Who do you want your child to be when they graduate high school and walk into the world?
Who do you want to be?
That's where we start.
The Path to Forge Black Belt
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★ Forge Black Belt
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Our Story
Built For
Community
— Matt Christenot
Owner & Head Instructor
What Makes Forge Different
The Forge Promise
There is no bench at Forge.
Every child trains. Every child is seen. Nobody sits on the sideline waiting for their turn.
Every student matters.
We know your child's name, their goals, their struggles. They are not a number here.
Coaches who care.
Our instructors don't just teach martial arts. They invest in your child's story.
Parents are partners.
You're not just dropping your kid off. You're part of the team.
Respect. Discipline. Confidence. Focus.
These are the goals.
Martial arts is just the method.
Need the Schedule? →WHAT WE BUILD
One Skill Each Month
Every month your child focuses on one life skill — taught in class, reinforced at home, and lived on the mat. Tap any skill to see what they'll learn.
Skill of Focus
Goals
"Something that I want and I'm willing to work for it. Pursuing it makes me better."
12 skills. 12 months. One stronger kid.
Don't Take Our Word For It
The Real Proof
Hear from the parents who've watched their kids transform.
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We don't remove the hard parts.
We teach your child to walk through them.
The moment they want to quit — that's the moment we've been waiting for. That's where champions are made. The struggle isn't a setback. It's the lesson. Everything at Forge is earned. The belts. The stripes. The confidence. None of it is given.
So we can get you the most accurate information,
answer a few quick questions for us and we'll show you exactly what Forge looks like for you or your child.
Step 1 of 8
Who is this for?
What's My First Visit Like?
We have thought through every detail so your child feels like a champion from the moment they walk in.
You Arrive
You walk in and you are greeted by name. We knew you were coming and we are genuinely glad you are here. No awkward front desk experience. A real person, a real welcome.
[PHOTO: Warm welcome at front desk]
You Arrive
You walk in and you are greeted by name. We knew you were coming and we are genuinely glad you are here. No awkward front desk experience. A real person, a real welcome.
[PHOTO: Warm welcome at front desk]
The Tour
One of our instructors gives you a personal tour of the facility. You see the mats, meet a few faces, and get a feel for the energy. We want you to feel at home before your child ever steps on the mat.
[PHOTO: Instructor giving family a tour]
The Tour
One of our instructors gives you a personal tour of the facility. You see the mats, meet a few faces, and get a feel for the energy. We want you to feel at home before your child ever steps on the mat.
[PHOTO: Instructor giving family a tour]
Meet Your Instructor
Your child meets their instructor one on one before class. Not a handshake and a name — a real conversation. We want to know who they are, what they are into, and what they are hoping to build. That conversation shapes how we coach them from day one.
[PHOTO: Instructor meeting child one on one]
Meet Your Instructor
Your child meets their instructor one on one before class. Not a handshake and a name — a real conversation. We want to know who they are, what they are into, and what they are hoping to build. That conversation shapes how we coach them from day one.
[PHOTO: Instructor meeting child one on one]
Their First Class
They step on the mat. Nerves are normal and we expect them. Our coaches are experienced at making new students feel capable from the very first drill. By the end of class they will have done things they did not think they could do.
[PHOTO: New student in first class]
Their First Class
They step on the mat. Nerves are normal and we expect them. Our coaches are experienced at making new students feel capable from the very first drill. By the end of class they will have done things they did not think they could do.
[PHOTO: New student in first class]
The Board Break
Every new student breaks their first board on their first visit. It is not a martial arts milestone — it is a confidence moment. The look on their face when that board snaps in half is something parents talk about for years.
[PHOTO: Child breaking board, celebration]
The Board Break
Every new student breaks their first board on their first visit. It is not a martial arts milestone — it is a confidence moment. The look on their face when that board snaps in half is something parents talk about for years.
[PHOTO: Child breaking board, celebration]
The Belt
They earn their first belt on day one. Because showing up takes courage and courage deserves to be recognized. The whole class celebrates them. They walk out wearing something they earned.
[PHOTO: Child receiving first belt, whole class celebrating]
The Belt
They earn their first belt on day one. Because showing up takes courage and courage deserves to be recognized. The whole class celebrates them. They walk out wearing something they earned.
[PHOTO: Child receiving first belt, whole class celebrating]
The Welcome Gift
They leave with a welcome gift from Forge. Something tangible that says you belong here now. This is just the beginning.
[PHOTO: Child with welcome gift, smiling]
The Welcome Gift
They leave with a welcome gift from Forge. Something tangible that says you belong here now. This is just the beginning.
[PHOTO: Child with welcome gift, smiling]
Every child deserves a first day like this.
We Didn't Just Build a Gym. We Built a Community.
Easter egg hunts, Trunk or Treat, Parents Night Out, holiday banquets, moms hangs, and a whole lot of kids with their arms around each other. This is Forge.
Photo 1Easter egg hunt, kids running
Photo 2Trunk or Treat, families in costumes
Photo 3Parents Night Out, adults together
Photo 4Holiday banquet, families at tables
Photo 5Moms hang, women laughing
Photo 6Kids with arms around each other after class
Photo 7Belt ceremony celebration, whole group
Photo 8Kids playing between classes
Photo 9Family moment on the mat
200 families strong. Come be part of it.
Start Your 2-Week Trial — $20Every Belt Is Earned. Every Stripe Is A Battle Won.
Consistency is the secret. The belt is just proof of the habit.
Building a Foundation
White
They showed up. Courage starts here.
The hardest step is the first one — and they took it.
Orange
They came back when it was hard.
Showing up once is easy. Showing up again is where grit begins.
Yellow
They stopped making excuses.
Discipline is becoming a habit. The mat is teaching them accountability.
Feeling Confident, Seeing the Progress
Camo
They started pushing past comfort.
They're not just doing the reps — they're understanding why.
Green
They started encouraging others.
Confidence isn't loud. It's steady. And it's showing.
Purple
They own the room.
Technique is sharp. Mindset is stronger. Leaders emerge.
Becoming a Leader
Blue
They became someone their younger self would look up to.
Character forged. Others follow their lead without being asked.
Brown
They carry responsibility like it's theirs.
Teaching others, mentoring younger students, leading by example.
Red
They're ready for the final challenge.
Everything they've earned is about to be tested one last time.
Black Belt
Creating future leaders. An example to the community.
This isn't an ending. It's the beginning of giving back everything they've been given.
Find Your Program
The Foundation
Forge Tigers
Ages 4–6
Coordination, listening, confidence, and joy. Built for ages 4-6 who are ready to discover what they're made of.
Learn more about Forge TigersThe Problem Solver
Kids Jiu-Jitsu
Ages 7–13
Grappling, resilience, and calm under pressure. The fastest growing martial art for kids who think on their feet.
Kids Jiu-Jitsu page coming soonThe Discipline Builder
Kids Taekwondo
Ages 7–12
Powerful movement, sharp focus, and deep respect. A modern blend of Taekwondo and Kickboxing.
Learn more about Kids TaekwondoThe Complete Athlete
Teen/Adult Martial Arts
Ages 13+
Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Taekwondo. Get fit, learn self-defense, join a community.
Learn more about Teen/Adult Martial ArtsThe Chess Match
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Ages 14+
Technique over strength. Leverage over force. Community over ego.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu page coming soonWe've been doing this a long time. We know what works.
Combined Coaching Experience0years
Passionate Coaches
Our instructors chose this because they believe in it. That passion is contagious.
A Community That Shows Up
Santa Rosa Beach is a tight community. So are we. 200 families strong and growing.
Results That Transfer
The confidence, discipline, and grit your child builds at Forge follows them into school, into friendships, into life.
We're the best gym in the area for families who are serious about growth.
Your 2-Week Trial — $20
- 2 full weeks of unlimited classes
- Try any program — Kids, Teens, or Adults
- Free uniform included
- No contracts, no commitments
- Full refund if your child doesn't love it
The Forge Standard
Not all martial arts schools are built the same. Here is what we believe every student deserves.
Most Gyms
The Forge Standard
Part-time coaches between other jobs
Full-time dedicated staff who chose this as their career
Whoever is available teaches class
Background checked, SafeSport certified coaches only
No structured curriculum
A clear belt-to-belt growth path with purpose behind every step
Cheap interlocking puzzle mats
High-end Tatami mats built for serious training
Cleaned when it looks dirty
Sanitized multiple times daily
Coach today, gone tomorrow
Long-term mentors who know your child by name
One-size-fits-all classes
Age and developmentally specific programs
Emergency? Hope for the best
CPR certified staff and AED on site
Character development as an afterthought
Word of the Month life skills program built into every class
Parents drop off and hope
Parents are partners in their child's growth
Everyone sits out sometimes
No bench — every student trains every class
Belts handed out on a schedule
Every belt is earned through demonstrated mastery
Focus on technique only
Martial arts is the method, character is the goal
World Champion instructors? Unlikely
World Champion and Hall of Fame instructors on staff
Come see the difference for yourself.
What Forge Families Are Saying
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Holli Figueras Detweiler
"We just started with Forge but my son loves it! The facility is clean and the owner and staff do a wonderful job with all the kids! I know my son will learn so much more than self defense here!"
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Jason Palagi
"We love Forge Martial Arts! Our boys learn so much more than just taekwondo. Matt teaches them respect, confidence and self esteem. Matt is amazing with kids and his wife Stephanie is a huge help too."
S
Samantha Slay McDonald
"Matt and Stephanie have created such a welcoming family environment, not just for the kids, but for the parents too. Our son has been going for over a year and started with Taekwondo and then he and his husband both started Jiu-Jitsu as well. They both love their classes at Forge. They not only teach the physical techniques but really nurture the mental skills — responsibility, leadership, honor, discipline, respect. I feel like this program is helping to shape these kids into strong and confident leaders."
S
Stacy De La Rosa
"Our family is so fortunate to have come across Forge. Mr. Christenot is really amazing with the kids, and adults too! Everyone is not only learning, but having fun doing it. What sets Forge apart is community and family being a big part of the school. We just love it here."
Have a Question?
Send us a message and Coach Matt will get back to you — usually within the hour.
Try Forge For 2 Weeks.
If your child doesn't love it — full refund. No questions. No awkward conversations. We're that confident in what we do.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL · 850-585-5787