About Our Citadel | Runeblade Citadel - Medieval Combat & Strength Training

The Beginning of Something Different

Look, I'll be straight with you - this whole thing started because I was bored out of my mind at regular gyms. Same machines, same routines, zero excitement. I'd always been into medieval history, HEMA stuff, and one day it just clicked: why not combine actual functional training with the weapons and methods that kept warriors alive for centuries?

Opened the doors back in 2018 with basically nothing - a warehouse space, some handmade wooden weapons, and a dream that people would actually show up. Turns out, there's a lot of folks who'd rather swing a training sword than stare at their phone on a treadmill. Who knew?

The Citadel Timeline

2018

The Forge is Lit

Started with 12 members in a sketchy warehouse. Had to sweep pigeon droppings before every class. Built most of the equipment ourselves - those original pells are still standing, dented and glorious.

2019

Expansion & Recognition

Doubled our space, added proper changing rooms (finally!). Local news did a piece on us - called it "the weirdest gym in Vancouver." We wore that badge with pride. Membership hit 150 warriors.

2020

The Siege Year

Yeah, that year. Pivoted to outdoor training in parks when we could. Livestreamed classes from my living room with a broomstick. Our community stuck together though - that's when I knew we'd built something real.

2022

Battle Arena Opens

Added the full combat arena with padded flooring, proper lighting, and enough space to actually spar without hitting the walls. Started hosting inter-gym tournaments. We're talking steel weapons, full contact - the real deal.

2025

Today & Beyond

Over 400 members now. We've got certified instructors in longsword, axe, spear, and pole weapons. Added nutrition coaching because warriors gotta eat right. Still the same warehouse though - just with way less pigeon poop.

The Founders

Marcus "The Ironforge" Chen

Head Trainer & Founder

Been swinging swords since I was a kid watching way too many fantasy movies. Studied kinesiology but spent more time at HEMA clubs than lectures. Worked as a personal trainer for years before saying screw it and opening this place.

Specialties: Longsword, German martial arts, functional strength training, making people realize they're way tougher than they think.

Elena "Stormbreaker" Kovacs

Combat Instructor & Co-Founder

Former competitive fencer who got tired of the tiny swords. Picked up a longsword at a renaissance fair in 2015 and never looked back. Met Marcus at a tournament where I kicked his butt - we've been partners since.

Specialties: Rapier & dagger, Polish saber, conditioning programs, teaching proper footwork so you don't trip over your own feet.

The Warrior's Code

Our core values - no fluff, just what matters

Authenticity Over Everything

We're not here to play pretend or put on a show. Every technique we teach has historical roots and practical application. If it didn't work on a battlefield, we don't waste your time with it. Real training, real results.

Community First

Warriors don't train alone. We've built something special here - folks who actually know each other's names, who push each other, who grab beers after training. You're not just joining a gym, you're joining a crew.

Progress Over Perfection

Nobody walks in here knowing how to properly swing a longsword. That's fine - we all started somewhere. What matters is showing up, putting in the work, and being better than you were yesterday. Small wins add up.

Function Over Flash

Sure, swinging medieval weapons looks cool, but that's not why we do it. These movements build real strength, coordination, and mental focus. Everything we program has a purpose - we're not here to waste your time.

Respect Always

We're swinging weapons around here - safety and mutual respect aren't optional. Everyone gets treated right regardless of skill level, fitness, background, whatever. Leave the ego at the door or don't bother coming in.

Never Boring

Life's too short for boring workouts. Every session brings something different - new drills, partner work, challenges. We keep it fun because if you're not enjoying it, you won't stick with it. Simple as that.

Why This Works

Here's the thing - most people don't stick with fitness because it's boring as hell. Running on a treadmill staring at a wall? Counting reps on the same machines every week? That's not training, that's torture.

Medieval combat training is different. You're learning actual skills, working with partners, solving movement puzzles, and yeah - hitting stuff with swords. Your brain's engaged, your body's working in ways it evolved to move, and time flies by.

Plus, there's something primal about it. We've sanitized fitness so much that it's lost its edge. Training with weapons connects you to thousands of years of human history. It feels important because it is.

We've had members go from not being able to do a push-up to competing in full-contact tournaments. Seen folks drop weight, build confidence, make lifelong friends. It works because it's actually worth doing.

Check Out Our Programs

Ready to Join the Ranks?

First class is free - come see what we're about. No commitment, no pressure, just show up and swing a sword.

Book Your Trial View Class Schedule