Our Story Ain't Pretty, But It's Real

We didn't start Shadowmourne because we wanted another cookie-cutter gym where people stare at their phones between sets. Nah. This place was born from frustration, blood, and a whole lot of late nights figuring out what actually works.

Back in 2019, we were just a couple of fighters and strength coaches tired of seeing folks waste their time with programs that looked good on Instagram but delivered nothing in real life. So we built something different - a place where you actually get results, not just sore.

Shadowmourne Fitness Training

Meet The Founders

The folks who built this thing from the ground up

Marcus Chen

Marcus Chen

Co-Founder & Head Combat Coach

Spent 12 years in the cage before I realized teaching was my real calling. Got my black belt in BJJ from Master Ricardo Silva, competed in MMA professionally, and somehow survived opening a gym during a pandemic.

These days, I'm less about throwing punches and more about teaching you how to throw 'em properly. Still can't resist hopping in the ring though.

NASM-CPT BJJ Black Belt MMA Pro Fighter
Sarah Volkov

Sarah Volkov

Co-Founder & Director of Strength

Former Olympic weightlifting competitor who got real tired of gyms treating women like we're made of glass. Built my first barbell platform in my garage back in 2016 and never looked back.

I design programs that actually make sense for your body and your goals. No BS, no shortcuts - just solid science mixed with years of trial and error.

CSCS USA-W Level 2 Precision Nutrition

How We Got Here

It wasn't exactly a smooth ride

2019 - The Garage Days

Started with just 6 people training in Sarah's garage. No fancy equipment, just barbells, kettlebells, and a worn-out heavy bag Marcus brought from his old gym. We charged next to nothing because honestly, we were just figuring it out.

2020 - First Real Space

Signed a lease on a 2000 sq ft space on Burrard. Then COVID hit literally two weeks later. Thought we were done before we even started. Pivoted to outdoor training sessions in parks, virtual coaching, whatever kept the lights on. Lost sleep, gained perspective.

2021 - Building The Community

Restrictions lifted and people came back hungry. Word spread about what we were doing differently. Added our first full-time coaches and expanded to 4000 sq ft. Built a proper boxing ring and got serious about our combat program.

2023 - National Recognition

Got featured in Canadian Fitness Professionals Magazine. Three of our members competed nationally in combat sports. Our nutrition coaching program launched and immediately filled up. Realized we'd built something that actually mattered to people.

2025 - Present Day

Now we're a team of 12 coaches working with over 300 members. Expanded our facility again, added cutting-edge recovery tech, and launched our athletic performance program. But we still remember those garage days - keeps us honest.

The Core Team

The coaches who'll actually be working with you

Jake Morrison
Jake Morrison

Boxing & HIIT Coach

Jake Morrison

Former Golden Gloves champ who can't stop talking about footwork. Been coaching for 8 years and still gets excited about teaching jabs.

Boxing Level 3 CPR/AED HIIT Certified
Nina Patel
Nina Patel

Strength Coach & Nutritionist

Nina Patel

Masters in Exercise Science, but learned more from actually lifting heavy things. Specializes in helping people eat like adults without losing their minds.

CSCS RD FMS Level 2
Derek Thompson
Derek Thompson

MMA & Grappling Coach

Derek Thompson

Purple belt in BJJ who trains like he's still competing. Fought amateur MMA for 6 years. Now channels that intensity into making you better.

BJJ Purple Belt Muay Thai Wrestling
Alex Rivera
Alex Rivera

Conditioning & Mobility Specialist

Alex Rivera

Was a physio assistant before realizing she'd rather prevent injuries than treat them. Obsessed with movement quality and will call out your terrible squat form.

NASM-CPT TPI Certified Yoga RYT-200
Chris Park
Chris Park

Athletic Performance Coach

Chris Park

Played college hockey until his knees said otherwise. Now he makes athletes faster and stronger through actual science, not internet trends.

CSCS USAW Level 1 Speed Training
Maria Santos
Maria Santos

Kickboxing & Cardio Coach

Maria Santos

Competed in Muay Thai across Southeast Asia. Brings that authentic technique to Vancouver. Her classes will kick your butt in the best way possible.

Muay Thai Kickboxing Group Fitness
Liam O'Connor
Liam O'Connor

Personal Training Lead

Liam O'Connor

Lost 80 pounds himself before becoming a trainer. Gets the mental game of fitness better than most. Works mainly with folks just starting their journey.

NASM-CPT Behavioral Change Corrective Exercise
Emma Larsen
Emma Larsen

Recovery & Flexibility Coach

Emma Larsen

Former dancer turned movement specialist. Teaches the unsexy stuff that actually keeps you training - mobility, recovery, and not being broken all the time.

RYT-500 Pilates Myofascial Release

What We Actually Believe In

No fancy mission statement written by a marketing team. Just what we stand for, plain and simple.

  • Results matter more than looking cool on social media
  • Technique comes before intensity, every single time
  • Your nutrition's gotta match your training or you're wasting your time
  • Rest days aren't for the weak - they're for people who wanna keep training next week
  • Everyone starts somewhere, and nobody here's gonna judge where that is
  • If your coach can't explain why you're doing something, find a better coach
  • Community beats competition - we're all trying to get better
Training Community

Ready To See What We're About?

Come check out the facility, meet the team, and figure out if we're the right fit for you.

Schedule A Visit View Our Classes