Our Story

Built from the ground up by fighters who've been in the trenches

From Underground Fights to Building Warriors

Look, I'm not gonna feed you some polished corporate origin story. Shadow Veil started in 2018 because I was tired of seeing commercial gyms turn combat training into cardio classes. That's not what this is about.

I spent 12 years competing - MMA, Muay Thai, some underground stuff I probably shouldn't talk about. Got my black belt in BJJ from Master Chen, trained with ex-military guys who taught me what real tactical fitness means. Not the Instagram kind - the kind that actually works when things get real.

We found this old industrial warehouse on Industrial Avenue, and honestly? It was perfect. Raw concrete, high ceilings, no fancy mirrors to distract you. Just pure training space. Fixed it up with our own hands - me, my training partner Marcus, and a few students who believed in what we were building.

Shadow Veil isn't for everyone, and that's intentional. We take people who wanna push past their limits, not folks looking for an easy workout. But if you show up, put in the work, and check your ego at the door? We'll turn you into something you didn't think was possible.

- Alex "Viper" Donovan, Head Coach & Founder

Our Philosophy

  • Real combat techniques, no watered-down BS
  • Train like your life depends on it
  • Community over competition
  • Leave your ego outside

The Journey So Far

January 2018

The Beginning

Signed the lease on a rundown warehouse. Most people thought we were crazy. Spent three months gutting and rebuilding the space with our bare hands.

Warehouse renovation

June 2018

First Class

Opened doors with 8 students. No marketing, just word of mouth. That first crew? Half of 'em are still training with us today.

First training class

March 2020

Built the Obstacle Course

Added our custom Ninja Warrior setup. Cost us everything we had saved, but watching people conquer obstacles they thought were impossible? Worth every penny.

Obstacle course

September 2022

Expansion & New Coaches

Brought on three incredible instructors - all actual fighters with real experience. No fitness influencers here, just people who've earned their stripes.

Coaching team

November 2025

Today

Over 200 active members, multiple competition winners, and a community that's got each other's backs. We're just getting started.

Current gym

Meet the Instructors

Real fighters. Real experience. Zero fluff.

Alex Donovan

Alex "Viper" Donovan

Head Coach & Founder

Alex "Viper" Donovan

  • BJJ Black Belt (3rd Degree)
  • 12 Years Pro MMA (28-7-1)
  • Krav Maga Instructor Level 3
  • NASM Tactical Specialist
Sarah Chen

Sarah "Phoenix" Chen

Muay Thai & HIIT Specialist

Sarah "Phoenix" Chen

  • Muay Thai Champion (Canada 2019)
  • Certified Kru (Thai Boxing)
  • CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
  • 8 Years Competition Experience
Marcus Reid

Marcus "Tank" Reid

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Marcus "Tank" Reid

  • Ex-Canadian Forces (10 Years)
  • Tactical Strength Certified
  • Powerlifting Coach (USAPL)
  • Sports Nutrition Specialist
Diego Martinez

Diego "Snake" Martinez

BJJ & Grappling Instructor

Diego "Snake" Martinez

  • BJJ Black Belt (2nd Degree)
  • IBJJF Pan-Am Medalist
  • Catch Wrestling Instructor
  • 15 Years Grappling Experience

Why Train With Us?

We don't do participation trophies here. You'll work harder than you ever thought possible, and you'll come out the other side a different person. That's not marketing talk - that's what happens when you commit to real training.

No Contracts

Month to month. You stay because you want to, not because you're locked in.

Real Equipment

Heavy bags that can take a beating, quality mats, and gear that won't fall apart.

Small Classes

Max 15 people per session. You get actual coaching, not just someone yelling from across the room.

Open Mat Time

Come practice whenever. The gym's here for you, not just during class hours.

Training at Shadow Veil

Ready to Start Your Journey?

First class is free. Come see if you've got what it takes.

Book Your Trial Class