Where Warriors Are Made, Not Born
Look, I didn't wake up one day and decide to open just another gym. Back in 2018, I was training out of a cramped warehouse space with barely enough room to swing a kettlebell without hitting someone. But that's where the magic happened.
I'd spent years competing in powerlifting and doing amateur MMA fights on weekends - nothing fancy, just pure grit. What bugged me was watching people bounce between fancy gyms with zero results because nobody actually gave a damn about their progress. Just sign up, swipe your card, see ya never.
So I started coaching a few folks on the side. Word spread. Suddenly I had fighters training next to office workers, all pushing each other harder than they ever thought possible. That's when I knew we needed something different - a place where you're not just a membership number.
Thalorien Empire started in that warehouse with eight barbells, some beat-up mats, and a crew of people who wanted more. We've grown, sure, but we haven't forgotten what this is really about - showing up, putting in the work, and building something that lasts.
Founder & Head Coach
There's no fluff here. We're not about 30-day transformations or magic pills. Real strength takes time, discipline, and honestly? A bit of suffering. But that's the point - you don't build an empire by taking shortcuts.
We track numbers because they don't lie. Every session is about getting stronger, faster, or tougher than last time.
You'll train alongside people who'll push you harder than any coach ever could. That's the real secret sauce.
We celebrate PRs, competition wins, and those moments when you finally nail that lift you've been chasing for months.
Form comes before weight. Safety comes before showing off. We build athletes, not hospital patients.
To create a space where regular people can train like athletes, where beginners feel supported not intimidated, and where everyone - from the accountant trying to get strong to the fighter prepping for a bout - gets the coaching and community they deserve. That's the empire we're building.
Seven years of growth, one rep at a time
Started with 800 square feet, eight members, and enough determination to move mountains. First powerlifting meet hosted in that cramped space - 12 lifters, standing room only.
Moved to our current 5,000 sq ft facility on Empire Avenue. Added MMA cage and Olympic lifting platforms. Membership hit 150. First athlete qualified for national powerlifting championships.
Yeah, pandemic hit hard. But we adapted - virtual coaching, outdoor training sessions in the parking lot. Lost some folks but gained respect from those who stayed and fought through it with us.
Reopened with new energy. Hired three additional coaches - all former competitive athletes. Launched nutrition coaching program. First member hit a 600lb deadlift (still gives me chills).
Three athletes qualified for international competition. Won "Best Strength Facility" from Vancouver Fitness Association. Membership crossed 300. Added recovery zone with cold plunge and sauna.
Launched youth strength program for teen athletes. Hosted first annual Thalorien Empire Open - 200+ competitors from across BC. Started scholarship program for aspiring competitive lifters.
Five provincial records broken by our athletes. Upgraded to state-of-the-art equipment. Partnership with local MMA promotion. Team grew to 10 full-time coaches. 450+ active members.
We're not done yet. This year's about taking everything we've learned and making it even better. New programs launching, more events planned, and honestly? Just excited to see what our members accomplish next.
We don't just talk the talk - we've got the papers to prove we know what we're doing
All our strength coaches hold Level 2 or higher certification. We train by the book, then throw the book at heavy weights.
Direct relationships with physiotherapists and sports docs. When stuff happens, we've got you covered with the right people.
Licensed through BC Athletic Commission. Our MMA coaches aren't just tough - they're certified to teach technique properly and safely.
NCCP certified coaches who've competed nationally. Snatch and clean & jerk aren't just words we throw around - we live it.
PN Level 1 & 2 certified nutrition coaches on staff. No fad diets or BS - just evidence-based eating strategies that actually work.
Best Strength Facility 2022 & 2024. Vancouver's Choice Awards. Recognized by athletes who actually train here, not just magazine editors.
Stop thinking about it. Start building something real. Your first session's on us - let's see what you're made of.