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