Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Gutierrez.
Hi Daniel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Well, I’m Daniel Gutierrez, and I own the Defiant Empire. Honestly, my story is pretty mellow. I started doing Muay Thai as a teenager (I’m 42 now). I walked into the North Hollywood Muay Thai Academy in north Hollywood over 20 years ago wanting to learn Muay Thai. It was ridiculously fun. I had my first fight within 3 months (I was totally not ready ha!). The relationships here led me on a few journeys to Thailand, where I trained at Sasiprapa gym in Bangkapi. These trips totally furthered my love for muay Thai I could probably write a book with all the experiences I’ve had during these years, but I will say that these shaped/changed my outlook on life. Exposed to a different culture, exposed to different people, Exposed to different energy. Best time of my life. I did this for about 15 years, I think. I then decided it was time for me to open my own gym. I asked permission from my main trainer (gym owner), and he said of course. I opened the first defiant gym in Burbank; the beginning was hard. Like in any business, you have to work out the kinks. My friend and I opened the gym together but soon went our separate ways (he owns a very successful gym in San Fernando as well). No hard feelings there, we are still friends.
Defiant Gym soon earned a reputation for having good fighters. We went to every show. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but we always showed up to put on a show. The guys fighting at the time really deserve all the credit for that. All trained hard and were very dedicated. The early days were tough money-wise. It takes time to build a reputation. We stuck with it through all the hardships. After a while, just more and more people started coming through the doors to train. I couldn’t believe it really, but I thank God. The one thing I love about owning a gym is the fact that I can meet all sorts of people. It’s amazing what can bring people together. I try to make the gym experience as inviting and comfortable as possible. I feel that everyone that walks through my doors feels at home, which is really what I’m going for. I’m able to share knowledge with people (not just in Muay Thai) and help people physically, emotionally, and mentally.
I opened the second defiant gym in Boyle Heights last year. I felt that it was time to grow. We are bringing this same vibe to a different location and different people. It’s a great opportunity to build a community. Same great training. Same great vibe. This location is actually Defiant Gym’s first franchise location, which is run by my student/former fighter/ and good friend Bryan Moonesinghe. He’s been with me since the beginning. I’m aiming for more franchises throughout CA. This is the first one in, and it’s turning out great.
From this expansion, I created my own boxing glove line. It took about 6 months of getting prototypes and designs, but the end product was well worth it. The gloves are perfect for knuckle protection and wrist support. Great stylish color schemes with a boxers best interest in mind. The grip is bigger, which allows to make a tighter fist when punching. This was a great experience for me just because I got to deal with the manufacturing side of the business. Now, my big thing is urban wear. We are starting a clothing line (defiant Los Angeles original), which will launch shortly. We have been going over different looks and designs for not just fighters but everyone in general. I have the word Defiant trademarked now, which is amazing. The lawyer and I couldn’t believe that I was the 1st person to use it in business. This next chapter should be a very interesting one. I’m excited to see where this can lead.
That’s me in a nutshell. Went from being a student to a fighter, to coach, to promoter, to manufacturing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not. There will always be hard times that you have to overcome. Hurdles will always be there for you to jump over. But in general, it’s been working. Anytime you can see growth in a business, it’s good
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So, I am a gym owner. More specifically, a Muay Thai gym owner. We also have boxing and jits, but we primarily specialize in Muay Thai. There are many gyms out there that do what I do, but I think most people come here because I make them feel comfortable. I try to weed egotistical people out. This is a place for learning. This is a place sweat. This is a place to have fun. I feel most of the students that are in here have very similar goals and ambitions. To better themselves physically, mentally, monetarily. Those that weed themselves out just aren’t on our wavelength. I love the fact that I have built a strong community here. Everyone gets along. Everyone here wants to see each other win not just in the ring but in life!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
You know I would love to give credit to all of my coaching staff. These guys help the business in so many ways. Coach Jackie (my wife)
Coach Bryan
Coach Paul
Coach Willy
Coach Hector
Coach Nate
Coach Dennis
–honorable mention to my good friends Mika, Sean, and Steve. Great guys to bounce ideas around.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.defiantmuaythai.com. www.defiantboxingequipment.com
- Instagram: Defiantgym_burbank. Defiantgym_losangeles
- Yelp: Defiant gym
