How It All Started
Look, I'm not gonna feed you some polished corporate story about "following my passion." Truth is, I got tired of seeing gyms that were all flash and no substance.
Back in 2018, I'd just wrapped up 8 years competing in MMA circuits across Canada and the States. Had some wins, took some losses, learned a hell of a lot along the way. When I came back to Vancouver, every gym I walked into felt... wrong. Either it was all mirrors and Instagram poses, or hardcore meatheads gatekeeping every piece of equipment.
So I said screw it - let's build something different. A place where fighters train next to first-timers. Where Olympic lifters share space with folks just trying to get stronger. Where everyone's got their own journey, their own chronicle to write.
Started with 12 members in a warehouse space that barely had heating. Now? We've got over 400 athletes walking through these doors, and honestly, that's still wild to me.
Meet the Founder
Draven Thron
Head Coach & Founder
Former MMA fighter, Olympic lifting coach, and someone who's probably had too much coffee talking to you right now.
Credentials: CSCS, USAW Level 2, Precision Nutrition Level 1
Fight Record: 18-7-0 (Retired 2018)
What We're Actually About
- No judgement, just progression - doesn't matter if you're lifting 45lbs or 405lbs
- Real coaching, not just counting reps while scrolling phones
- Combat sports taught by people who've actually fought, not just watched YouTube
- Building community, not followers - we actually know your name here
Our Journey
The Beginning
Opened doors with 12 members in a 2,000 sq ft warehouse. Had one squat rack and a whole lot of ambition.
First Expansion
Hit 100 members and expanded into the adjacent unit. Added our first Olympic lifting platform and boxing ring.
Pandemic Pivot
Yeah, that sucked. Started virtual coaching and outdoor bootcamps. Our members stuck with us - that meant everything.
Championship Wins
Three of our fighters won provincial titles. One qualified for nationals. Proud doesn't even cover it.
New Location
Moved to Granville Street. 8,500 sq ft of pure training space. Full MMA cage, 6 lifting platforms, recovery room - the works.
Team Growth
Brought on 4 specialized coaches. Now offering nutrition coaching and performance assessments. Getting fancy, but not too fancy.
Community Impact
Launched free self-defense classes for local youth. Partnered with Vancouver rec centers. Giving back feels damn good.
Right Now
Over 400 members strong. Still growing, still learning, still making this thing better every single day.
400+
Active Members
8,500
Sq Ft Facility
7
Years Strong
