How We Got Started
Back in 2018, I was tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter gym experience everywhere.
You know what I'm talking about - rows of treadmills, judgmental vibes, and nobody actually pushing their limits. I'd been coaching athletes for years and kept thinking... there's gotta be a better way to do this.
So yeah, Emberfall Citadel started in a 1200 sq ft warehouse space with basically nothing but barbells, kettlebells, and a whole lot of ambition. The name? It came from this idea that you've gotta burn away the old version of yourself to build something stronger. Like a phoenix thing, but way less cheesy.
Our Journey
The Beginning
Started with 23 members in that tiny warehouse. Everyone thought we were crazy, but those folks became like family. We trained hard, learned together, and proved the concept worked.
Growing Pains
Despite everything happening that year, we actually expanded. Moved to our current spot on Granville with 5000 sq ft of pure training space. Added nutrition coaching 'cause I realized people needed more than just workouts.
Building the Team
Brought on five incredible coaches who actually get it. Not just certified robots reading from a script - these are people who've lived the lifestyle and wanna help others find their strength.
Today & Tomorrow
We've got over 300 members now, but it still feels like that tight community from day one. Looking ahead, we're focused on keeping that vibe alive while helping even more people discover what they're capable of.
What We Actually Believe
Look, we're not gonna feed you some motivational poster nonsense. Here's what really matters to us:
Intensity Over Everything
You can't get extraordinary results from ordinary effort. We push hard because that's where the magic happens. But there's a difference between challenging and stupid - we know where that line is.
Real Community
This isn't some Instagram fitness fantasy. When you're grinding through a brutal workout, the person next to you matters. We've built something special here where everyone actually gives a damn about each other's progress.
Progress You Can See
We track everything that matters. Not just how you look in the mirror, but what you can actually do. Lifting heavier, moving faster, feeling better - that's the stuff that keeps you coming back.
Smart Training
High-intensity doesn't mean reckless. Every workout's got a purpose, every movement's got proper form, and we're not here to break you - we're here to build you up the right way.
Our 5000 sq ft training facility on Granville Street
Meet the Crew
These are the folks who'll be in the trenches with you. No egos, just solid coaches who love what they do.
Marcus Chen
Head Coach
Former competitive weightlifter who's been coaching for 8 years. Knows his stuff inside and out.
Sarah Mitchell
HIIT Specialist
She'll make you question your life choices during a workout, but you'll thank her after. Trust me.
Andre Johnson
Strength Coach
Powerlifting background with a knack for fixing movement patterns. Great at making complex stuff simple.
Lisa Nakamura
Nutrition Coach
Registered dietitian who actually gets that real people can't eat chicken and rice forever. Practical advice only.
Ryan O'Connor
Functional Fitness
CrossFit Level 3 trainer with a gymnastics background. Makes impossible movements look easy.
Maya Rodriguez
Group Classes
Brings the energy every single class. Former athlete who transitioned to coaching and never looked back.
Ready to See What You're Made Of?
Come check us out for yourself. First class is on us - no strings attached, no sales pitch. Just see if we're a good fit.
Get Started