Meet Mark Derrick
Owner & Head Strength and Powerlifting Coach
Mark has been involved in Strength and Conditioning for over 25 years. His journey began in his teens with a tailored National Level program, which taught him that progressive strength training is powerful not just for building muscle, but for improving overall health, mental wellbeing, and lifestyle.
Being competitive, Mark gravitated toward powerlifting and now coaches and competes under the Australian Powerlifting Alliance (IPF). He trains everyone from complete novices to elite athletes.
Beyond the platform, Mark has over 15 years of martial arts training and instructing, as well as coaching experience across multiple sports.
His goal is simple: to help members get stronger, improve body composition, and enhance athletic performance. Mark believes that creating a positive and motivating training environment is key to helping people achieve their strength and performance goals.
Specialties:
Powerlifting coaching
Strength development for all levels
Martial arts and cross-sport coaching
Technical instruction and progression-based programming
Follow him on instagram: @mark_mdstrength
Post Graduate Cert (Strength & Conditioning)
Bachelor of Physical Education
Accredited Sports Nutritionist (Sports Nutrition Australia)
Level 1 NCAS Powerlifting Coach
Level 1 NCAS Weightlifting Coach
Certificate III & IV Fitness
Registered Teacher (Victorian Institute of Teachers)
APA Powerlifting Coach
IPF Level 2 Coach
Qualifications
Coaching Experience
POWERLIFTING:
Over 10 years coaching dedicated to Powerlifting
Coached multiple International Athletes, National Champions and National podium winners.
Coached the Australian Team at 2024 IPF Sub-Junior & Junior World Powerlifting Championships and 2025 IPF Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championships.
OTHER:
Over 20 years Strength & Conditioning coaching experience
Over 15 years swim coaching and teaching experience
Over 15 years martial arts coaching experience.
Senior Teacher at the Frank Dando Sports Academy.
Training Experience & Sporting Achievements
Competitive Powerlifter
Former National Level Swimmer with over 13 years of competitive swimming
1st Degree Black Belt Gong Kwon Yusul
Over 20 years of extensive Martial Arts Backgroung, including Muay Thai, BJJ, Silat, Filipino Martial Arts, Wushu, Hapkido, Gong Kwon Yusul, Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestling, MMA
Over 15 years boxing/kickboxing
Over 10 years football (Australian Rules) and cricket
Former Stunt Performer