Our Battle Story

Built on sweat, grit, and the belief that everyone's got a warrior inside 'em

Krython Riftborn Founder

Where It All Started

Look, I'm not gonna feed you some polished origin story. Back in 2019, I was grinding at a corporate job, felt like total garbage, and knew something had to change. Picked up martial arts to blow off steam, and man... it clicked.

Started training harder. Got obsessed with functional strength, combat conditioning - anything that made me feel alive again. Friends noticed, started asking me to train 'em. We'd meet in parks, empty parking lots, wherever we could throw down.

Fast forward to 2021 - opened up Krython Riftborn in a dingy warehouse space on Powell Street. The name? Yeah, it's kinda out there. Krython means "hidden strength" in old Greek, and Riftborn... well, it's about breaking through what holds you back. Cheesy? Maybe. But it means something.

We're not trying to be your typical gym. No mirrors everywhere, no judgment, no BS. Just people showing up, doing the work, and leaving stronger than when they walked in. That's the whole point.

- Marcus Chen, Founder & Head Coach

Training Philosophy

What We're Actually About

Forget the fancy mission statements. We're here to help regular people tap into something they didn't know they had. Whether you're coming back from an injury, sick of feeling weak, or just wanna hit stuff - we got you.

Every program we run is designed to make you functional. Not Instagram functional - actually useful in real life. Picking up your kid without tweaking your back. Carrying groceries without dying. Feeling confident when life throws curveballs.

The warrior stuff isn't just aesthetic. It's a mindset. Showing up when you don't feel like it. Pushing past that voice saying you can't. Building something you're proud of. That's what this place is really about.

The Journey So Far

August 2021

The Beginning

Opened our doors with just 8 members and a dream. Had like 3 kettlebells, some mats, and a whole lot of enthusiasm. Everyone thought we were crazy.

March 2022

Growing Pains

Hit 50 members and had to expand. Knocked down a wall ourselves over a weekend. Added proper combat training equipment and brought on our first coach besides me.

November 2022

Community Power

Launched our first "Warrior Challenge" fundraiser for local youth sports. Raised over 12k and realized we'd built something bigger than just a gym.

June 2023

Team Building

Brought on three more coaches, each bringing their own flavor. Started offering specialized programs - combat conditioning, mobility work, nutrition coaching. Things got serious.

January 2025

New Chapter

Celebrated 200 active members and became Vancouver's go-to spot for combat athletics. Still feels surreal. Still showing up every day like it's day one.

October 2025

Right Now

We're just getting started. Got plans for advanced programs, maybe another location down the line. But honestly? We're focused on the people in front of us every single day.

The Coaching Squad

No ego. No pretense. Just people who genuinely love this work.

Marcus Chen
Specializations

Combat Conditioning

Functional Strength

Program Design

Mindset Coaching

Marcus Chen

Founder & Head Coach

Been doing this 6+ years. Still learning every day.

Sarah Blackwood
Specializations

Kickboxing Technique

HIIT Programming

Women's Strength

Injury Prevention

Sarah Blackwood

Combat Specialist

Former kickboxer. Teaches you to hit hard and smart.

Devon Walsh
Specializations

Olympic Lifting

Power Development

Athletic Performance

Movement Mechanics

Devon Walsh

Strength Coach

Makes heavy weight look easy. Patient as hell.

Nina Patel
Specializations

Mobility Training

Recovery Protocols

Flexibility Work

Breathwork

Nina Patel

Mobility & Recovery Coach

Keeps everyone moving right. Total game-changer.

James Rodriguez
Specializations

Performance Nutrition

Meal Planning

Body Composition

Habit Coaching

James Rodriguez

Nutrition Strategist

No diet BS. Just real food advice that works.

Keiko Tanaka
Specializations

Muay Thai

Self-Defense

Conditioning Drills

Competition Prep

Keiko Tanaka

Martial Arts Coach

Brings traditional discipline with modern methods.

Tyler Morrison
Specializations

Beginner Training

Weight Loss

Group Motivation

Accountability

Tyler Morrison

Personal Coach

Energy for days. Makes everyone feel welcome.

Dr. Amara Johnson
Specializations

Injury Rehab

Movement Assessment

Pain Management

Corrective Exercise

Dr. Amara Johnson

Sports Therapist

Keeps us all healthy. Worth her weight in gold.

What We Stand For

Not just words on a wall - stuff we actually live by