About Us - Jade Valor Forge | Strength & Combat Conditioning

How It All Started

Look, I'm not gonna feed you some perfect origin story because there isn't one.

Back in 2018, I was working a desk job that was slowly killing me from the inside out. Spent my evenings at whatever gym was cheapest, bouncing between powerlifting meets and underground MMA sessions in someone's garage. The disconnect was wild - gyms either focused on looking good or fighting hard, but nobody was bringing it all together.

After my third torn callus in a month and watching another friend quit training because "it wasn't practical enough," something clicked. Why can't we build a space where Olympic lifts sit next to heavy bags? Where you can throw down a clean & jerk, then work sprawls and ground control right after?

So I cashed out what little savings I had, found this spot on Marine Drive, and just... started. No fancy business plan. Just barbells, mats, and a belief that real strength comes from being ready for anything.

The Journey

2018 - The Garage Days

Started with 8 members, a squat rack, and more dreams than equipment. Trained out of a rented warehouse space that definitely wasn't up to code. Nobody cared - we were building something real.

2020 - Pandemic Pivot

When everything shut down, we moved outdoors. Marine Drive parking lot became our training ground. Rain, shine, snow - didn't matter. Our crew showed up and honestly? It made us tougher than any gym session could.

2022 - Finding Home

Finally secured our current spot at 1847 Marine Drive. 5,000 square feet of pure potential. Brought in Olympic platforms, a full MMA cage, and enough equipment to train an army. Our community had grown to over 150 members.

2025 - Now

We're not slowing down. Every day, people walk through our doors looking to become something more. And we're here to make sure they do - one lift, one round, one drop of sweat at a time.

What We Stand For

Real Over Perfect

We're not here to post pretty gym selfies. Training's messy, your hands'll get rough, and you'll fail lifts. That's the point. Growth happens in the uncomfortable bits.

Community First

You can train anywhere. But here? You'll find people who actually care if you show up. We celebrate PRs together and pick each other up when things get heavy - literally and figuratively.

Purpose Over Ego

Check your ego at the door. We don't care how much you lifted in college or what belt you earned. Here, it's about showing up with intention and doing the work that matters.

Always Evolving

The best version of you doesn't exist yet. We're constantly learning, adapting, and pushing boundaries. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, and that's perfectly fine.

Meet The Team

Marcus Chen

Founder & Head Coach

Former amateur MMA fighter turned Olympic weightlifting enthusiast. Been coaching for 12 years and still learning something new every session. Got into this because traditional gyms bored me to death.

Sarah "Knockout" Rodriguez

Combat Sports Director

BJJ brown belt, kickboxing champion, and the person who'll push you harder than you thought possible. Don't let the smile fool you - she's relentless. Joined us in 2019 and hasn't looked back.

David "Tank" Morrison

Strength & Conditioning Lead

Ex-powerlifter who totaled 1800lbs before his back said "enough." Now focuses on building strength that lasts. Believes mobility work is non-negotiable, even if you hate it. Especially if you hate it.

Jamie Patel

Nutrition Coach

Registered dietitian who actually gets it. No restrictive meal plans or food guilt here. She'll teach you how to fuel performance without losing your mind or your social life. Coffee addict, obviously.

Alex Winters

Mobility Specialist

Yoga instructor meets physical therapist. He'll find that one tight spot you didn't know you had and make you work through it. Former hockey player who learned the hard way that flexibility matters.

Raven Lee

Boxing & Conditioning Coach

Golden Gloves boxer who brings intensity to every session. Her mitts sessions are legendary - in a good way and a "why did I sign up for this" way. Newest member of our coaching squad but fits right in.

Our Story