Valhalla was founded by Sifu Michael Mac Donald in 1995 as the “Santa Barbara Martial Arts Academy.” His goal was to create a nurturing yet competitive environment where everybody was welcomed. At the time Sifu Michael was a competitive professional kickboxer who had also fought in what would eventually evolve into the sport that is now known as Mixed Martial Arts aka MMA.

Originally a small studio of a few dozen students, SBMA would eventually open it’s door to teach more MMA and Fitness classes expanding into a larger facility and becoming a gym. During this time SBMA changed its name to Valhalla.

Valhalla comes from Norse Mythology. It was a great hall in legendary Asgard, home of the Norse gods. Viking warriors who have proven themselves in battle were brought there, by Valkyries, if a warrior has proven his honor and courage in battle.

Sigung Michael Mac Donald

Sigung Michael Mac Donald started his martial arts journey shortly after moving to California at the age of 9. Studying Judo for two years he then added Chinese Kung-fu to his training. Eventually, at the age of 16, he earned his blackbelt in Kung-fu and then Judo the following year.

In 1990, at that the age of 20 Michael moved to Santa Barbara to continue his studies in Psychology and Law. It was there where he would meet one of his mentors and eventual Muay Thai instructor, Jan Ford. In 1992 he started his fight career turning professional in 1994.

In 1995 he decided to open his first martial art location. Eventually he met his wife in 1998. They have one daughter Morgan who also teaches at Valhalla. In 2005 Michael would retire from fighting.

Accomplishments:

Founder of Rising Phoenix Chuan Fa (Kickboxing)
8th degree blackbelt Rising Phoenix Chuan Fa (Kickboxing)
5th degree blackbelt 5 Ancestors Kung-fu
3rd degree blackbelt Combat SAMBO
3rd degree blackbelt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Carlos Machado)
Master Instructor Krav Maga
2nd degree blackbelt (Nidan) Judo
2nd degree blackbelt Taekwondo
Muay Thai instructor
2003 Inductee “Master’s Hall of Fame” -Instructor of the Year
Professional Kickboxing Record 9-0
Professional MMA Record 3-2
Amateur Kickboxing Record 5-1