Our Story

Where sweat meets steel and warriors are built

Ignis Flare Citadel Team

What We're Really About

Forge Your Fire. Build Your Fortress.

Look, we're not gonna sugarcoat it - this place wasn't built for casual drop-ins looking for an easy ride. Back in 2019, I opened these doors because I was sick of seeing gyms that treated fitness like some kind of spa day. You want results? You gotta earn 'em.

We started in a cramped 2,000 sq ft warehouse with barely enough equipment to run a proper class. Just me, a couple of beat-up kettlebells, and a handful of folks who were tired of the same old treadmill routine. Fast forward to today - we've got a proper 12,000 sq ft facility right in the heart of Vancouver, and honestly? The vibe hasn't changed one bit.

Every coach here's been through the trenches. We're talking former fighters, competitive lifters, folks who've competed at national levels. We don't just teach this stuff - we live it, breathe it, and yeah, sometimes we bleed it too. That's the difference.

Our community? They're not clients, they're family. You'll see accountants training alongside MMA fighters, students pushing the same weights as construction workers. Everyone leaves their ego at the door and picks up a barbell instead.

Our Journey

Every fortress has its foundation story

March 2019

The Beginning

Started with 15 members in a warehouse that smelled like rubber and dreams. No AC, no fancy mirrors, just pure grit. People thought we'd close in six months.

November 2019

First Competition Team

Eight members competed in the BC Functional Fitness Challenge. Didn't win, but we showed up and threw down. That's when I knew we had something special brewing.

July 2021

Major Expansion

Moved to our current spot on Burrard. Triple the space, full Olympic lifting platform, proper boxing ring. Membership hit 200 and we had to start a waitlist. Never thought I'd see that day.

March 2023

Community Impact

Launched our youth program and started offering free classes to first responders. This gym's bigger than just PRs and calluses - it's about building something that matters.

October 2025

Today & Beyond

Over 400 members strong, 12 coaches on the team, and we're still pushing harder than day one. The fortress keeps growing, one rep at a time.

Real People, Real Results

Don't take our word for it - hear from the warriors who train here

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Come see what all the sweat and noise is about. First class is on us - no strings attached.