About
Valhalla MMA, Kickboxing and Fitness offers classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Combat SAMBO, Rising Phoenix Kung-fu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Fitness, MMA, and other martial arts. The program includes a Kids Class as well as classes that combine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Combat Sambo, and Kickboxing and Muay Thai.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class and training hours are available Monday–Thursday from 8:30am–8:30pm, Friday from 8:30am–7:00pm, and Saturday from 9:00am–2:00pm
Valhalla MMA, Kickboxing and Fitness was founded by Sifu Michael Mac Donald in 1995 as the Santa Barbara Martial Arts Academy. It began as a small studio with a few dozen students and later expanded into a larger facility with more MMA and fitness classes, at which point the name changed to Valhalla. The name Valhalla comes from Norse mythology and refers to a great hall in Asgard where Viking warriors who proved themselves in battle were brought by Valkyries.
Founder Michael Mac Donald’s accomplishments include founding Rising Phoenix Chuan Fa (Kickboxing) and holding an 8th degree black belt in Rising Phoenix Chuan Fa (Kickboxing), a 5th degree black belt in 5 Ancestors Kung-fu, a 3rd degree black belt in Combat SAMBO, a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Carlos Machado, and a 2nd degree black belt (Nidan) in Judo. He was inducted into the Master’s Hall of Fame in 2003 as Instructor of the Year, and he has a professional kickboxing record of 9–0 and a professional MMA record of 3–2. His stated goal in founding the program was to create a nurturing yet competitive environment where everybody was welcomed.
Last updated July 2, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class and training hours are available Monday–Thursday from 8:30am–8:30pm, Friday from 8:30am–7:00pm, and Saturday from 9:00am–2:00pm
Valhalla MMA, Kickboxing and Fitness was founded by Sifu Michael Mac Donald in 1995 as the Santa Barbara Martial Arts Academy. It began as a small studio with a few dozen students and later expanded into a larger facility with more MMA and fitness classes, at which point the name changed to Valhalla. The name Valhalla comes from Norse mythology and refers to a great hall in Asgard where Viking warriors who proved themselves in battle were brought by Valkyries.
Founder Michael Mac Donald’s accomplishments include founding Rising Phoenix Chuan Fa (Kickboxing) and holding an 8th degree black belt in Rising Phoenix Chuan Fa (Kickboxing), a 5th degree black belt in 5 Ancestors Kung-fu, a 3rd degree black belt in Combat SAMBO, a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Carlos Machado, and a 2nd degree black belt (Nidan) in Judo. He was inducted into the Master’s Hall of Fame in 2003 as Instructor of the Year, and he has a professional kickboxing record of 9–0 and a professional MMA record of 3–2. His stated goal in founding the program was to create a nurturing yet competitive environment where everybody was welcomed.
Last updated July 2, 2026.
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