Hello everyone, I’m Gail King, the Head Coach and owner of Valhalla MMA.
Valhalla MMA is a dynamic and welcoming space designed for all levels of fitness enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Specializing in kickboxing and boxing, we offer high-energy classes that not only build physical strength but also enhance mental focus and self-confidence.
I hope this Q&A helps you learn more about us. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to try a free trial session.
With experienced coaches, a new, clean facility, and a supportive community, our gym is dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals, whether you’re looking to improve your technique, boost your endurance, or simply stay active. Join us for an empowering workout experience that will challenge and inspire you!
1. Can you share the story behind the founding of Valhalla MMA? What inspired you to start this business?
After being involved in martial arts for a number of years & as a female in the sport I understood how intimidating it can be to come and want to train in a kickboxing or boxing gym. I wanted to create a facility where people can feel comfortable training, leave your egos at the door, everyone works with everyone all in a positive & supportive environment with great coaches
2. What was your vision when you first launched Valhalla MMA, and how has it evolved over time?
My vision for Valhalla MMA was and still is to continue to pass on my passion for the sport of kickboxing and boxing. To build the future athletes and coaches of the sports.
3.What challenges did you face when starting Valhalla MMA, and how did you overcome them?
I opened Valhalla in Oct 2020 after the first Covid lockdown thinking naively, we wouldn’t be locked down again but we went through numerous lockdowns & imposed restrictions in the years that followed which was an extremely difficult time as a small business owner.
4.How do you define the core values of Valhalla MMA, and how do they influence your daily operations?
Discipline – Consistency in training and self-control are key to success in combat sports and in life.
Respect – Respect for instructors, training partners, and opponents fosters a positive and supportive environment.
Perseverance – Pushing through challenges and setbacks is essential for growth, both in and outside of the gym. Integrity – Honesty in training, whether in terms of effort or technique, builds character and trust.
Community – Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all members support each other’s progress.
Courage – Facing fears, whether in the ring or in personal development, helps build confidence and mental strength.
Fitness and Health – Emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, mental well- being, and a healthy lifestyle.
Humility – Staying grounded and open to learning, no matter your skill level or achievements.
5.Can you describe a typical day in your life as the owner of Valhalla MMA?
I usually work out every morning be that a run with my dog or a heavy bag workout, I try to alternate between the 2 each day. I then sit down and answer emails, plan my classes for that evening, do PT sessions with clients and then run the evening classes at the gym.
6.What makes Valhalla MMA unique compared to other MMA gyms and training centers?
We have a free trial class for everyone who wants to try Valhalla MMA. The trial class works both ways, we want the new member to see if the facility/coaches/members are a good fit for them but also for us to see if that person is a good fit for Valhalla. We work hard to create a positive & supportive environment and with kickboxing and boxing being contact sports we have to know everyone who is training is going to be respectful of their partners, listen to instruction and train safely.
7.How do you select and train your staff to ensure they align with the values and goals of Valhalla MMA?
I have a few coaches now at Valhalla who all bring a passion for the sports they coach. One of my boxing coaches came highly recommended with a lot of experience as a Pro boxer and coach with the same values & goals as the gym. The rest of the coaches at Valhalla started as members at the gym & then expressed an interest in levelling up and becoming a coach as well as continuing to train and compete. They are already aware of our core values and expectations as they are from this environment. All of the coaches here are certified in either a WAKO Canada kickboxing certification or Boxing Canada NCCP certification. All coaches have their first aid and police checks including vulnerability sector completed and up to date. The coaches are encouraged to attend seminars or courses in their sport so they have the most up to date information and techniques to pass on to our students.
8.What role does community play in your business, and how do you engage with the local community?
We recently moved locations so we hosted an open house brunch which was for the the public and existing members. I support other local businesses by sharing their social media posts or shopping with them or using them to cater our events, I am also a sponsor at Cambridge Humane Society and we do drives to collect items they need each year. We also put on a kickboxing event every year and invite people to come and watch and support the team, it’s a great way to show what the gym has to offer.
9.Can you share a memorable success story from your time running Valhalla MMA?
There are so many. Mariam Lami becoming National Champion in kickboxing. Building my youth team so they are confident individuals with some of them competing regularly. Mentoring a youth member as a junior coach. When a member struggles to pick something up and then it clicks for them. Every session that I coach there is something that makes me thankful to be able to do this everyday.
10.What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about MMA, and how does Valhalla MMA address them?
There are so many misconceptions. Here is a few and some of the most regular I hear. “That it is a violent sport,” – kickboxing and boxing can look violent to the untrained eye but the athletes are very well prepared when they step into the ring, with months of hard training put in to get them to the level so they are ready to compete. “That they are going to make it to the UFC” – realistically & statistically not likely especially if you are only just starting to train now as an adult but if that is your goal we will definitely help you along the way if you’re willing to do the work. “That they’ve won all their street fights so can go straight to sparring sessions,” – absolutely not, nobody is allowed to spar until we know they are ready and they aren’t going to injure themselves or their training partner “It is just for males” – this is probably the hardest one to get ladies to change their minds on especially as an adult. Boxing and kickboxing are great sports, we make sure everyone feels comfortable, supported and included. Some gym environments can have a clique feel to them but we make sure we are not one of them.
11.How do you stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in MMA, and how do you incorporate them into your programs?
Latest trends are usually just fads, we aren’t teaching anything new, nobody is. Both the sport of kickboxing and boxing have been around for years. Is there different spins on the traditional techniques absolutely but you always need to have an excellent grasp of the basics to be able to try any of the more advanced techniques.
12.What advice would you give to someone considering starting their own MMA gym or business?
You have to love what you do because it is going to be long hours. The day doesn’t end or start at teaching classes, you have gym management, emails, calls & text messages to respond to. Events to corner your athletes at, travel with athletes, bouts to arrange for your athletes, the emotional rollercoaster of being a coach/friend/therapist to your team. It is going to be harder than you think but 100% worth it.
13. How do you balance the competitive aspect of MMA with the need to create a supportive and inclusive environment for your members?
We have fundamental classes and mixed levels sessions. We recommend people start in the fundamental sessions before trying the mixed levels but everyone is welcome in both. Members are welcoming at all levels and make everyone feel like they belong. We have a strong team ethic here at Valhalla where we encourage people to support each other & hold each other accountable. If someone is competing we want the team to come and support them. We train together & spar regularly so it isn’t just 1 athlete going in to a bout it is a team. The athlete can’t get ready for a bout by themselves, they need their coaches and team mates to work with and support them.
14.Can you talk about any upcoming events or programs at Valhalla MMA that you’re particularly excited about?
We are super excited about our new ladies kickboxing classes. The class is for ladies only and with a female coach, I know some gyms run ladies sessions but the coach is a male which kind of defeats the point of a ladies only class.
15.What role does technology play in your business, from training tools to member management?
We don’t use a lot of technology, as long as you have heavy bags, a ring and training partners, athletes are happy.
16.How do you measure success at Valhalla MMA, both in terms of business metrics and member satisfaction?
I have members who have been with me since day 1. That is a great measurement for me, having long term members who reach 1, 2, 3 & 4 year anniversary at Valhalla. Obviously some people come and go and that is the nature of the sport but the majority of people stay with Valhalla and appreciate what a great place we have here.
17.What has been the most rewarding part of running Valhalla MMA for you personally?
Seeing the membership grow from 0 to where we are now. Moving to a bigger location before our fourth gym anniversary. Making friends with members who I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to if it had not been for Valhalla.
18.How do you foster a sense of community and belonging among your members?
I like to greet everyone by name when they come in to the gym & get to know each member. We will introduce new people to members so they don’t feel left out or awkward when they first start. Like I said earlier the team support each other when a team mate is competing by going to support which usually turns into a team night out. We have just appointed someone to be the “social director” and put in place that there will be a social event organized at least 4 x a year for members to get together and socialize outside of the gym. Things have changed over the past few years with more people working from home the opportunities to get out and be social decreased we want to help our members with this arranging events and activities for them to participate in.
19.What are your long-term goals for Valhalla MMA, and how do you plan to achieve them?
With a new, bigger location my primary goal right now is to grow our membership base. We are currently building our boxing and kickboxing competitive teams so hopefully we will get another national champion soon.
20.Finally, if you could share one piece of advice with someone interested in MMA, what would it be?
Try a class, try different gyms, make sure the gym you decide to become a member has your best interests at heart. Some gym’s won’t protect the athlete and help them make good choices, you need coaches that will look after you and keep you safe in this sport.
