Where It All Started
Look, I'll be straight with you - this place wasn't built on some fancy business plan or trust fund money. Jade Venom Bastion started in a cramped warehouse space with secondhand mats and a dream that probably seemed crazy to most people.
Back in 2018, I'd been training fighters for years at other gyms, watching talented people get pushed through cookie-cutter programs that didn't respect their individual journey. After my third argument with management about "efficiency over effectiveness," I knew it was time to do my own thing.
The name? People always ask about that. "Jade" represents the strength and resilience you find in traditional martial arts - it's been around forever and it doesn't break easy. "Venom" is that edge, that killer instinct you need when you step into the ring or onto the mats. And "Bastion"? That's what we are - a stronghold where you can build yourself into something unstoppable.
Started with maybe 12 members who believed in what we're doing here. Now we've got over 200 warriors training under this roof, from complete beginners who've never thrown a punch to pro fighters prepping for their next bout. Some days I still can't believe it.
We've had students go from their first awkward jab to stepping into amateur competitions. Watched shy kids turn into confident young adults through BJJ. Seen people drop 50 pounds and completely transform their lives. That's the stuff that keeps me showing up at 5 AM every morning.
"This isn't about building fighters - though we do that well. It's about building people who can handle whatever life throws at them. The ring just happens to be our classroom."
Every bruise earned here, every technique mastered, every personal record broken - it all matters. We're not trying to be the biggest gym in Vancouver. We're trying to be the realest.
How We Roll
These aren't just words on a wall - this is literally how we operate every single day.
Respect First, Always
Doesn't matter if you're a white belt or a black belt, if you're here to train and improve, you're one of us. We've got zero tolerance for ego trips or gym bullies. Leave that nonsense at the door.
You'll tap out. You'll get submitted. You'll miss shots. That's part of the game, and we respect the process.
Progress Over Perfection
Nobody walks in here knowing everything, and honestly? The people who think they do are the hardest to coach. We're all just trying to get 1% better than yesterday.
Your competition isn't the person next to you - it's the version of yourself from last week.
Community Isn't Optional
When you train here, you're not just a membership number. You'll know people's names, they'll know yours. We celebrate wins together and we lift each other up when training gets tough.
Some of our best friendships started with someone getting choked out during sparring. It's just how it works here.
Real Training, Real Results
We're not selling quick fixes or 30-day transformations. This is legitimate combat sports training taught by people who've actually been in the cage, the ring, and on the competition mats.
If you're looking for Instagram-friendly workouts, there's plenty of boutique studios around. We're here for people who want actual skills.
Safety Is Non-Negotiable
Yeah, we train hard and things get intense. But controlled intensity with proper technique isn't the same as reckless chaos. Our coaches watch everything, and they'll shut down anything that crosses the line.
You can't train if you're injured, so we make sure everyone goes home in one piece.
Adapt or Get Left Behind
Combat sports are constantly evolving, and so are we. Our coaches are always learning new techniques, attending seminars, and bringing back fresh knowledge to share with you.
What worked five years ago might not cut it today. We stay current so you stay competitive.
