About ProFriction
Our mission is to create, organize, and facilitate inspiring fitness-retreat experiences around the world. We believe that physically challenging experiences create opportunities for its participants to learn more about themselves, connect deeply with the community around them, and forego preconceived personal limitations.
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ProFriction was founded in 2024 by a team of individuals who seek to continuously challenge themselves and embrace the discomfort that inevitably follows. We are specifically inspired by the science of willpower and the scientific literature surrounding a brain region called the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC). The growth of this brain region is associated with an increase in our physiological and cognitive capacity for discipline and willpower. These benefits translate to not only our academic, professional, and personal life, but importantly our lifespan and longevity. That being said, the research indicates that the aMCC only grows when we do things that we don’t want to do. Cold showers, running especially on days we don’t want to, and signing up for an adventure race that may seem daunting at first.
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Therefore, we believe that facilitating these unique adventure experiences will not only give people more opportunities to challenge themselves, but also create a strong sense of community that is born from the shared mindset of embracing the challenge and enjoying the adventure.
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Can't wait to see you out there.
Meet Our Team
Jackie Chan -
Co-Founder, Director of Membership
​Jackie co-founded ProFriction with a vision to build a global community that embraces life’s challenges as opportunities for growth and adventure. Drawing on his extensive backpacking experiences across Asia, he has cultivated strong relationships with international partners. Through these connections, Jackie is committed to organizing unparalleled adventure races, such as the upcoming event in the Gobi Desert, that offer participants truly unique and transformative experiences.
Steven Sakamoto - Director of Marketing
Alex Charles -
Co-Founder, Director of Fundraising
Alex co-founded ProFriction with a deep belief in the transformative power of adventure. Viewing life’s challenges as catalysts for personal growth, he is passionate about creating events that push participants beyond their limits, fostering both physical and philosophical development. Through ProFriction, Alex is dedicated to offering immersive adventure races that not only test endurance but also inspire real, lasting change in those who take part.
Jeree Mawardi - Director of Training
