This is a perfect gym to begin learning jiu-jitsu and a perfect gym to drop in for good training if you are in the area! Wade is very knowledgeable and created a great environment.
I highly recommend Stronghold jiujitsu for kids and/or adults. Coach Wade’s classes are fun, mentally stimulating, and rigorous. Coach Wade is VERY technical, so his understanding and ability to convey how the technique should be performed will elevate one’s game. My 13 year old daughter and I frequent Stronghold when we are not training at our regular Stronghold affiliated jiujitsu school. The atmosphere is family friendly, the facility is clean, and there’s mutual respect amongst all jiujitsu practitioners, beginners and experienced.
We can’t say enough good things about Coach Wade and the StrongHold gym. All 3 of our children are students. We’ve watched the kids’ classes explode over the years as the secret has gotten out. We love that the focus is 100% on jiu jitsu versus an after school program packed with filler. Despite being strict and focused, there is an atmosphere of fun and a deep mutual respect shared between students and coach.
As for the adult classes, the hardest thing about it is walking through that door the first time. After that, you’ll be addicted. It’s a great way to get in or stay in shape. The adult students are the best. There is no “tough guy” presence in the gym. Everyone is warm, genuine, and focused on making others and themselves better in the sport.
This club is different than most that we have been part of over past years, in Madison area. From the:
- first impression (website with clear no-contract pricing, schedule, location, coaches, etc.),
- to meeting in person (no pressure, different free trials),
- training (Wade is 10/10 on professional scale and he is an amazing teacher for both kids and adults),
- handling one of the 3 kids classes for various ages (teaching to listen, show respect, understand consequences and then gradually building your skills)
- graduating through various achievements and through different age groups all the way to adult classes - all coached by Wade, a black belt (and not neglected like in some clubs where classes are ran by a blue belt and white belt helpers)
- being able to compete in local tournaments, with excellent coach support, mentoring and guidance
- zero drama in the club (it's not a phony non-profit like several in the area, where coach runs things through president of the board and board members, while avoiding any consequences of his own actions), no empty promises, no fraudulent contracts
- perfect location with next door restaurant and library, which works great for families with multiple kids and/or parents working from home/online
- on-time classes and almost zero class cancellations (this is not a club where it's coaches 2nd part time job or where coach is retired and sometimes he's too lazy to get off the bed or the weather is too white or too wet)
I can't thank Wade enough for being so kind to us and successful in turning our 3 kids into into dominant and skilled warriors on their martial arts journey, while also helping to raise them as respectful and well-behaved young people.
First and foremost, Wade is an awesome human being. Very kind and understanding and I can't thank him enough for what he has been doing for our family. He is also an amazing coach and his classes are filled with respect and professionalism. When you watch his kids classes, you can tell right away that they are in good hands. Everyone develops at their own pace but there are many kids that you can tell right now that will be great one day.
Wade is an incredible teacher and role model - he cares about what he does and has a passion for Jiu Jitsu unlike anyone I have ever seen. If you’re looking to try out Jiu Jitsu but worried about fitting in or being judged - look no further. If you’re already an advanced player looking for a new home, look no further.
Parents - you will not find a better teacher and role model for your kids. Everything Wade incorporates is geared towards making it fun WHILE ALSO learning good Jiu Jitsu. No garbage, dirtbag tactics to hurt opponents - just real, fundamentally sound, Jiu Jitsu.
Every review should come with a critique or constructive criticism - I have two. First, the quality of instruction is second to none - yet nobody seems to know the place exists. Wade, get yourself out there more and get a more active social media presence. This team should have 3-4 times the students enrolled than it does due to the quality of instruction and overall experience provided, I just think more people need to know it exists. That leads me to my second critique - I don’t think DeForest is the best location for growth (if that’s even a goal?). Middleton, Verona, Waunakee, Sun Prairie - probably all better locations to support a growth model.
All that said - if I could give more stars I would. Wade, you’re one of those rare people that is doing exactly what you were born to do and I only want the best for you. You’re a wonderful teacher and human, and success will always come for people like you.
Our family loves this place, Stronghold is not your typical Jiu-Jitsu academy, at Stronghold I feel that my kids walk into a first class gym to train with their very knowledgeable big brother. It’s a family and I love the fact that Wade trains the kids hard while teaching them discipline and respect for one another and the sport. If you are looking for a welcoming, hard working place to train look no further.
Joining StrongHold has been a blessing for me. Coach Wade is the absolute best. If you are looking for a place to develop, grow, build relationships, and challenge yourself look no further. I cannot say enough great things about this place!
I’m relatively new to jiu jitsu, and while traveling thru the area, I visited Stronghold at the recommendation of my BJJ coach.
Coach Wade, Josh, Andrew, and the rest of the team made me feel right at home. I learned a lot & got some great mat experience with these guys.
A great big thank you to Stronghold & their team for the hospitality. I’ll join you guys again when I’m in the area again in 2023!
Our daughter Holly has been training at Stong Hold Athletics for a little over 2 years now. We are so impressed with the entire program. Wade provides top notch coaching with incredible integrity.
So proud of Wade Barden and the StrongHold Jiu Jitsu family!! Wade Barden your leadership and example are worthy of imitating. And I am so glad, honored and blessed that your students emulate and replicate the integrity, passion, grit and dedication that you pour into them every class time on the mat and off the mat your leadership is commendable FOREVER!!!! Thank you for all you do and all you pour into all of your students jujitsu and Boot Camp. You are a community asset!
The smiles on all your students and the parents run deep on a heart level! You’re not only building strong amazing athletes but kind, strong and passionate future positive community members. You are impacting and changing lives and the trajectory of their amazing future.
If you’re looking for an amazing safe place for your children or yourself to grow, develop, and soar not only as an athlete but also personally please check out StrongHold Jiu Jitsu
There you will find a strong bond and ever growing sense of community and family. One of the best decisions I have made for my children and myself. Yes an incredible lifelong investment that yields so much joy, growth, healthy pride and excitement.
DeForest is so blessed to have you on the community!
Totally fun place to train with great teammates and coaches. Very open schedule for both adult and kids classes. Great if you're new or if you're looking for some competition.
10/10 definite recommend. I came in as a beginner and I felt taken care of and welcomed with open arms; I have nothing but high praise for the atmosphere (friendly, supportive of all levels, relaxed but serious at the same time), the structure of classes, and the absolutely amazing people both teaching me and learning with me. I could only stay short term at this gym because I moved away, but Wade was accommodating with this restriction of mine as well without even a second thought, which I greatly appreciate. Stronghold is the place to be. Don’t hesitate, join up.
Today I visited Stronghold Jiu Jitsu and I had a phenomenal experience. From beginning to end the entire team was welcoming, kind, and respectful. The instructor Wade, didn't hesitate or skimp on any details. Showing me high level techniques and details. The gym was very clean and well taken care of. I brought my family and friends who have very little experience with BJJ and they too were treated very well. My girlfriend and daughters watched from the sidelines without any bother. I had two boys join me for their first classes ever. Both having little to no experience were handled like professionals. They were given slow, safe, and extra guidance/care. If im ever back in town I know where to train. Worth the drive, money, and time. Thanks guys!
Wade is an incredible coach. The gym and other members are much like a family. Wade and Stronghold has everything for anybody looking to learn jiu-jitsu from beginners, kids, women, serious competitors, casual folks looking to get in shape, people looking for camaraderie. You can find it all here. Great gym! Great coach! Great group of people!
Wade has been training my son for 5 years from a small kid now turned teen. He has helped shape and mold him into a better person. Wade has been training me for 4 years which has been transformative for me personally. I love showing up to see the other members who have become good friends to me as well as Wade. I cannot endorse Wade Barden and his gym Stronghold athletics strongly enough.
StrongHold is a great place to learn and have fun. Coach Wade is an exceptional teacher and most importantly, he fosters a friendly team atmosphere. Highly recommend this gym to hone in your BJJ skills.
Great organization with an exceptional instructor. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking of getting into martial arts or continuing their training. The classes and people are great! Wade is very knowledgeable and patient. Overall very welcoming atmosphere.
Coach Wade is the best! He really pours his experience, expertise, compassion and love for jujitsu into every single student. I am so incredibly grateful that my daughter gets to learn under his leadership. He offers an incredible, amazing, outstanding, impeccable training school. It is a parents dream to watch their children grow in skill, confidence, and leadership qualities. I value and appreciate his integrity, leadership, attention to detail and most of all care and compassion for his students. This is an amazing school and we will be here forever! DeForest is blessed and privileged to have such a high-quality school in our community servicing our community members. Thank you for all you do Coach Wade keep up the outstanding work. My family values and appreciate you more than words can ever express!!
The best jiu jitsu community in madison. The entire team is like a family and quick to accept, guide, and encourage new practitioners. If you are going to try a gym out for the first time this is your best option. Ive been a part of 4 gyms across madison and while they all have their merits, Stronghold is my favorite. High level competitors for the folks focused on competing, and an understanding community for people who want to learn how to defend themselves.
Fantastic group of people! I had the pleasure if training with Coach Wade and his team for several months. His attention to detail, his knowledge, and his obvious love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu sets this gym above many others that I have visited. Despite being there from a different school, Coach Wade and the men and women at StrongHold took me in as one of their own.
If you are visiting DeForest or are living in the DeForest/Madison area and are considering starting your BJJ adventure, you can't go wrong with StrongHold Athletics.
Coach Wade is a great coach!! His program for adults and youth is well rounded and he it will challenge you to the end. We are lucky to have him in our community,
Stronghold is a great place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. The coaching and instruction are first rate for both kids and adults and both beginners and experienced students.
If you are looking for the perfect way to strengthen both your body and mind, this is it. Jiu Jitsu not only teaches you how to control your body, more importantly it teaches you how to control your mind and think your way through difficult situations. Coach Wade has built an empowering community of students focused on continuous learning and mutual respect that makes Jiu Jitsu easy to learn for people of all ages.
Coach Wade provides the perfect balance of fun and learning. Each session builds confidence and teaches real life skills. We were welcomed warmly by the families enrolled and have so appreciated this amazing experience.
We moved down here for the training and got so much more. Not only that we get technique and great workout in, we also got a family here. I recommend everyone coming here to try a class and get that friendly family atmosphere.
Wade has developed a top notch crew out in DeForest. I always love training at gyms where there is an open and friendly environment that has been fostered by the leadership. This gym is associated with a larger affiliation in the midwest (Tac Team) that they cross train with and brings in top notch talent from Chicago, Milwauke, and Iowa.
I highly recommend StrongHold-Athletics! I have three boys that have been coming to the school since September 2019; two started in the kids class and one started in the adults class. I wasn't sure they would take to martial arts because in my experience there's alot of drilling which can become boring for a bunch of video game addicted kiddos. But the boys absolutely love jujitsu and I commonly see their excitement to come to class throughout the week. Wade is great at keeping them engaged and interested. His class structure has the perfect blend of techniques/drills, live rolling, and for the kids a little bit of fun time at the end of class. The kiddos in the adult class (one of the younger boys has recently moved up to the adult class) find it very satisfying to roll with the adults. Wade is very good at keeping an eye on all students and I never have any doubt he will keep them safe. He creates a very open & friendly learning environment whether you are in the kids class, a kid moving up in the adults class, women in the adult class, etc. And just because they are friendly doesn't mean they don't roll hard at times. The school had a year long goal of taking 1st place in a local tournament in Decemeber. Wade had everyone prepare with some very intense (but safe) & effective training 2 months leading up the tournment, and it paid off! The team took 1st place overall in the kids and adult divisions. The boys each took 1st place in two different divisions (gi & no-gi). I attribute their success to Wade's excellent teaching skills. Recently, one of the boys attended a tournment in Chicago and took double gold again! I can't say enough about how much Wade's BJJ gym has changed the boys mindsets and behaviors outside of class.
The benefits that Stronghold has had on my life is immeasurable. I’m a fitter, happier, calmer person. Coach Wade has endless patience and is a phenomenal coach. From Day 1, I have felt welcome and, I have made friends here who I am sure are my friends for life. Come train! You won’t regret it.
Stronghold athletics benefits from great teaching by Wade Barden! Relaxed atmosphere allows everybody to learn at their own pace as well. It is the place in the Madison area to train BJJ for beginners through advanced martial arts practitioners.
This is definitely the place for anyone looking at starting martial arts or for those who want to expand what they already know. A great place for women and children to train at. You’re missing out if you haven’t checked out Stronghold.
Coach Wade has put together a great curriculum for learning jiu jitsu. Instead of learning several unrelated moves he has taken a systematic approach. He’s also extremely knowledgeable and can help when you’re having trouble understanding the movements. He’s very supportive and truly cares how his students are doing through all belt levels. I drive 35 minutes to get to class because I can’t see myself training under anyone else.
Just like anything else, you take away what you put in, but Coach Wade provides the opportunity and information for anyone and everyone to learn, get better at, and succeed at jiu jitsu.
Lastly I’ve been doing jiu jitsu consistently now for about a year and a half and I’ve lost 35 pounds and at 40 years old I’m the fittest I’ve ever been in my life.
Wade offers a well-rounded program that is hands down the best training in Brazillian Ju-Jitsu for adults and children; we are so lucky to have him in our area.
