TRAIN LIKE A FIGHTER.
Functional Strength & Self-Defense
JOIN VALA STRONG! STARTS JANUARY 2026! *
JOIN VALA STRONG! STARTS JANUARY 2026! *
Self Defense + Fitness
POP UP EXPERIENCE
MIRLAOMA PARK, SAN FRANCISCO
A 6 x week program where you learn to defend yourself, a life skill that will help you become more confident and a stronger version of yourself.
Vala Strong is a program designed for you to learn to defend yourself at the same time getting fit. Vala Strong helps you feel better, become more confident and get stronger.
Vala Strong is taught by Ueslei Alves, a professional fighter and 3rd degree black belt in Jiu Jitsu. He is joined by Krissa Hjartar, with 10 years of judo experience and a brown belt in jiu jitsu.
Vala Strong is a 6 person (max) private class that gives you a customized experience based on where you’re at. You will get the attention you need, and be challenged through physical fitness and self defense.
Self Defense Scenarios
Who is this for?
Anyone who’s ready to challenge themselves, have fun, and learn self-defense skills!
We offer a program for adults (mixed genders), women’s only and a teen program for 13-17 years old.
A dojo, located in Miraloma Park
Personalized Experience
6 weeks
6 person private class!
SCHEDULE
Mon/Wed (Teens13-17) 6pm - 7pm
Mon/Wed (Adults) 7pm - 8pm
Tue/Thur (Adults) 8am - 9am
Tue/Thur (Women only) 9am - 10am
Meet Your Coaches
Ueslei Alves and Krissa Hjartar have few decades of experience in martial arts and wellness.
Ueslei Alves
3rd-Degree BJJ Black Belt / Pro MMA Fighter
Recruited to the US by Anderson Silva, Ueslei combines an active fighting career in the LFA with over a decade of coaching at top-tier academies like Ralph Gracie and Gracie Barra.
🥋 Rank: 3rd-Degree Black Belt
🥊 Current Fighter: Active Roster, LFA (Legacy Fighting Alliance)
🏆 Brazilian Champion: 70kg Division
📰 Media: Featured on the cover of Gracie Magazine
Current Role: Co-Founder of Kids Roll, specializing in inclusive teaching and youth empowerment.
Krissa Hjartar
BJJ Brown Belt | Judo Brown Belt
A dominant competitor in both Judo and Jiu Jitsu, Krissa’s style is built on elite takedowns and high-pressure groundwork honed under Gilbert Melendez and Jake Shields.
🏆 World Champion: IBJJF Purple Belt Masters
🥇 American National Champion: Gold Medalist Adult, White Belt Gi
🇮🇸 National Judo Team: 5x Icelandic Champion
Current Role: Coaching Advanced & All Levels Jiu Jitsu at Skrappack HQ and Skrappack Mission.
What does VALA mean?
Vala is a smooth stone that has been shaped by water, pressure and movement over time. We are all rocks that can shape ourselves to be the best version of ourselves.
Vala Strong - Limited Spots
6 person groups (max)
6 weeks
Real training!
Book Your Spot
Max 6 people. Customized experience for every single one. Exact location given after checkout.
Max 6 people. Customized experience for every single one. Exact location given after checkout.
6 weeks self-defense and fitness program, 6 spots max. Exact location given after checkout.
6 weeks self-defense and fitness program, 6 spots max. Exact location given after checkout.
INVEST IN YOURSELF
LEARN TO FIGHT.
GET FIT.
WALK WITH CONFIDENCE.
FEEL YOUR BEST.
LIMITED SPOTS. BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW! STARTS JANUARY 2026.
LIMITED SPOTS. BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW! STARTS JANUARY 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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Just wear comfortable clothes, a t-shirt, tank top, leggings or shorts is perfect. Bring a water bottle, and a towel in case you sweat.
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Vala Strong is a personalized experience. We modify the program based on where you are at. We want to help everyone get stronger, no matter where they’re at.
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Unfortunately, we do not offer a shower service at this point, but please bring a towel in case you sweat.
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No shoes are allowed in fact. We practice in a dojo, on jiu jitsu mats and we don’t wear any shoes - barefoot is preferred.