Head Coach Wade Barden

StrongHold Athletics Head Coach Wade Barden

Wade Barden

Wade started training in karate at 10 years old and started to assist in teaching at 13. After much dedication, he earned his black belt by the age of 14. Achieving 3 Grand Champion titels. Once reaching the rank of 3rd degree black belt, he switched gears and pursued Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While he achieved multiple marks and trained multiple MMA champions in local organizations, Wade decided to focus solely on BJJ.

Earned his BJJ black belt December 1st, 2011.

Now training under renowned Black Belts Mark Vives and Jared Weiner, Wade has grown even more in his BJJ ability and achieved the rank of third degree Black Belt.

“I love teaching martial arts; it’s what I was made to do. I enjoy learning from everyone I train, including my students. My goal is to teach everyone who steps on the mat to the best of my ability and share all I know. I want all of my students to be better than me one day.” -Wade Barden