HIGHLAND PARK, MI -- Norman K. Dabish, co-founder of Powerhouse Gyms International, passed away last month from an apparent heart attack, according to the company. He was 46 years old. As teenagers, he and his brother, William, started the Warrior Martial Arts supply store in Highland Park, MI, that eventually evolved into the first Powerhouse Gym in the back room of their father’s grocery store in 1975.
Dabish was an avid student of the martial arts, boxing and fitness industry. He was a U.S. powerlifting champion and earned a black belt in Koei-Kan Do karate.
While Dabish and his brother led the company, it grew to more than 300 gyms in 15 countries around the world. Dabish leaves a wife, Nouha, and sons, Peter and Johnny. Also surviving him are his mother, Dalaly; brother, William; sister, Krystal; and nephews, J.R., Henry, Victor, Michael and Frankie.