Real Martial Arts.
Real People.
Real Results.
The Forge exists because Cheyenne deserves a martial arts school that teaches what works.
Why The Forge Exists
What Cheyenne Needed
Walk into most martial arts schools and you’ll find one of two things: trophy factories that care more about competition medals than practical skills, or belt mills that hand out black belts to anyone who pays long enough.
Cheyenne deserves better.
The Forge exists to fill a gap:
Parents need a place to send their kids that actually teaches anti-bullying skills – not just tells them to “be nice” while handing them a participation trophy.
Women need self-defense training that works in parking lots and real situations – not choreographed demonstrations that fall apart under pressure.
Adults need to learn how to actually defend themselves – not spend years on techniques that only work in compliant partner drills.
And everyone needs a school that treats them like adults, not walking wallets.
That’s The Forge.
We teach practical self-defense through Krav Maga. We build discipline and character through traditional Kung Fu and ITF Taekwondo. We create confident people who refuse to be victims.
No long-term contracts. No belt-selling schemes. No fake credentials or inflated egos.
Just honest training that works when it matters.
Our Mission & Philosophy
What We Stand For
Character Over Trophies
Competition is great. We support students who want to compete. But we measure success by character development and real-world capability - not medal counts.
Honesty Over Marketing
We don't make inflated promises. We don't claim our 12-week program will make you a deadly weapon. We teach you solid skills and give you realistic expectations.
Respect Without Politics
We teach traditional martial arts with proper respect for lineage and rank. But we skip the politics, ego games, and "my style is better than yours" nonsense.
Community Over Commerce
We're here to serve Cheyenne. Month-to-month memberships mean you stay because you want to, not because you're locked into a contract. That keeps us accountable.
What Makes Us Different
How The Forge Is Different
We Don't Do Long-Term Contracts
Month-to-month memberships. Cancel anytime with 30 days notice. We earn your business every month.
We Integrate Multiple Styles Intelligently
Krav Maga for practical self-defense. ITF Taekwondo for sport and discipline. Shaolin Kung Fu for traditional foundations. Each style serves a purpose in creating well-rounded martial artists.
We Focus on Real-World Application First
Forms and kata are great for discipline and tradition. We teach them. But we never lose sight of the fact that martial arts exist to protect yourself and others.
We Don't Babysit
Kids classes teach discipline and respect, not just tire them out for an hour. Adult classes challenge you. We expect effort and focus - in return, you get real results.
We're Transparent About Everything
Pricing is clear. Progress requirements are clear. What you're learning and why you're learning it is clear. No surprises.
Our Curriculum
What You’ll Learn at The Forge
Krav Maga Self-Defense
Israeli self-defense system focused on real-world effectiveness. Defense against common attacks, weapon threats, and multiple attackers. Designed to work under stress for people of all sizes and abilities.
ITF Taekwondo
Traditional Korean martial art emphasizing dynamic kicking, forms (patterns), and sparring. Teaches discipline, precision, and control. Competition opportunities available for those who want them.
Shaolin Kung Fu
Traditional Chinese martial arts principles woven throughout training. Emphasis on fluidity, internal focus, and mental discipline. Student’s learn balance, meditation techniques, and fortitude.
Anti-Bullying Curriculum (Kids)
Integrated into youth programs. Teaches awareness, assertiveness, de-escalation, and last-resort defense. Builds kids who stand strong without becoming bullies themselves.
Fitness & Conditioning
All programs include martial arts-specific conditioning. Get in fighting shape while learning practical skills.
Meet the Founder
Jason “JJ” Steelman – Founder & Head Instructor
JJ started training at a young age and has been immersed in martial arts for over 30 years. His background spans ITF Taekwondo, Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, American Kickboxing, Sanda and military combat training.
With over 100 amateur fights, 12 professional fights, 9 NASKA tournament wins, and six years teaching in Cheyenne, he’s seen what works and what doesn’t – both in competition and real-world application.
Why He Teaches:
“Martial arts gave me the discipline and confidence to build a successful life. Now I teach because everyone deserves those same tools. Whether you’re a kid dealing with bullies, a woman who wants to feel safe, or an adult who’s tired of feeling unprepared – you can learn real skills that change how you move through the world.”
Philosophy:
Practical over flashy. Character over trophies. Real results over marketing hype.
Teaching Style:
Direct, no-nonsense instruction that meets students where they are and pushes them to get better. High expectations paired with genuine support.
Who Trains at The Forge
Real People. Real Goals.
The Forge isn’t for everyone. We don’t promise easy workouts or instant results. We’re for people who:
- Want to actually learn self-defense, not just get a workout
- Are tired of schools that care more about your credit card than your progress
- Value practical skills over fancy techniques that only work in demonstrations
- Want to be part of a community that takes training seriously
- Are willing to put in effort to get real results
Our students include:
- Kids learning to stand up to bullies
- Parents training alongside their children
- Women building confidence and practical defense skills
- Adults getting in shape while learning real martial arts
- Former athletes looking for the next challenge
- Complete beginners starting their first martial arts journey
What unites them: The refusal to be a victim and the commitment to getting better.
Why Cheyenne
Serving Our Community
Cheyenne is home. We’re not a national chain with cookie-cutter programs. We’re a locally-owned school built specifically for this community.
We understand what families in Cheyenne need:
- Affordable training without long-term contracts
- Programs that respect your time (we know everyone is busy)
- Real skills that work in real situations
- A place where kids learn discipline and confidence
- Honest instruction without sales pressure
We’re here for the long term. Building this community, one student at a time.
Ready to See
What We're About?
Come try a free week of classes. Train with us. See if The Forge is right for you.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just real training with real people.