Meet the staff & coaches

I have been training in martial arts now for 35 years,  starting when I was 13 with Kickboxing then on to BJJ, Wrestling and MMA then finally 12 years ago, Muay Thai. . I started my teaching journey 10 years ago as an assistant coach for Muay Thai, then 9 years ago I coached MMA for the British Army for 2 years, Teaching the Forum Fighter

I have been training in martial arts now for 35 years,  starting when I was 13 with Kickboxing then on to BJJ, Wrestling and MMA then finally 12 years ago, Muay Thai. . I started my teaching journey 10 years ago as an assistant coach for Muay Thai, then 9 years ago I coached MMA for the British Army for 2 years, Teaching the Forum Fighters team at Blandford Camp. 

During this time I started wrestling to improve my MMA  I have trained with many great catch wrestling schools including the renowned Snake Pit in Wigan, and am now on the board as national secretary for the UK Glima Wrestling Federation. I opened Valhalla Martial Arts in 2018 with a vision to create the best facilities possible with the best coaches possible. 

Welcome to the VMA 🙏 

Stretch (don't call him 'Mark') Sandrey.... One of our company directors, The Gym Dad, and Co manager, usually found behind the counter eating or fixing something.  Stretch is part of the glue that holds the place together, thanks to him we have a custom made ring, reception counter and luxuries like working toilets and showers.

Stretch

Stretch (don't call him 'Mark') Sandrey.... One of our company directors, The Gym Dad, and Co manager, usually found behind the counter eating or fixing something.  Stretch is part of the glue that holds the place together, thanks to him we have a custom made ring, reception counter and luxuries like working toilets and showers.

Stretch looks after the boring stuff that no one else enjoys doing,  like sorting memberships and keeping track of payments, and as such is truly indispensable. 

 I have been training in martial arts for three years, focusing on disciplines such as Muay Thai, K1 Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Norwegian Laustak Wrestling.

I initially started training as a way to support my mental health and quickly discovered it was more effective than anything I had tried before. This passion led me to spend 

 I have been training in martial arts for three years, focusing on disciplines such as Muay Thai, K1 Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Norwegian Laustak Wrestling.

I initially started training as a way to support my mental health and quickly discovered it was more effective than anything I had tried before. This passion led me to spend most of my time at the gym, gradually helping out where I could. Over time, this involvement grew, and I became part of the management team.

Although I’ve only had one fight, which didn’t result in a win, I am qualified to teach beginner to intermediate levels in both Muay Thai and Norwegian Laustak Wrestling.

I have been training in martial arts for 18 years, specifically in Muay Thai and K1 kickboxing. 

I am a former Heavyweight World Champion With a combined record of 18 fights, 15 wins, 2 losses  and 1 no contest. I trained under the Legendary Tom Ashe and the King Tiger Weymouth. After a bad injury I decided to step out for a while, this is

I have been training in martial arts for 18 years, specifically in Muay Thai and K1 kickboxing. 

I am a former Heavyweight World Champion With a combined record of 18 fights, 15 wins, 2 losses  and 1 no contest. I trained under the Legendary Tom Ashe and the King Tiger Weymouth. After a bad injury I decided to step out for a while, this is where my coaching journey started.

I began Teaching Muay Thai To local SEN day centres and youth clubs before opening my own gym, and coaching beginners right up to professional fighters. I had TMT for 5 years but covid hit. I was then approached by Dean and he proposed this idea. Valhalla and the rest in history. 

 Hi my name’s Aldo, I coach the kids, teens and beginners Thai classes. 

My combat sports background is a bit different to most: I started fencing at 9 and did that until I was 19. In that time I got to fence in the British Youth Championships. I’ve also done Taekwondo for several years, as well as Taekwondo kick-boxing. I met Dean when I 

 Hi my name’s Aldo, I coach the kids, teens and beginners Thai classes. 

My combat sports background is a bit different to most: I started fencing at 9 and did that until I was 19. In that time I got to fence in the British Youth Championships. I’ve also done Taekwondo for several years, as well as Taekwondo kick-boxing. I met Dean when I was 19 and took up Muay Thai, which I’ve now got close to 5 years experience in. On top of the striking arts, I also train MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Outside of martial arts I’ve also been lucky enough to compete in various other sports such as badminton and hockey.  

When it comes to Muay Thai, my personal style is tricky and based around trap-setting and kicking. I enjoy blending techniques from the various arts I’ve studied and integrating them together.  In addition to my sporting experience, I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Applied Sports and Exercise Medicine.