Meet our Instructors
Damian Hirtz has over 25 years of training and teaching experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Damian is the head black belt instructor of Alliance Minnesota under the guidance of one of the founders of Alliance, Fabio Gurgel. Damian teaches and trains daily and is also an active competitor at the black belt level.
Damian’s attention to detail and dedication to the technique of jiu-jitsu led to his being asked to substitute for his instructor very early in his training, while still at the Blue Belt level. As time went on he was asked to assume a greater role in the development of his fellow students and began teaching his own regular classes. Over the years he was lucky enough to work with students from all walks of life, helping them reach their full potential in jiu-jitsu. His students have ranged from doctors, lawyers, housewives, office workers, students, and children to police officers, military personal and professional competitors.
Because of his dedication to the technical aspects of jiu-jitsu, his role evolved into additionally teaching the advanced classes and working with competitors and professional fighters on their preparation for events.
His role as a training partner and corner man to many professional Mixed Martial Arts fighters continues to this day. He continues to be a reference for some of the greatest competitors in the world competing on the highest levels possible in events like The Ultimate Fighting Championship, EliteXC, WEC, and Pride FC.
Competition Awards
- Multiple Local and State Championships
- Creator of Revolution Ground Control Tactics for Law Enforcement. Program is currently utilized by over 40 local and federal law enforcement officers and departments.
- 2000 Rickson Gracie International: Silver Medalist
- 2001 Machado World Grappling Games: Bronze Medalist
- 2003 Las Vegas Open: Silver Medalist
- 2004 Midwest Championships Brown/Black Belt: Silver Medalist
- 2005 IBJJF Pan American of Jiu-Jitsu: Silver Medalist
- 2006 Greater Midwest Submission Hunt: Brown/Black Belt Champion
- 2006 NAGA Chicago: Black Belt Champion
- 2012 IBJJF Chicago Open Black Belt Champion
- 2013 IBJJF Chicago Open: Black Belt Silver Medalist
- 2015 IBJJF Chicago Open: Black Belt Bronze Medalist
- 2017 IBJJF Masters World Championships: Black Belt Silver Medalist
- 2019 IBJJF Masters World Championships: Black Belt Bronze Medalist
- 2019 IBJJF Twin Cities Open – Heavyweight – Gold Medalist
- 2019 IBJJF Twin Cities Open – Absolute – Gold Medalist
- Instructor to over 25 Adult, No Gi and Masters IBJJF World Championship Medalists
Gilberto teaches our Little Eagles class.
Competition Awards
- Coming Soon!
Dumisani teaches our Monday/Wednesday/Friday 6:30 am all levels class.
Competition Awards
- Coming Soon!