Gray Beard Forge MMA

Every great team has someone working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly, and at Gray Beard Forge MMA & Jiu-Jitsu, that person is Coach Adam Barron.

Adam serves as our Gym Manager, but he’s much more than that. On the mats, he’s a true tactician—an experienced black belt with a deep understanding of Jiu-Jitsu and an ability to break down techniques in a way that helps everyone improve.

But his greatest strength isn’t his knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu.

His superpower is how much he genuinely cares about his students.

Whether he’s helping a brand-new white belt find confidence, encouraging a competitor preparing for a tournament, or quietly handling the countless details that keep our gym running, Adam consistently puts others first. He invests in people, builds relationships, and helps create the positive culture that makes Gray Beard Forge special.

We’re grateful for his friendship, and his commitment to serving our community.

Thank you, Coach Adam, for everything you do both on and off the mats. What you do matters, and Gray Beard Forge is better because of you.

⚒️🥋

Our motto says it all: EARNED. NEVER GIVEN.

These rash guards and shorts are available now at the gym. Quantities and sizes are limited, so grab yours before they’re gone.

Every time you wear the Forge logo, you’re representing a team made up of veterans, first responders, competitors, parents, professionals, and everyday people committed to becoming better than they were yesterday.

📍 Gray Beard Forge MMA & Jiu-Jitsu
3150 Vail Ave.
Conway, Arkansas

Photo Credit: Footework Studios

https://www.thv11.com/article/life/people/saluting-heroes/conway-martial-arts-gym-veterans-first-responders/91-00489004-eaf0-48e4-8f4d-5a66628c04c0?fbclid=IwdGRjcASDFa9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeh7sUT3pbnYC3UraHC68P1oPws1E-inVbpHL8xzSc-ofXDM0ziYM3FdGBJoo_aem_462pdyy4nPkfoD0XSoyN3g

Conway martial arts gym offers veterans & first-responders a chance to wrestle with challenges of duty Founded by vets and cops for vets and cops, Conway's Gray Beard Forge offers free lessons as a service for the community and a way to wrestle with challenges of duty

Frontline Jiu-Jitsu at Gray Beard Forge MMA

What started as a small gathering has grown into a community of over 170 veterans and first responders who come together for more than just training. We show up to learn something new, test ourselves mentally and physically, sharpen our skills, and most importantly… support one another through life’s struggles.

You’ll find people encouraging each other, laughing together, sweating together, and helping one another carry burdens that most people never see.

No matter the reason, you are welcome here.

If you’re a veteran or first responder in Central Arkansas and you’re looking for purpose, growth, accountability, and good people — come train with us.

📍 3150 Vail Ave. Conway, AR
🕖 Every Saturday at 0700
🇺🇸 Free for Veterans & First Responders

You do not have to walk alone.

Photo Cred: Tate Settle

The hardest belt to earn in Jiu-Jitsu isn’t the black belt…

It’s the white belt.

Because the white belt requires you to defeat things most people spend their entire lives avoiding.

Fear.
Anxiety.
Ego.
Embarrassment.
The discomfort of walking into a room full of strangers.
The humility of realizing you’re not as capable as you thought you were.
The willingness to struggle, fail, learn, and keep showing up anyway.

A white belt represents courage and perseverance.

People see a beginner…
But coaches see something different.

We see a person stepping into adversity voluntarily.
We see someone choosing growth over comfort.
We see someone willing to be uncomfortable in order to become better.

And on the other side of that journey…

We’ve watched people lose 100 pounds.
We’ve watched people break free from addictions.
We’ve watched broken confidence turn into capability.
We’ve watched timid people become protectors of themselves and their families.
We’ve watched people battle anxiety, cope with PTSD, and finally find a real community built on honesty, struggle, accountability, and brotherhood.

That’s why the white belt matters.

Because before the techniques…
Before the stripes…
Before the medals…

You had to make the decision to walk through the door.

And for many people…
That was the hardest fight of all.

Some people are called to teach techniques. Others are called to shape lives. Coach RJ does both.

God clearly put it on his heart to pour into these kiddos — not just through Jiu-Jitsu, but by teaching them how to be respectful, disciplined, courageous, and kind. In a world that needs more good men leading from the front, we are incredibly thankful to have him on our team.

One thing we deeply respect about Coach RJ is that he authentically walks out his faith. He doesn’t shy away from praying on the mat, loving people well, and leading by example. The kids don’t just see a coach… they see a man of character.

Brother, thank you for the way you carry yourself, for the time you invest in others, and for the genuine love you show this community. You are making a difference far beyond the mats.

We appreciate you, Coach RJ. 🙏🥋

Putting in the work. | Earned. Never Given.