About Us
more than just a gym
Northwest is more than a place to work out. It’s a PLACE where people come together to get stronger, healthier, and more confident.
At Northwest, we combine UNDER ONE ROOF
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Olympic weightlifting
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HYROX
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functional fitness
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boxing
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Muay Thai
Whether you’re a beginner starting your fitness journey or an athlete preparing for competition, our coaches guide you every step of the way.
But what really makes Northwest different is the atmosphere.
People support each other. Members push each other. Victories are celebrated together — from your first workout to your biggest personal record.
We’re building a place where discipline, friendship, and performance meet.
Train hard.
Grow stronger.
Be part of the Northwest TEAM.
Our Story
Northwest — Strength Without Borders
Northwest was founded in 2017 in Den Helder, the Netherlands, with one clear focus: Olympic Weightlifting. What started as a small training cLUB, built on discipline, technique, and strength quickly grew into something bigger.
As the community expanded, functional fitness was added, bringing together athletes of all levels who wanted to train harder, move better, and push their limits.
In November 2024, a new chapter began when Northwest moved to Davao City, Philippines. Here the vision continued to grow, adding Boxing and Muay Thai, creating a place where strength, endurance, and fighting spirit come together.
Today, Northwest is more than a gym.
It’s a place where people challenge themselves, support each other, and become stronger every day.
From Den Helder to Davao City —
the mission remains the same:
Build strength. Build character.
Meet The Team
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ADELA TOLENTINO PIJCKE
Founder & Headcoach
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Adela Tolentino Pijcke — Strength with Purpose
Born in Davao City, Adela Tolentino Pijcke has built a remarkable career in strength sports through dedication, discipline, and passion.
She is a 7-time World Masters Weightlifting Champion and 9-time European Masters Champion, and holds a World Masters record in the Clean & Jerk. Beyond weightlifting, she has also proven herself as an international CrossFit athlete, showing that true strength is not only about lifting heavy, but about versatility, resilience, and determination.
Adela is not only an athlete, but also a leader and mentor in the sport. She is a certified coach and serves as an International Masters Weightlifting Category 1 Technical Official, contributing to the development and fairness of the sport at the highest level.
After years of competing and gaining experience around the world, she has returned to where it all began — Davao City.
Now her mission is clear: to share her knowledge, experience, and passion with the next generation of athletes in her hometown. To inspire people to discover their own strength, to believe in themselves, and to prove that greatness can come from anywhere.
For Adela, this is more than sport.
It is coming home.
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HAROLD PIJCKE
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO
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A New Challenge on Another Continent
Harold Pijcke served 40 years in the Royal Netherlands Navy, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During his long career he worked all over the world, gaining extensive experience in leadership, logistics, and the organization of complex operations and large-scale events.
His passion for sport led him into the world of weightlifting, where he became deeply involved in the international Masters community. Harold was the organizer of the European Masters Weightlifting Championships in the Netherlands in 2021, an event that brought together 450 athletes from across Europe and demonstrated his ability to manage major international competitions.
He also served as Chairman of European Masters Weightlifting, contributing to the growth and development of Masters weightlifting across the continent. In addition, he is a Category 1 International Masters Weightlifting Technical Official, ensuring fairness and high standards at competitions around the world.
After decades of service, leadership, and international experience, Harold is now embracing a new challenge on another continent — bringing his knowledge, discipline, and organizational expertise to Davao City.
A lifetime of experience.
A passion for sport.
A new chapter begins.
RUBEN LANAZA
senior coach
junior coach
tenant
Customer Support Lead
Our Clients
