The story of valkyra
Empowering Confidence Through Self-Defense
Valkyra began with a simple but powerful mission: to provide individuals who choose training with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to protect themselves. Founded by experts in martial arts, bystander intervention, mindfulness, and fitness, we take a holistic approach to self-defense and personal safety. Our training combines proven, research-backed self-defense techniques that are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience level. We believe personal safety is a fundamental right, and empowerment is the key to unlocking your inner strength. That’s why our programs don’t just focus on physical defense—they emphasize awareness, prevention strategies, and resilience-building to help individuals feel prepared in any situation.
our values
A Mindful Approach to Personal Safety
True self-defense is about more than just physical skills—it’s about awareness, confidence, and resilience. Our programs emphasize mindfulness, helping individuals stay present, assess risks effectively, and respond with clarity under pressure.
Accessible & Adaptable Techniques
Self-defense should be for everyone—regardless of age, gender, or experience level. Our training is designed to be practical, adaptable, and easy to learn, ensuring that anyone can develop the skills needed to protect themselves and navigate the world with confidence.
Research-Backed methodology
Our self-defense programs are built on proven, evidence-based techniques from martial arts, bystander intervention, and prevention science. We focus on real-world strategies that enhance personal safety, situational awareness, and confidence in any environment.
meet the founders
Angela Jaco
A NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Escape Training Instructor, Angela is passionate about helping individuals build strength, confidence, and resilience through fitness and self-defense. With years of experience as a fitness instructor, she has taught Pilates, boxing, and escape trainings, focusing on movement, control, and empowerment. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the importance of personal safety—her mother, a domestic violence survivor, inspired her to become a warrior, refusing to let the past define her. Instead, Angela channeled her experiences into empowerment, dedicating herself to teaching others the skills and mindset needed to stand strong.
At Valkyra, she brings an encouraging, accessible approach to self-defense, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or experience, can learn to protect themselves and move through life with confidence.
Shane Mcfarland
With over a decade of experience as a Certified Escape Training Instructor and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Coach, Shane McFarland has dedicated his career to helping people protect themselves through practical, evidence-based self-defense techniques. As a Prevention Scientist, his expertise in emergency response, self-defense strategy, and situational awareness training ensures that Valkyra’s programs are not only effective but also grounded in research and real-world application.
Shane specializes in designing self-defense programs that blend science with practical defense strategies, equipping individuals with the skills they need to react confidently and mindfully in any situation.
Valkyra Defense 