ABOUT
The Takedown Way
We're dedicated to helping you takedown your goals.
Founded in 2014, Takedown is a locally-owned (we’re NOT a franchise!), state-of-the-art gym and training facility located in Brainerd, Minnesota. Featuring two saunas, a childcare center, yoga studio, Reformer Pilates studio and much more. At Takedown, we cater to wrestlers, aspiring athletes, and anyone who wants to do fitness differently.
What sets us apart?
We have the knowledge, expertise, experience, passion, and willingness to help others achieve their goals. we’re one of a kind, and that is exactly how we treat our clients.
Whether you’re looking to takedown your opponent, takedown your weight, or takedown your own limitations, we’ll be there with you every step of the way. You know you’re training the Takedown Way when you set a goal, get after it, and ultimately take it down.
Yours for the taking.
The Takedown Gym philosophy encompasses drive, intensity, personal goals, and fitness strength. Where determination and commitment meet attitude and motivation to exceed your expectations.
We believe in providing the highest quality of wrestling training and a clean, industry leading facility designed to develop and build your individual fitness level and athletic goals.
Joe Ciardelli, MS, CSCS, RSCC
Manager/Director of Strength & Conditioning
Joe Knows Strength…
Joe Ciardelli’s life goal is to help others achieve their dreams – and that’s not just lip service. A NSCA Certified and Registered Strength and Training Coach with more than 25 years experience, Joe has worked with some of the most elite athletes in the biz—NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA players, and Olympic athletes, just to name a few. But, don’t think he’ll go easy on you if you don’t plan to go pro. Joe’s philosophy on training: Hard work pays off.
As Takedown’s Director of Strength and Conditioning, Joe leads beginning, intermediate, and advanced group exercise sessions. You better believe he will help you take down your goals – whether your sights are set on an NHL contract, a higher vertical, or a smaller waist size.
Joe holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Exercise Management from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and a Masters in Sports Management from St. Cloud State University.
After hitting it hard at the gym, Joe likes to play hockey as well as coach youth hockey, fish, and spend time with family and friends. He lives in Nisswa with his wife, Sarah, and their two children, Logan and Samantha.
Bronson Shepherd
Director of Personal Training
Bronson grew up in the Brainerd Lakes Area and graduated from Brainerd High School in 2008. He was a three sport athlete for the Warriors where he played hockey, football and baseball.
He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science. Bronson was also a two sport athlete at Concordia playing hockey and football.
After graduating from college he moved down to the Twin Cities and worked as a personal trainer at Discover Strength for 7 years. During his time at Discover Strength he was the Director of Operations where he managed two facilities in Plymouth and Chanhassen. Along with managing, Bronson’s main priority was to help his clients reach their goals through continuous, tough, efficient, workouts.
Bronson has his American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist certification.
During Bronson’s free time he likes to spend time with his wife, Melissa and his three daughters. He enjoys all sports, especially a good round of golf, boating, fishing and refereeing hockey in the winter!
Sydnee Johnson
Director of Member Services & Daycare
Favorite activity outside of Takedown: Coaching & playing softball
Interested in Touring Takedown?
Give us a call or stop in and speak to one of our member services staff.
We’d love to show you around.
Download the App
Download the free Takedown mobile app today! Free for Iphone and Android devices.
Check-in, view training schedules, sign-up for classes, and much more.