Browse > Home / Instructors

Instructors


Unmatched Experience, Knowledge and Achievement!

Damian Hirtz, Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Instructor / Head Certified CrossFit Trainer

Damian Hirtz has close to 15 years of training and teaching experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His training began in 1997 by traveling to Los Angeles to train at legendary Rickson Gracie’s Pico Boulevard academy. His training is currently continuing under friend and instructor David Camarillo. He is a proud member of the elite Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu team.

As a CrossFit Certified Trainer, Damian introduced CrossFit to Minnesota with the opening of the state’s first, original CrossFit affiliate, CrossFit Minnesota.  With over 25 years as an athlete, an international competitor and a champion himself, Damian has worked with and trained some of the top athletes in the world.  He has trained world champions, Olympians, professional mixed martial arts fighters, NHL and Major League Baseball players as well as elite military and law enforcement personnel.
Damian and his team of instructors and trainers truly bring unmatched experience, knowledge and achievement.

[Read More]

Klint Klaas, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Instructor

  • Started Martial Arts training in Karate at age 5
  • Trained by Former PKA World Kickboxing Champion Gordon Franks and former National Kata and Kumita Champion Pat Worley
  • Awarded Junior black belt at age 10
  • Ranked top 3 in black belt competition nationwide
  • Drafted after collegiate baseball to play professionally in the Houston Astros Organization
  • Trained with and awarded Jiu-Jitsu blue belt from Rickson Gracie
  • NAGA Gold medalist
  • Awarded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt by David Camarillo 2006

BRIAN CAMPBELL, THAIBOXING INSTRUCTOR

  • USA Boxing Certified Coach
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
  • Extreme Challenge Champion
  • IKFF Certified Kettlebell Instructor
  • Nationally Ranked Track and Field Athlete
  • Versed in sprint, plyometrics and weight training
  • Trained US Kickboxing Team to compete in China
  • Thaiboxing Association of the USA Certified Instructor
  • Trained Shooto MMA Challenger John Renken to win Title
  • Upper Midwest Super-middleweight Thaiboxing Champion
  • Trained and cornered UFC World Champion in International Competition
  • Assisted in developing combatives program at Fort Campbell, Kentucky
“If you are serious about developing your Muay Thai skills, I recommend Brian Campbell. He can walk the walk and what is more important for you, he is an excellent teacher who can take you to the next level in your fighting skills and career.”
-Pat Worley, martial arts instructor and retired top-ranked national competitor, is currently a Ninth Degree black belt.

Gina Campbell, Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

gina_bio

  • Over 15 years of experience
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
  • USA Boxing Certified Coach
  • IKFF Certified Kettlebell Trainer
  • ACE Certified Personal Trainer
  • Yogafit Certified Yoga Instructor
  • PIA Certified Pilates Instructor
  • First female boxer to compete in Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Tournament 2001
  • Trained and coached all female team for Ringside International Tournament 2005
  • Trained and coached Nationally Ranked Female Boxers
  • Well versed in heart rate training, plyometrics, speed training and agility training

Tim Blackstone, Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor


  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt
  • US Army Soldier 1999-2006
  • Army Combatives Trained
  • Currently pursuing a Pre Med degree at Augsburg College

 

Darcy Franklin, CrossFit Certified Trainer

  • CrossFit Endurance Certified Trainer
  • BS Biology, University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse
  • Masters in Curriculum & Instruction, University of Colorado
  • Local Minnesota elite tri-athlete – Podium finishes in every local triathlon participated in
  • Avid runner
  • ACE Fitness Certified
  • Triathlon/Running Coach
  • Fitness Boot Camp & Cycling Instructor
  • Mother & Wife

Ryan McDowell, CrossFit Certified Trainer

  • BS Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Functional Movement Specialist
  • Titleist Performance Institute-Certified Fitness Professional
  • Member of Metropolis Rugby Club
With a real zest for life and constant variety of cutting-edge ideas, training with Ryan is always an adventure! Specializing in functional movement training & corrective exercise, Ryan brings a true passion for CrossFit and infuses real excitement to each session. Ryan enjoys teaching to all ages and abilities.

As a Titleist Performance Institute-Certified Fitness Professional, Ryan enjoys helping Minnesotans improve in their passion of golf. In addition to 10 years of personal training experience, Ryan has conducted over 100 wellness presentations for corporate, civic, and philanthropic organizations.

[Read More]

Aaron Kornegay, CrossFit Certified Trainer

  • B.S. Accounting, Central Washington University
  • CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
  • Interests: the sport of CrossFit, running, biking, golf, avid San Jose Sharks and Seattle sports fan (slowly becoming a bandwagon Twin Cities sports fan)
  • Senior Accounting Analyst at Best Buy Corporation