MARCUS "STONE" VALERIUS

Founder & Head Combat Instructor

Our Mission

FORGE YOUR STRENGTH IN THE SHADOWS

Look, I'm gonna level with you. This place didn't start as some fancy gym concept dreamed up in a boardroom. Back in 2019, I was training fighters out of a grimy warehouse with leaky pipes and zero heat in winter. But those warriors? They showed up anyway.

The Citadel's built on something real - the idea that true strength isn't polished or pretty. It's raw, it's earned through sweat and sometimes a bit of blood. We're not here to coddle anyone or sell you some fantasy transformation in 30 days.

What we do here is strip away the nonsense. Whether you're training MMA, swinging medieval weapons for conditioning, or grinding through our obstacle courses - you're gonna find out what you're actually made of. And yeah, it's gonna hurt sometimes. That's the whole point.

We don't create champions. We forge warriors who refuse to quit when things get hard.

Explore Training Programs

THE CITADEL'S EVOLUTION

From underground warehouse to Vancouver's most feared training ground

2019

The Warehouse Days

Started with 8 fighters, some beat-up mats, and a dream. No AC, no frills - just pure training. That first year taught me more about grit than any certification ever could.

2021

Moving to Fortress Avenue

Word spread fast. We outgrew the warehouse and found our current fortress. 12,000 square feet of training space. Added the medieval combat program - turns out swinging battle axes is one hell of a workout.

2023

Building the Gauntlet

Constructed our custom obstacle course - "The Gauntlet." It's broke more people than I can count, but those who finish it? Different breed entirely. Added bootcamp programs for civilians who wanted that military-style intensity.

2025

The Citadel Today

Over 300 active warriors training here. We've produced amateur champions, helped law enforcement with tactical fitness, and created a community that doesn't quit. The mission hasn't changed - we just got better at it.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

We're not your typical fitness center. There's no juice bar, no selfie mirrors, and you won't find any motivational posters with eagles on 'em. What you will find is authentic combat training that's been tested in real fights, real competitions, and real life.

Everyone who walks through our doors gets the same treatment - respect, honesty, and intensity. Doesn't matter if you're a pro fighter or someone who hasn't worked out in years. You show up, put in the work, and we'll push you further than you thought possible.

The warriors who train here? They're not paying for a gym membership. They're investing in becoming something more. And yeah, that sounds dramatic, but come train with us for a month and you'll get it.

Join the Brotherhood

MEET THE CORE INSTRUCTORS

Battle-tested warriors who've earned their scars

ELENA "VIPER" CRUZ

MMA & Striking Specialist

15 years in the cage. She'll teach you combinations that actually work when someone's trying to take your head off.

DMITRI "HAMMER" VOLKOV

Strength & Combat Conditioning

Former special forces. His conditioning programs have prepared operators for real combat scenarios. No BS, just results.

JAMES "IRONSIDE" MACKENZIE

Medieval Combat & Functional Strength

Historical combat expert who'll make you question everything you thought you knew about functional fitness. Swinging a war hammer builds character.