Dominate humbly
Chase the PR, then help the person next to you get theirs. Train hard, stay grounded and leave the ego at the door.
“If I'm not crawling out of the gym, I didn't push myself enough.”
Est. 2013 · Los Angeles
DominateHumbly
Founded by Bart & Geo Kwan. Powered by community.
Our story · Est. 2013
Started by Bart & Geo
Barbell Brigade started in 2013 with two people and one idea. Bart and Geo Kwan wanted a gym for lifters who take their training seriously, with a crew that has each other's backs and none of the ego.
They built the gym the same way they built their community online: by showing up, sharing what they know and bringing people along with them. Thirteen years later, that's still how the Brigade runs.
Bart & Geo Kwan, founders
-
01
The name
Bart and Geo came up with Barbell Brigade while brainstorming over a meal. They wanted a name that was short, strong and straight to the point.
-
02
The room
It started as a dim, bare room in Los Angeles. Rack by rack and platform by platform, it grew into a full powerlifting gym built for people who come to work.
-
03
The motto
Bart coined Dominate Humbly. Push yourself to the limit, and never think you're above anyone on the floor. It's been the rule here ever since.
-
04
The family
Members came for the racks and stayed for each other. Geo has always said the Brigade is more family than gym, and the people here prove it every day.
-
13
13 years strong
In 2026 we celebrated 13 years in Los Angeles. New faces, same floor, same idea Bart and Geo started with.
If you can put your mind to changing your body, you can then begin changing your life.
The Brigade code
What we stand for
The values Bart and Geo built the gym on, and the ones every member still lives by.
More family than gym
People here know your name, your lifts and your goals. Members show up for each other and push everyone to be better.
“Rather than be just a gym community, the people are more like family.”
Every level
Our coaches compete, and they'll still walk you through your first squat. Experienced lifters pass on what they know.
“Your training level doesn't matter.”
