About Us
Forge was founded in 2013 with a vision to use martial arts as a way to build stronger people, stronger character, and a stronger community. Ryan started Forge with a passion for coaching and a calling to pour into the youth of Pagosa Springs. In the summer of 2019, Morganne joined him, and together they began expanding the programs and mission of Forge in powerful ways—growing from 15 students to over 200.
What began as a martial arts school has become something much deeper: a shared mission and God-given partnership. Ryan and Morganne found not only an incredible marriage, but an incredible purpose together. Their life’s work is to invest in the youth and families of this community, helping students develop character through combat and greatness through resilience.
At Forge, teaching is more than a profession—it is a calling. Ryan and Morganne are passionate about creating an environment where students are challenged, encouraged, and shaped into stronger versions of themselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through martial arts, fitness, and movement, they are committed to helping others discover their purpose, grow in confidence, and live lives that make a difference.
Both Ryan and Morganne bring extensive martial arts backgrounds, years of coaching experience, and a deep love for people into every class they lead. Their heart is to create a place where students are not only trained in skill, but forged in leadership, grit, faith, and character.
“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.”
— Bruce Lee
Professor Ryan
Ryan’s coaching journey began early. With his dad serving as a pee wee wrestling coach, Ryan spent much of his childhood in the wrestling room. Right out of high school, he stepped into coaching himself—and he has been coaching ever since.
Ryan began his martial arts training in Jeet Kune Do, where he was deeply impacted by the philosophy of Bruce Lee. From there, he quickly gravitated toward the grappling side of martial arts and began studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Earning his black belt under Carlson Gracie Jr. became one of the most difficult—and most rewarding—journeys of his life.
Ryan has a deep passion for coaching and for creating an environment that is both supportive and challenging. His goal is to build grit in his students, call them to higher levels of discipline and focus, and use his passion to strengthen the community around him.
bjj Lineage
Mitsu Maeda
Carlos Gracie
Carlos Gracie Jr.
Ryan Foster
Coach Morganne
Morganne began martial arts at just 9 years old in a small town in the Texas Panhandle. As a shy and timid young girl, she was drawn to karate because it looked fun—but what began as curiosity became a lifelong journey of transformation, strength, and purpose.
More than 21 years later, martial arts has taken her around the world. She has competed internationally four times and in numerous states, including China, Turkey, Barbados, Bermuda, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Florida, and more. She earned a black belt in MMA and is currently working toward earning another black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Morganne’s mission is to help others live into their greatness through martial arts and fitness. She is especially passionate about working with the youth of the community, inspiring each student to positively impact the world around them—big or small. She believes that we all matter, and she strives to help her students build lives they love and learn to love the lives they live.
Her classes are designed to challenge students mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually—while also creating joy, connection, and growth along the way.