Our Story

Where strength meets purpose and every rep counts

Marcus "Mac" Dravaryn

Founder & Head Coach

Former MMA competitor, Olympic lifting coach, and recovered couch potato who figured out the hard way that real strength ain't built in comfort zones.

2016 - The Spark

Look, I'll be straight with you - this gym wasn't born from some grand vision. It started in a dingy garage after I blew out my knee competing. Couldn't fight anymore, gained 40 pounds eating my feelings, and realized sitting around feeling sorry for myself wasn't gonna cut it. Started training differently, focusing on what my body could actually do instead of what it couldn't.

2018 - Word Got Out

Turns out, a lot of folks were tired of the same old gym routine. Started training a couple buddies, then their friends, then random people started showing up at my garage. We were doing weird stuff - mixing barbell work with combat drills, teaching people to move like athletes instead of just chasing numbers. Before I knew it, we had 30 members and no space left.

2019 - Building the Forge

Found this old warehouse on Commercial Drive. Place was a mess - leaky roof, concrete floors, zero heating. Perfect. We built it ourselves, every member pitched in. Named it Dravaryn Forge because that's what we were doing - forging stronger versions of ourselves through fire and hard work. No fancy equipment at first, just the basics and a whole lot of heart.

2021 - Growing the Community

COVID hit us hard, not gonna lie. But our crew stuck together. We did outdoor sessions in parking lots, programmed home workouts, whatever it took. When we reopened, more people showed up than before. They'd seen what we were about - real coaching, real community, no BS. Brought on three more coaches who actually give a damn about getting results.

2025 - Still Forging Forward

We're not the biggest gym in Vancouver, and honestly, we don't wanna be. What we've got here is special - people who show up, put in the work, and push each other to be better. We've got grandmothers lifting heavy, former office workers competing in powerlifting meets, and everyday folks discovering what they're actually capable of. That's what the Forge is about.

What We Actually Believe

Training should make your real life better, not just your Instagram feed
Getting strong isn't about looking a certain way - it's about being capable
Community beats competition every single time
If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong
Everyone starts somewhere, and that somewhere is exactly where you are right now
Real coaches care about your form more than your PR

What Members Are Saying

Real people, real transformations, zero fluff

"Joined the Forge after years of spinning my wheels at commercial gyms. Mac and the crew actually taught me how to lift properly instead of just handing me a generic program. Down 35 pounds, deadlifting more than I ever thought possible, and honestly just feel like a different person. This place isn't fancy, but it works."

- Sarah T.

Member since 2022

"I'm 52 and thought my athletic days were behind me. These guys proved me wrong. Started with the basics, worked on mobility I didn't know I'd lost, and now I'm doing things I couldn't do in my 30s. The community here doesn't care about your age or where you're starting from - just that you show up and try."

- James K.

Member since 2020

"Came in wanting to learn some self-defense basics. Left with so much more. The combat conditioning classes pushed me way outside my comfort zone, but the coaches break everything down and make sure you're doing it right. I've never felt more confident or capable in my life. Plus the bootcamp classes are brutal in the best way possible."

- Michelle R.

Member since 2023

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Come check out the Forge. First session's on us - no strings attached, no hard sell. Just show up and see if we're the right fit for what you're trying to accomplish.

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