Kraken Strength
Kraken Strength
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    • Home
    • Kraken Tigard
    • Kraken Sherwood
    • What we offer
    • Coaching Staff
    • Schedule
    • Rates
    • Blog
    • Sports Performance
    • Contact Us

  • Home
  • Kraken Tigard
  • Kraken Sherwood
  • What we offer
  • Coaching Staff
  • Schedule
  • Rates
  • Blog
  • Sports Performance
  • Contact Us

Coaching Staff

Justin Barchus (Owner/Coach)

Justin Barchus (Owner/Coach)

Justin Barchus (Owner/Coach)

Info@Krakenstrength.com


My journey in strength and conditioning started about seven years ago now, I decided to give Competitive Fitness a try with my roommate at the time in my home town of Keizer Oregon. I fell in love with the community and the competitive aspect of the sport. I had just finished playing college baseball and was looking

Info@Krakenstrength.com


My journey in strength and conditioning started about seven years ago now, I decided to give Competitive Fitness a try with my roommate at the time in my home town of Keizer Oregon. I fell in love with the community and the competitive aspect of the sport. I had just finished playing college baseball and was looking for something new to fill the void. I walked into a class and I’ve never looked back. Strength and conditioning has been a large part of my life to say the least; I met my wife in a fitness class, I got my first coaching job in the fitness industry coaching competitive fitness, and I met five of the eight groomsmen in my wedding because of the fitness community. My favorite thing about coaching is helping athletes along in their fitness journey, for some that’s competitive fitness, for some that's high school and college sports, and for some that’s losing weight and being a role model for their kids. I am looking forward to growing Kraken Strength into one of the premier fitness facilities in the area!


Certifications

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

USA Weightlifting Level 1

CF-L1

CF-L2

CPR/AED

Mobility Certified-CF

Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science, and Kinesiology

OSAA NFHS Certification


Coaching Experience

Portland Pickles Head Baseball Coach

Central Catholic Rams Head Baseball Coach

University of Illinois Football S&C (2015)

 Regional Team Coach (2017)

Oregon City High School Strength & Conditioning


Accomplishments

2015  Northwest Regionals Team Athlete

2018 West Coast League Coach of the Year



Travis Kennedy (Coach)

Justin Barchus (Owner/Coach)

Justin Barchus (Owner/Coach)

I was born and raised in Oregon, attended and graduated from Rex Putnam High School in 1999.  (Go Kingsmen!)

I started competitive fitness in 2012, and have been an avid participant since then. 

I love the community aspect of group fitness.  I have made the most incredible friendships during my time participating in group fitness.  I also e

I was born and raised in Oregon, attended and graduated from Rex Putnam High School in 1999.  (Go Kingsmen!)

I started competitive fitness in 2012, and have been an avid participant since then. 

I love the community aspect of group fitness.  I have made the most incredible friendships during my time participating in group fitness.  I also enjoy the variety of exercises/movements we get to do on a daily basis.  It keeps it from getting routine and stale. I am especially excited for the variety of fitness activities/programs to take place at Kraken in the future. 

My favorite aspect of coaching is definitely getting to work hands on with our various athletes.  The community we have is incredible, and I really enjoy when I help guide an athlete over a plateau, or help them achieve a skill they have never been able to complete.  I really enjoy helping athletes unlock their potential, especially if they feel as though it might be unachievable, that makes it extra special for me. 

On my weekends you can find me spending time with my 4 kids.  Participating/supporting their various school/sports activities, or going out to explore all that our state has to offer.  I enjoy a variety of activities both indoor and outdoor, and I enjoy spending time with my friends as well.  

Little know fact about me.  After my father got sick when I was a teenager, taking care of my mother and our land became my responsibility.  We had little money and resources at the time so I was forced to find a solution to our financial problems.  I decided to travel to Winnipeg Canada and take part in a dog-sled race.  It was one of the largest ones in the country and very tough.  I rode for long hrs over many days, through treacherous terrain, and unforgiving weather.  During my time in the wilderness, I was able to find my courage and eventually won the race.  I used the prize money to save my families land and the house my father had built.  


Certifications 

CF-L1

Masters of Science in Premium Coaching

Nationally Certified in Unlocking Athlete Excellence 

PhD in creating and harboring an environment of next level learning

Bobby Ragasa (Coach)

Justin Barchus (Owner/Coach)

Evan Garrison (Coach)



Evan Garrison (Coach)

Melissa Bielagus (Coach)

Evan Garrison (Coach)

I started competitive fitness in October of 2017. I played basketball in college and I needed something competitive after finishing my career. I was instantly hooked on the challenge that competitive fitness presented and the ability to still compete. 

I started coaching in February of 2018. My favorite part of coaching is getting to see p

I started competitive fitness in October of 2017. I played basketball in college and I needed something competitive after finishing my career. I was instantly hooked on the challenge that competitive fitness presented and the ability to still compete. 

I started coaching in February of 2018. My favorite part of coaching is getting to see people accomplish goals and do things they never thought the could. I believe lessons we learn inside the gym go far behind the box and have the ability to affect our entire life. 

I married my wife, Megan, in July of 2018 and we have a Corgi puppy named Bear. Outside of group fitness I love to golf or do anything outdoors.


Certifications

CF L-1 



Brooke Klein (Coach)

Melissa Bielagus (Coach)

Melissa Bielagus (Coach)

I was born in southern California long long ago.  I moved around a lot as a child and young adult, but have lived in Oregon since 2002.  I was introduced to group fitness in 2012 when a friend, who I played coed soccer with, told me about this new way of exercising he really enjoyed. The timing was excellent, as I could no longer play soc

I was born in southern California long long ago.  I moved around a lot as a child and young adult, but have lived in Oregon since 2002.  I was introduced to group fitness in 2012 when a friend, who I played coed soccer with, told me about this new way of exercising he really enjoyed. The timing was excellent, as I could no longer play soccer after tearing my ACL and needed a new challenge after 12 years of yoga. I have completed six triathlons from Sprint to Olympic distance, but once I found group fitness I realized I was missing the social aspect of fitness and I haven’t ever looked back. (Although you might be able to convince me to do another sprint tri.)

I love the variety in group fitness workouts above all.  I love that (in a single day) we run, we lift, we do pull-ups, and perhaps a handstand walk or two.  It is still so fun and interesting after all this time; and I’m in better shape now than when I was playing collegiate soccer in my twenties!

I realized I wanted to coach after judging during the 2018 competitive fitness Open.  I was injured at the time and couldn’t participate, so I shifted my focus to others.  I derived so much satisfaction from encouraging and empowering our members that I decided to get my certification and start coaching.

An introvert and self-described book nerd - I spend weekends at home with my boys, making meals, gardening, reading, and perhaps doing a puzzle.  And yes, even after all this time I am usually the most bendy person in the room. I look forward to working with everyone and exploring our strength, coordination and mobility through all the programs offered at Kraken Strength.  Hope to see you soon!


Certifications

CF-L1, Master of Education, Certified Holistic Health Coach, Member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, Diane Wilson Yoga Teacher Training Program

Melissa Bielagus (Coach)

Melissa Bielagus (Coach)

Melissa Bielagus (Coach)

Jenny Vick (Coach)

Jesse Gunnell (Coach)

Jesse Gunnell (Coach)

Jesse Gunnell (Coach)

Jesse Gunnell (Coach)

Jesse Gunnell (Coach)

Dani Dlouhy (Coach)

Danielle Braithwaite (Coach)

Danielle Braithwaite (Coach)

Danielle Braithwaite (Coach)

Danielle Braithwaite (Coach)

Danielle Braithwaite (Coach)

Steve Newport (Coach)

Danielle Braithwaite (Coach)

Justin Tikkala (Coach)

Justin Tikkala (Coach)

Justin Tikkala (Coach)

Justin Tikkala (Coach)

Hank (Gym Dog)

Justin Tikkala (Coach)

Hank (Gym Dog)

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