Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Sanders.
Hi Christopher, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Christopher Sanders, most know me as Coach Bam. I believe that my journey reflects a strong commitment to personal growth, community engagement and mentorship. I am the owner and CEO of Train With F.O.C.U.S. (Faith, Obedience, Community, Unity, Success). The program aims to develop not just skilled athletes, but also well rounded individuals who are engaged in their communities and equipped with life skills. I have coached and trained in the states of California, Florida, Georgia and Texas.
I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. I am a veteran with 12 years of honorable service. I served in both the United States Air Force and Army. I joined the Armed Forces at the age of 17. I learned early in life to demonstrate a deep commitment to discipline and hard work, values that undoubtedly enrich my coaching philosophy.
I have a global perspective after serving in various countries (Germany, Korea and Kuwait) (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn). After deploying to a combat zone in the Middle East after 9/11 it helped broaden my understanding of diverse cultures and teamwork which helps me impart this to my athletes.
After separating honorably from the military in 2012. I moved to Houston, Texas briefly for one year and then to California. Los Angeles was a huge move for me because once there I was able to showcase my dedication to coaching and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. I always loved sports and coached while I was in the service but here I was able to commit and pursue my passion full -time.
During this time I was able to partner with the Snoop Youth Football League which highlighted my commitment to developing young talent and fostering community connections. I was finally able to maximize my time and focus on something that truly brought joy into my life.
I recently moved to Houston in June of 2024. It was about obedience this time for me, not comfort. My faith in God was supreme. It was a tough time for me because I had faced another rebuild in my life. As soon as I arrived Hurricane Beryl struck Houston. This was tough for me since I was still in transition and trying to find housing. I had to illustrate resilience and adaptability during this challenging time in my life.
Obedience to God’s word and discipleship were two things that helped guide my decisions and actions through a tough season of my life. My faith has been the catalyst to my success in this season my life. I was able to find a church home and operate in service and community was formed around me. I recently traveled to Ghana with my church family in November of 2025 and it was life changing.
Since then I have created a business that has been producing with the support of those around me. Initiatives and impacts have been created. I held my first even “Ignite Your Potential” for the youth here in Houston, Texas and it was a success. Launching this event for the youth in Houston is a significant step in empowering the next generation. I am focused on developing not just athletes but well-rounded individuals. I have partnered with organizations as well to promote Men and Women’s Mental Health. This helps create a holistic approach to coaching, addressing both physical and mental well-being.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Transitioning from military to civilian life was indeed a challenging journey, especially after dedicating over a decade to the Armed Forces. The shift from a structured environment to the often less predictable civilian world involves several adjustments.
I had an identity shift. I had to redefine myself. I was no longer just a service member. I was transitioning into various roles, such as job seeker, student and community member.
I had a career transition. Figuring out what I wanted to do post military was overwhelming. It was crucial for me to explore different career options. This required me to reflect on the skills that I acquired during service that could translate well into civilian jobs.
I had to learn to build a network outside of the military community which was a daunting task in a city like Los Angeles. I learned to engage with local veteran organizations and attend career fairs. This helped me create connections.
My mental health was affected because adjusting to civilian life created stress and feelings of isolation. I had to seek help from the professionals at the Veterans Affairs office. I also talked with other veterans which helped as well.
I had to become flexible because I was in a less structured environment. Hobbies such as coaching and training helped me navigate through the process. Ultimately, self-discovery is a process and transitioning from an active military member to civilian life was a struggle in the beginning but it taught me to adapt quickly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Train With F.O.C.U.S.?
The name of my company is Train With F.O.C.U.S.
(Faith, Obedience, Community, Unity, Success)
We provide a comprehensive physical training program tailored for youth, adults and seniors. Our mission is to enhance physical health, promote fitness education and foster a sense of community through engaging age-appropriate training.
What sets me apart from others is my customized approach to training. We work youth, adults and senior citizens. We tailor our workouts based on individual fitness levels, goals and preferences. This personalization ensures each participant gets the most out of their training.
We have a holistic focus. This incorporates elements beyond just physical fitness, such as mental resilience, nutrition guidance, and recovery techniques. This comprehensive approach supports overall well-being.
My experience and expertise with my military background helps me bring discipline, structure and a strong work ethic that can inspire and motivate participants.
We have a variety of training modalities. We offer a mix of training styles. Strength training, endurance, mobility and functional fitness. This helps to create engaging workouts and prevents plateaus.
We offer group workouts. This creates community support. Participants can encourage each other, share experiences and celebrate achievements with one another.
We track your progress and hold our clients accountable. Regular assessments and feedback sessions are implemented to track progress and to keep the client motivated.
We practice adaptability. Modification for certain exercises are done for those that are on different fitness levels. Inclusivity is important.
We focus on functional fitness. This emphasizes movements that enhance everyday performance. This is appealing to those looking to improve their overall quality of life.
Brand wise I am most proud of the fact that we are faith and community based. F.O.C.U.S. is all about community
We offer training programs.
-Youth Fitness Classes
-Adult Strength and Conditioning
-Senior Functional Fitness
We offer workshops.
-Nutrition and Wellness Seminars
-Injury Prevention and Management
We offer online training.
-Virtual classes and resources for remote participants
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I wouldn’t use the word luck. I believe faith, hard work and dedication have gotten me here. I would also say being disciplined and consistent has helped as well.
My faith in God has allowed me to believe in His purpose for my life. This instills the confidence needed to face challenges. My faith in God acts as a guiding principle motivating me to push through difficult times.
Success is rarely achieved without effort. I have dedicated time and energy to my goals, whether in training or personal development. Hard work has allowed me to grow and achieve the things that I have thus far.
I have been dedicated. I have stayed committed to my goals, even when faced with obstacles. I have an unwavering commitment to my destiny. This helps me maintain my focus and drive.
Discipline is necessary. I have established routines and adhere to them which helped me foster an environment of success. Discipline enables me to prioritize my goals and make consistent progress.
I practice consistency. I regularly put in effort regardless of the perceived outcome. I have been able to build momentum. My consistency has lead to gradual improvement and I have solidified habits that will contribute to my long-term success.
My achievements stem from a firm foundation of my faith in God rather than mere chance. I emphasize faith, hard work, dedication, discipline and consistency to hopefully inspire others to adapt similar mindsets in their own journeys.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @coachbam_
- Youtube: @train_withfocus
