The Forge Martial Arts Academy was founded in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 2026 by Jason "JJ" Steelman — known by his Buddhist monk name Shi Miao Hao (释妙浩). JJ is a 36th-generation Shaolin warrior monk, trained for nearly two years at the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, China, and brought authentic Shaolin lineage to Wyoming for the first time.
Jason "JJ" Steelman has 30+ years in martial arts: Krav Maga, ITF Taekwondo, Shaolin Kung Fu, Muay Thai, and military combat training. His competition record includes 100+ amateur fights, 12 professional fights, and 9 NASKA tournament wins. After establishing himself as a competitor and instructor in the United States, JJ traveled to Henan Province, China in 2007 to study at the source of Shaolin Kung Fu.
Shi Miao Hao (释妙浩) is the Buddhist monk name given to JJ by his master, Shifu Shi Heng Chao. "Shi" (释) is the family name shared by all Shaolin disciples — taken from the Buddha's family name. The name signifies formal acceptance into the 36th generation of the Shaolin lineage, an unbroken line of succession back to the original Shaolin Monastery monks of the 5th century.
Cheyenne is JJ's home. The Forge is built to bring serious, lineage-rooted martial arts to a community that historically has had to drive 90 minutes to Fort Collins or further for authentic training. The Forge is the only Shaolin lineage school in the state of Wyoming, and one of the only schools anywhere combining traditional Chinese, Korean, Israeli, and Thai martial arts under a single instructor.
The lineage continues through two junior instructors (Laoshi 老師):
Three commitments built into the model: (1) Belt testing is always free — testing is part of training, not a profit center. (2) One simple price — $125 a month flat, no upsells, no tiers. (3) Real discount program — 20% off for active military, veterans, first responders, educators, and families with 3 or more members. See pricing details or claim a free trial week.
The Forge Martial Arts Academy
1408 Hugur Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 317-7227
school@theforgemartialarts.com