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Valhalla Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness
4.8 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Santa Barbara, California
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule sbmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (805) 687-1514
Hours
| Monday | 5:30 AM–12 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM–12 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30 AM–12 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30 AM–12 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–11 AM, 3–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“This is an amazing place to learn martial arts, Mike is one of the best coaches, my kids have been learning a lot of respect and discipline!”
“Overall this gym is the perfect place for all ages, young and old; experience or no experience.”
“Came here for a few years and it taught me discipline, hard work, and really showed me lots of technique in my boxing and kickboxing.”
“This gym has given me inner-strength, community, and discipline throughout my teen years and adulthood.”
Other martial arts here
“Came here for a few years and it taught me discipline, hard work, and really showed me lots of technique in my boxing and kickboxing.”
“This gym is a great starting point for anyone interested in having a career in the mma world as well.”
“From his kind instruction, I've become better at jiu-jitsu and kickboxing but, most importantly, my confidence in myself has grown.”
“The lessons learned here through doing martial arts transcend self defense and have far reaching applications in the real world.”
What members say
“This is an amazing place to learn martial arts, Mike is one of the best coaches, my kids have been learning a lot of respect and discipline!”
“Overall this gym is the perfect place for all ages, young and old; experience or no experience.”
“They have everything from weight lifting to kickboxing - fun classes, big space!”
“My daughter loves going to Valhalla, I have seen a major self confidence boost since attending.”
“From his kind instruction, I've become better at jiu-jitsu and kickboxing but, most importantly, my confidence in myself has grown.”
“The atmosphere is hard to beat, the people are friendly, and most importantly coach Mike is exceptional.”
From the reviews
I trained with Mike MacDonald decades ago. Literally back in the early 2000s when I attended UCSB. Mike pours his heart and soul into his teaching. His patience, skill and communication are phenomenal.
I've been going to Valhalla MMA for about three months now. I typically go once or twice a day, everyday of the week with exception to the weekend. My experience has been nothing short of great. The atmosphere is hard to beat, the people are friendly, and most importantly coach Mike is exceptional.
This gym has given me inner-strength, community, and discipline throughout my teen years and adulthood. The classes are fun and challenging. The coaches are easy to work with and have personality. This gym is a great starting point for anyone interested in having a career in the mma world as well.
I have tried out multiple dojos in SB and haven't found a more caring, welcoming space. Master Mike is a highly trained and knowledgeable instructor who always gives extra to his students. His generosity is what hooked me, and his expertise is what made me stay.
New to kickboxing? Start at Valhalla Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness
Valhalla Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Valhalla Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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Martial arts school for self-defense, judo, MMA & more, including after-school programs for kids.