The Citadel's Origin

Back in 2019, I was stuck training in another cookie-cutter gym - you know the type. Same boring machines, same uninspired routines. I'd been obsessed with strongman competitions and medieval history since I was a kid, and one day it just clicked.

Why not build something different? Something that'd actually get people fired up to train hard?

So I sold my truck, emptied my savings, and turned this old warehouse space into what you see today. The armor pieces hanging on our walls? Those are from my personal collection - been gathering 'em for years. Each one's got a story.

We're not here to coddle anyone or sell some fantasy fitness dream. This place is about real strength, real grit, and training methods that've been working for centuries. Yeah, we've added modern science to the mix, but the core philosophy stays the same - warriors weren't built in comfort zones.

- Marcus Thornhaven, Founder

Our Mission

Look, we're not gonna feed you some polished corporate mission statement that sounds good but means nothing.

Here's the deal - we built Drakarion Citadel for people who're tired of wimpy workout plans and trainers who've never pushed themselves past their limits. This gym's for folks who wanna feel strong, capable, and dangerous in the best possible way.

Every program we run - whether it's swinging battle ropes, lifting atlas stones, or learning actual sword combat techniques - it's designed to push you somewhere new. Somewhere uncomfortable. That's where growth happens.

We don't care if you're a complete beginner or you've been lifting for decades. What matters is you show up, you work hard, and you respect the iron. Do that, and you'll find your place in the Citadel.

Forge Your Warrior Spirit

Marcus Thornhaven

Founder & Head Coach

Former competitive strongman with 15 years under the bar. Doesn't believe in shortcuts - if it was easy, everyone would do it. Specializes in getting people past mental blocks they didn't know they had.

Sienna Blackwood

Combat Fitness Specialist

Trained in HEMA and Krav Maga for over a decade. She'll make you work with medieval weapons until your arms feel like jelly, then somehow convince you to do another round. Her cardio classes are legendary - and brutal.

Viktor Grimshaw

Powerlifting Coach

Quiet guy who lets the numbers do the talking. Former national-level powerlifter. He's coached dozens of people to their first 500lb deadlift. If you're serious about getting strong, he's your man.

Anya Redstone

Nutrition & Conditioning

Registered dietitian who actually gets it. She won't put you on some crazy restrictive diet - she'll teach you how to fuel your body for performance. Also runs our warrior conditioning circuits that'll test everything you've got.

Why We're Different

No Judgment Zone (For Real)

Yeah, everyone says this, but we mean it. We've got college students training next to guys in their 60s. Nobody cares what you lift or how you look - just that you're putting in effort.

Real Equipment

We've got atlas stones, yoke walks, battle ropes thick as your arm, and yeah - actual training swords and shields. Plus all the barbells, plates, and racks you'd expect. No smith machines though. Learn to stabilize the weight yourself.

Community That Actually Exists

People here spot each other, share tips, and push each other harder. We do quarterly strongman competitions and medieval combat tournaments. It's not just a gym - it's a crew.

Training That Works

We're not chasing fitness trends. The programs we run are based on stuff that's worked for centuries, combined with modern strength science. Results speak louder than marketing hype.