweight champion kickboxers.
Having officially retired from professional kickboxing, George has transitioned into a new role as the co-CEO of Stan The Man Fitness Academy. Located in Melbourne’s eastern suburb of Blackburn, the academy was established on December 13, 2014. Through this venture, George continues to inspire and pass on his expertise to aspiring fighters and fitness enthusiasts.
George “The Iron Lion” Longinidis’s legacy is one of perseverance, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As a highly respected kickboxer and now a mentor, he has left an indelible mark on the sport and continues to impact the lives of others through his dedication to fitness and training. George’s journey stands as a testament to the power of passion and the unwavering bond between brothers.