Where It All Started
Look, I'm not gonna sell you some fairy tale about how I woke up one day and decided to open a gym. That's not how it went down.
Back in 2019, I was working graveyard shifts at a warehouse and training whenever I could squeeze it in. Problem was, every gym I tried had the same BS - closed by 10pm, equipment hoarders during peak hours, and that whole "fitness influencer" vibe that made me wanna throw a kettlebell through a mirror.
I'd been competing in underground MMA circuits for years, training in basements and garages with guys who actually knew what real combat training looked like. We didn't have fancy equipment or Instagram-worthy spaces. Just blood, sweat, and the kind of commitment most people can't understand.
"I wanted to build something for the night owls, the shift workers, the people who don't fit into society's 9-to-5 mold. A place where you could train at 3am without judgment."
So I maxed out three credit cards, borrowed money from everyone who'd listen, and leased a rundown warehouse space on Granville. My buddies from the underground scene helped me renovate - we did most of it ourselves over six months. Built the cage, installed the heavy bags, welded together custom racks.
The name? Noctyrax comes from "nocturnal" and "tyrax" - an ancient word meaning ruler or conqueror. We're about owning the night, dominating your demons when everyone else is sleeping. It's not just a gym. It's a lifestyle for people who refuse to be ordinary.
Opening night was October 31st, 2020 - yeah, Halloween during a pandemic. Perfect timing, right? But the people who showed up, they got it. They understood what we were building here.
- Marcus Chen
Founder & Head Coach
Former Underground MMA Fighter | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt | Strength & Conditioning Specialist
The Evolution
October 2020
The Launch
Opened doors with 800 square feet, two heavy bags, one cage, and a whole lot of attitude. Started with 23 founding members who believed in the vision. Most gyms were closing - we were just getting started.
March 2021
First Title Win
One of our fighters, Sarah "The Reaper" Martinez, took home her first regional MMA championship. Three months later, two more members won their weight classes. Word started spreading fast.
September 2021
Major Expansion
Took over the entire building - went from 800 to 4,500 square feet. Added a full Olympic weightlifting platform, cardio section, and dedicated recovery zone. Membership hit 200+.
January 2022
Coach Development Program
Brought on four additional coaches - all with legit combat sports backgrounds. No weekend certification warriors here. We're talking black belts, pro fighters, and people who've actually been in the trenches.
July 2022
24/7 Access Launched
Finally went full 24-hour with keycard access. Night shift workers, insomniacs, early risers - everyone found their tribe. Our 3am crew became legendary.
November 2023
Nutrition Program
Added a sports nutritionist to the team. Not some diet-plan-selling influencer - an actual registered dietitian who works with athletes and understands performance nutrition.
March 2024
Community Milestone
Hit 500 active members. Hosted our first open tournament which drew competitors from across BC. Raised over $12,000 for local youth programs. Started to realize we'd built something bigger than just a gym.
August 2024
Recovery Zone Upgrade
Added sauna, cold plunge, and proper mobility equipment. Started offering recovery sessions because we realized you can't just beat people up in training - gotta help them heal too.
October 2025
Five Years Strong
Five years in, we're not the biggest gym in Vancouver, but we're definitely the realest. Over 600 members, 12 coaches, and a waiting list for some of our programs. Still open 24/7. Still keeping it authentic.
What We Stand For
- No posing, no pretending - just real work
- Training that actually prepares you for something
- Community over competition (unless you're in the cage)
- 24/7 access because life doesn't follow a schedule
- Coaches who've actually done what they teach
- Everyone's welcome, as long as you bring effort
"This ain't your typical fitness club. We built this place for people who train with purpose."