Valhalla MMA, a family-owned gym and dojo located in Port Charlotte, Florida, specializes in both traditional and contemporary martial arts. Established in 1998, Valhalla MMA has trained thousands of students, producing skilled black belts, competent instructors, and champions who have fought for titles at state, regional, national, and international levels. Valhalla MMA has instructors in Florida, Michigan and San Jose, Costa Rica.
Valhalla MMA is committed to promoting combat sports at all levels, from local to global, and is dedicated to not just hosting events, but igniting them. They offer a diverse range of combat formats, including:
- Submission Grappling (Gi/No Gi)
- Sport MMA (Ages 8-17, No head contact)
- Boxing
- Kickboxing/Muay Thai
- MMA
Valhalla MMA isn’t just a gym; it’s a family focused on training warriors. If you’re ready to earn your progress and become the martial artist you were meant to be, welcome to Valhalla!
Our Commitment
Quality Training: We focus on teaching real fighting skills and self-defense, emphasizing discipline and self-respect.
No Politics: We strive to maintain a drama-free environment, showing respect to every instructor and academy around us. We build bridges rather than walls, inviting other schools to train together and grow a strong martial arts community based on respect and shared purpose.
Read also: Individual Martial Arts Instruction
Our Promise to You:
- We will help you reach your training goals.
- We will teach you how to defend yourself.
- We will teach you how to fight!
Your part: SHOW UP!
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Valhalla MMA Locations & Instructors
Florida
Valhalla MMA, located in Port Charlotte, Florida, is a proud family-owned gym and dojo specializing in both traditional and contemporary martial arts, including Boxing, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA.
Michigan
Angels of Conflict MMA
- Head Instructors:
- Sensei, Gary E. Young II
- Black Belt, Kickboxing
- Black Belt, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
- "Chief" Gary Young
- 3rd Degree Black Belt, Kickboxing Brown Belt, Jiu-jitsu
- Sensei, Stacy Young
- 3rd Degree Black Belt, Kickboxing Blue Belt, Jiu-jitsu
- 2041 E. Miller Rd. Fairview, MI(989) 590-3699
- AngelsOfConflict-MMA.com
San Jose, Costa Rica
Berzerker MMA
Read also: The Jade Fortress Martial Arts System
- Head Instructor:
- Sensei, Steven A Rodriguez Jimenez
- Valhalla MMA Black Belt
- MSR Training Camp, Ipis, Guadalupe, SJ, CR+506-8709-5296
Valhalla MMA Philosophy
Inclusive Community: We welcome students and fighters from every system and style. Regardless of your background or affiliation, if you value respect, hard work, and pushing your limits, Valhalla is your home.
Collaboration Over Competition: We frequently invite nearby gyms to participate in open mat sessions and join us at our MMA events.
At Valhalla, we compete to improve and evolve, not for ego. We do not recruit students from other gyms, respecting the martial arts community by collaborating with local instructors and facilities instead.
Fight Promotion
Valhalla MMA is committed to providing a high-quality, professionally organized platform for fighters to showcase their skills. Sanctioned by the Florida State Athletic Commission, we invite fighters from local gyms to compete fairly under strict safety regulations. Our local MMA events are held every three months, offering invaluable experience in front of friends, family, and a live audience.
Valhalla MMA Champions
At Valhalla, our champions have rightfully claimed their titles through relentless dedication, fierce competition, and triumph over equally skilled adversaries. Their impressive journeys and match histories are meticulously recorded on platforms like Tapology, Sherdog, and YouTube.
Read also: Deep Dive into Court Martial Films
MMA Champions
FEATHERWEIGHT MMA
- Feb. 2, 2023 ISMEAL "RAZZLE DAZZLE" SUAREZ Florida State Featherweight MMA Champion
- Sept. 16, 2022 ALDO VILLAGRA CASTILLO International Featherweight MMA Champion San Jose, Costa Rica
- Jan. 18, 2014 JOEL "THE MICHIGAN STRANGLER" SCHOTT Michigan State Featherweight MMA Champion
- March 15, 2013 CHARLES "CHICKEN HAWK" MILLS Michigan State Featherweight MMA Champion
LIGHTWEIGHT MMA
- April 22, 2023 DANNY SANDOVAL International Lightweight MMA Champion San Jose, Costa Rica
- Oct. 26, 2013 DANNY "SPAZZ" BALDWIN Michigan State Lightweight MMA Champion
- March 30, 2012 GARY "THE DARK ANGEL" YOUNG II Michigan State Lightweight MMA Champion
WELTERWEIGHT MMA
- April 22, 2023 ANTHONY "BEATDOWN" BROWN International Welterweight MMA Champion San Jose, Costa Rica
- Feb. 19, 2022 HARRY "TUFF" MORISSET Florida State Welterweight MMA Champion
- June 15, 2013 CALVIN "THE BULLY" FOX Michigan State Welterweight MMA Champion
- Jan. 18, 2013 ZAC BILLS Michigan State Welterweight MMA Champion
MIDDLEWEIGHT MMA
- Jan. 18, 2014 CALVIN "THE BULLY" FOX Michigan State Middleweight MMA Champion
- Aug. 31, 2013 BOB "SPARTACUS" SZABO Michigan State Middleweight MMA Champion
- Oct. 26, 2012 JACOB "JACKPINE SAVAGE" IRELAN Michigan State Middleweight MMA Champion
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT MMA
- May 17, 2025 KEMIL HASSAN Florida State Light Heavyweight MMA Champion
- Aug. 5, 2023 MICHAEL SPERNA Florida State Light Heavyweight MMA Champion
CRUISERWEIGHT MMA
- Oct. 25, 2025 TRISTON "ALABAMA SLAMMA" RUTHERFORD Florida State Cruiserweight MMA Champion
HEAVYWEIGHT MMA
- Nov. 8, 2024 SEAN "WRECKING BALL" WISENBARGER Florida State Heavyweight MMA Champion
- Aug. 31, 2013 ANTOINE "THE PREDATOR" BONNER Michigan State Heavyweight MMA Champion
Muay Thai Champions
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT MUAY THAI
- Feb. 22, 2025 LUCA LOPEZ-SENDIN Florida State Junior Middleweight Muay Thai Champion
MIDDLEWEIGHT MUAY THAI
- Nov. 8, 2024 GAELEN PRZYBYLOWICZ Florida State Middleweight Muay Thai Champion
- Feb. 17, 2024 ANTHONY "BEATDOWN" BROWN Florida State Middleweight Muay Thai Champion
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT MUAY THAI
- Feb. 17, 2024 GAELEN PRZYBYLOWICZ Florida State Super Middleweight Muay Thai Champion
- Feb. 2, 2023 SEAN WINTERSTEIN Florida State Super Middleweight Muay Thai Champion
SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT MUAY THAI
- Nov. 8, 2024 KEVIN PRIVO Florida State Super Heavyweight Muay Thai Champion
Boxing Champions
JR. (Under 18) JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT BOXING
- May 17, 2025 "NO FEAR" DAMIR SAKIROV Florida State Jr. Welterweight Boxing Champion
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT BOXING
- Nov. 8, 2024 DANIEL "ACE" ARIZA Florida State Junior Welterweight Boxing Champion
WELTERWEIGHT BOXING
- Oct. 25, 2025 DANIEL "ACE" ARIZA Florida State Welterweight Boxing Champion
MIDDLEWEIGHT BOXING
- Feb. 22, 2025 MAURY "CAPPI" GONZALEZ Florida State Middleweight Boxing Champion
Submission Champions
LIGHTWEIGHT SUBMISSION
- Feb. 18, 2023 SCOTT TUCKER Florida State Lightweight Submission Champion
- June 15, 2013 VINCE "CHIN ANKU" COOKS Michigan State Lightweight Submission Champion
- May 26, 2012 GARY "THE DARK ANGEL" YOUNG II Michigan State Lightweight Submission Champion
Additional Training Styles
Practical Self Defense: Krav Maga is a dynamic training method which uses techniques from kickboxing, karate and jiu jitsu. There are three base types of Krav Maga: Military, Civilian and Law Enforcement. Krav Maga is not a martial art, it is a training style that uses techniques from established martial art systems and explores the practical uses for the techniques.
Women’s Self Defense: Krav Maga is highly popular amongst woman. The techniques are fast, effective, and easy to learn. Because of the dynamic nature of the training it is also a great way of getting in shape.
Instructor Certification Program
Beginning at the intermediate phase (Year 2-3 of training) and continuing on through black belt. Those interested begin with an apprenticeship, warming-up classes and assisting beginners as interns. After one-two years have elapsed, and they've attained a deeper level of technical understanding, they may become assistant instructors, teaching prescribed segments of classes under the direction of a Valhalla Instructor. After they've earned their black belts and have completed the mandatory (3 year) instructor certification program, they may then take the Valhalla MMA instructor certification exam.
Edessa Reed: A Dedicated Instructor
Edessa Reed has been training in Thai Boxing, Jeet Kune Do, Savate, and Filipino Martial Arts since 2017. She earned the rank of Apprentice Instructor in Thai Boxing, Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Martial Arts in April of 2024 as well as Red Glove in Savate. Edessa is also the owner of Black Optix Tint Fredericksburg. Edessa makes everyone feel welcomed in class with her lighthearted and jovial approach while at the same time giving everyone a good and intense workout.
Training Background: Her dedication to mastering multiple disciplines has made her a versatile and skilled martial artist. With years of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her training and instruction.
Competition Experience: While Edessa’s focus is on training and teaching, her intensive practice in multiple martial arts disciplines reflects her commitment to honing her skills and understanding of competitive techniques.