We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalia González Hernández. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalia below.

Natalia, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is the perfect self-defense system for women, but only if it is taught correctly.

It is common practice at BJJ schools around the world for techniques to be presented in complete randomness and for the class to be tailored to meet the needs of the more advanced students.

Learning in such an unorganized environment can be extremely frustrating and overwhelming, and new students almost always feel left behind.

In most cases, students experience a sensation known as “Technique Overload” and end up quitting within 3 to 5 months of enrolling, and when they do, the instructor believes that the student’s lack of discipline is to blame.

What they fail to realize is that when a student quits, the problem lies not within the work ethic of the student, or the techniques of BJJ, but within the format in which it is being taught.

Perfected over three generations, the teaching methodology used at all Certified Gracie Jiu Jitsu Training Centers allows students to learn at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed or left behind.

Furthermore, all group classes are conducted with the utmost concern for safety, and we demand that all students treat each other respectfully regardless of skill level, gender, race, nationality, or creed.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, but have been a proud Houstonian for the past 12 years. In addition to working for an American multinational IT services and consulting company, and teaching Zumba classes at my local LA Fitness, I am the head of the Women Empowered Program at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston.

Women Empowered is the official Gracie self-defense program for women based on the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that addresses the 20 most common attack strategies that a male assailant is likely to use on a woman.

From hair-grabs and choke-holds, to bear hugs and weapon defenses, the Women Empowered® program covers it all.

Unlike most self-defense systems that rely heavily on strength, speed, and coordination, the techniques in the Women Empowered program employ leverage, technique, and timing, so anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, can make them work against larger opponents.

And beyond the physical techniques, Women Empowered® also reinforces awareness principles, risk assessment, and verbal and psychological strategies a woman can use to set safe boundaries with others – even if the perpetrator is someone she knows.

At the core of this mindset is the belief that WE are worth defending!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

While being polite and courteous to the people around us is generally a positive social construct, it should not be prioritized over our safety. In ANY situation that makes us feel uncomfortable, we should follow our instincts and prioritize our safety over the feelings of others.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I endured and survived physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, and technological abuse from a domestic partner.

The process of becoming a lawful permanent resident, a financially independent single mother of 1 (at the time) and of healing from an abusive relationship, took a huge toll on both my physical and mental health.

But 12 years later, I can proudly say that not only did I achieve to survive it myself, but that I am now in a position that may inspire other women to do the same for themselves.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graciejiujitsuwesthouston.com/women-empowered/
• Instagram: @womenempoweredhouston