Hector Gutierrez, Jr.
Senior StrongFirst® Instructor, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Hector is the owner and head instructor of HARDTYLEKETTLEBELL.COM in Corpus Christi, Tx.
Hector discovered his passion for strength training and overall conditioning in 2000 at Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Now Presa BJJ) under mentor Aurelio Gallegos Jr. Advancing through his training, Hector became an assistant instructor in 2003.
While instructing students in a variety of techniques, Hector realized the importance of human movement, proper bio mechanics, balance, strength, mobility, stability, and endurance.
Inspired, he pursued education in Hatha Yoga, becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). In 2009, through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (N.A.S.M), he became a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES).
Hector then began a search for a training technique/tool that would enable him to evolve athletically. He found his answer after a Jiu-Jitsu seminar with black belt Tyrone Glover at Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Hector asked Tyrone, "What are you doing for your strength and conditioning? You have the strength of a 200-pounder but only weigh 165 pounds!"
The answer was Kettlebells. Taking up this new discipline, Hector immersed himself in Russian Kettlebell training. Looking to maximize his potential, he turned to the expertise found at the elite level of the Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) now StrongFirst.
After 10 months of rigorous training, Hector traveled to San Diego, California, and successfully completed the Russian Kettlebell Challenge under Pavel Tsatsouline to earn his RKC certification in 2011.
2012 - He completed his RKC level II.
2013 - Became a Certified
Kettlebell Functional Movement Specialist (CK-FMS), Ground Force Method (GFM) National Instructor and StrongFirst Lifter (SFL) Barbell Instructor.
2015 - Became a StrongFirst® Bodyweight (SFB) Instructor
2016 - Hector was promoted to StrongFirst® Team Leader and led his first 2 teams. August (SFG Salt Lake) and October (Portland SFG).
2017 - Hector is currently in the pinnacle of his career as he was promoted by Pavel to Senior (SFG) Instructor with StrongFirst®.
After 10 intense (and challenging) years, incorporating the Russian Kettlebell into his Jiu-Jitsu training, Hector earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt August 22, 2011 from Ricardo (Franjinha) Miller and Aurelio Gallegos Jr..
Having personally experienced the benefits of kettlebell lifting, he realized the kettlebell could benefit EVERYONE regardless of their current physical condition or age.
After years of being a personal trainer, teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Yoga, Hector decided to couple his passion for movement and strength with coaching.
In 2011, he established the first and only movement based kettlebell / Jiu-Jitsu school in Texas. Hardstyle (Kettlebells / Jiu Jitsu) KBJJ!