BJJ Instructor, Sheldon Valka

Sheldon Valka – Head Instructor

BJJ Black Belt
- IBJJF#477367
Beltchecker.com
Judo Brown Belt / Sankyu
- USJA #3688273
2x Underground Submission Champion
3x Texas International Grappling Champion
2x Battle of H Town Medalist
2x Fuji Medalist
Atama Open Medalist
NCIS Criminal Back Ground Check
American Red Cross CPR Certified

Professor Sheldon years of experience in the Art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo, as well as several years as an instructor & competitor. He has also cross trained in Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Sheldon started his training at Gracie Barra under Professor Patrick Head in 2010 out of South East Texas. Then, finding his way to Insight BJJ of Bastrop, TX in 2015 under Professor Alex Henley. Sheldon capitalizes on the fine details and teaches those details of each position to help his students to succeed in class, as well as competitions. Sheldon’s hope and dream is to be able to make a difference in people’s lives and influence them in a positive way through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu /Renzo Gracie

5.0

Based on 88 reviews

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Danny Stephenson

16:56 10 Jun 25

I come to Somerset a few times a year to visit family and I decided to check out Insight for some cross-training while in town. I definitely will be coming back! I was welcomed with open arms by all the staff and members, Sheldon even took time aside from his daily members to help me improve my game as well. Great ppl& great times at this gym!

Mr Me

01:18 15 Apr 25

An Outstanding Gym with a World-Class Atmosphere!

I can’t say enough great things about Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu / Renzo Gracie. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed like family — no ego, just a genuine and supportive community that’s passionate about jiu jitsu. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this place makes you feel right at home.

The program itself is top-notch. The instruction is technical, clear, and rooted in the highest standards of the Renzo Gracie lineage. You can tell the coaches are deeply invested in helping everyone improve — not just physically, but mentally as well. Every class is structured to build skill and confidence, and the environment is always respectful, focused, and fun.

If you’re looking for elite-level training in a place where you’ll be truly welcomed, Insight BJJ is where you want to be. Can't recommend it enough!

Thank you again and look forward to training again with your team.

Katie Mikel

13:36 30 Nov 24

Visiting from out of town, and this place exceeded expectations. Friendly atmosphere, top-notch instruction, and great training partners. The gym is spacious, clean, and well-maintained.

Highly recommend!

Kevin Hess

01:49 28 Nov 24

Came into town for holidays and found Insight. I was welcomed right into the class and learned some awesome Ezekiel Choke combinations. Stayed for the open roll and Professor Valka took time to not only roll with me, but answer a lot of questions! If you are looking to start or just in town, this is the place to go!!

Lilian Mahi

20:01 12 Nov 24

As a working and traveling parent with two kids actively involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we've visited and trained at a variety of gyms across the country. With this perspective, I want to share why Insight BJJ stands out and why I highly recommend it to other parents/individuals.

We recently moved to Somerset, KY, and in August, I enrolled my two children, ages 5 and 8, at Insight BJJ. The transition has been seamless, and the welcoming atmosphere here made all the difference. The coaches are not only skilled but genuinely kind-hearted, taking the time to demonstrate techniques, answer questions, and work with each child on their individual strengths and areas to improve.

The emphasis on building solid relationships with both the kids and the parents is evident, and for that, I am truly grateful. This gym has not only made our relocation easier, but it has also given my kids and myself a sense of home. They've already formed friendships with the coaches, other kids, and their families, and we couldn't ask for a better gym.

Emma Tobe

02:41 27 Sep 24

Insight has an amazing training environment for both new and seasoned jiu jitsu athletes. Whether you are a hobbyist or a competitor, you will receive top-notch instruction that will cater to your personal goals as an athlete. In addition, the wide variety of class times that Insight offers makes it easy to fit training into a busy schedule.

This is not a gym where you are simply a “member”… you become part of a family. And that alone is worth its weight in gold.

If you are looking for a safe, fun, skilled environment to learn more about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I would highly recommend Insight.

sean hackee

03:33 26 Sep 24

This gym’s atmosphere is unmatched! The professor is extremely welcoming to all students. Every student at insight is a team member, and a vital one at that. From day one your questions and input matter in the success of the gym as a whole. At insight, I have found jiu jitsu is looked at as a community and not a rivalry. Ego is left at the door and everyone is joined in making the community better. I had tried Jiu Jitsu at another gym (one in which I have nothing but respect and appreciation for), however insight offered me the environment of freedom, encouragement and embrace of difficultly I was looking for. I live an hour away from this gym, yet I drive there twice a week just to be around such great people. Hopefully, you are the next member to have a positive impact on the community. #onelove

The Keller's BJJ RV

22:45 21 Jul 24

My husband and I guest trained at Insight and joined their open mat when we happened to be in the area. The professor/ owner is was clearly dedicated to his craft, his gym, and his students . The gym is very clean, bright, and over all has a very welcoming feel. This is a great family gym. Big Bonus points for mens and womens changing rooms AND they have a shower. Overall, wonderful gym and if I’d live here, it would be the gym of my choice.
Thanks for the 50/50 pointers, Professor Sheldon.

Gavin Poling

03:37 09 Jul 24

I stopped by for an evening class while on a road trip and everyone is very friendly and nice. The instructional section was good and the sparring section afterwards was really good as well. I would recommend training at this school for sure!

Aaron Goodpaster

02:10 09 Jul 24

I started at insight a few weeks ago and it’s been amazing, everyone involved are great people that are willing to teach and better your experience. Professors Sheldon Valka and Kirk Phillips are great teachers that have vast knowledge of the sport , you can’t ask for a better environment to learn!

Afton Norfleet

10:36 02 Jul 24

Both of my sons train here and have developed a passion for jiu jitsu. Insight has both a welcoming atmosphere and superb training. They offer classes for any schedule. One of my sons has trained at multiple jiu jitsu gyms (even out of state) and Insight continues to be his favorite of them all. Highly recommend!!

ryan wilson

21:39 01 Jul 24

I walked in the first day and could not have felt more welcomed. The facility is top-notch and extremely clean. Professor Sheldon is very knowledgeable and thorough, a top grade instructor.
I will be moving to the area soon and was looking for a place to train. With no doubt in my mind, this will be the place.

Taylor Evans

21:14 05 May 24

I knew nothing about any martial arts before going to insight. However, the professors and members are super welcoming and helpful. I’ve felt at home since day 1!

Ethan Norfleet

18:37 24 Mar 24

Insight BJJ stands out as the premier Jiu Jitsu gym in Somerset, Kentucky! Having experienced numerous Jiu Jitsu gyms across different regions, I confidently affirm that Insight surpasses all expectations. Under the guidance of Professor Sheldon, the depth of knowledge in both the fundamental and intricate aspects of Jiu Jitsu are unmatched . Beyond the exceptional training, the atmosphere is inclusive, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support amongst members. I’d recommend Insight BJJ to anyone seeking unmatched instruction and a welcoming community!

Amber Dunagan

22:27 22 Feb 24

All I can simply say is WOW my girl Gabby has been here for about month and has learned so much! Definitely has improved her wrestling skills and has made her confidence burst!! This place is a true definition of family ♥ I wish I could put more then 5 stars Sheldon and his staff deserves over 50!!

caleb abrams

22:55 17 Nov 23

I stopped by for open mat today and had a great experience. I was in town on a work trip and it was my first time visiting a gym other than my local gym in TN. Sheldon was very helpful in improving my game and I’m excited to take what I learned back to TN.

Kelsey Baker

21:36 11 Oct 23

My son loves taking classes here. The environment here is welcoming, excellent coaches, willing to work with students to learn the days lesson and master learning. If you are looking for a gym.. you will not regret the decision to join us at Insight!

Cole Blevins

23:52 08 Oct 23

I cant recommend Insight BJJ Somerset enough if you are looking to train BJJ in the Somerset Ky area. Once I stepped through the door and experienced the atmosphere for myself I knew its where I wanted to train. It is a friendly and clean training environment and the owner Sheldon Valka is a top notch coach! Perfect place to train regardless of age or skill level!

Rick Goforth

02:23 23 Sep 23

I had the opportunity to train at Insight BJJ in Somerset today. Sheldon Valka is an awesome instructor! He and his students were very welcoming. This is a top notch school and I would 100% train here if I lived in the area! He truly cares about his students and seeing them progress.!

Austina Mellberg

01:57 01 Jul 23

I love the family atmosphere of this staff and gym! Sheldon is extremely knowledgeable and his coaching skills are incredible as well as easily understandable! Will be back im the near future!

Morrow Milestones

18:34 30 Apr 23

If you are looking for that something to help motivate you to get in shape, become healthier, and improve your everyday life, this is your one stop shop! Sheldon Valka, his wife Shana, and their children Darian and Silas are an asset to the community of Somerset. The environment they provide at Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu-Team Renzo Gracie-Somerset, KY is very clean, friendly and family-oriented. They offer 6:30 A.M. classes, noon classes, and 6:30 P.M. classes to accommodate any work schedule. They also offer kid’s classes so your child can learn to protect themselves from the threat of bullies. When you join Insight BJJ, you are not just joining a gym, you are joining a family. Call today and take advantage of the first free week of training. You will learn the Renzo Gracie style of Jiu Jitsu to help you have the confidence and ability to protect yourself in a world that keeps getting more and more unpredictable. Join today and start your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey at Insight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu -Team Renzo Gracie-Somerset, KY!

Z Crew

17:53 30 Apr 23

I love training here. Jujitsu is intimidating to get into but I have received tons of support and encouragement. They also have let us use their facilities for our youth wrestling team. It has been an excellent partnership we were very glad to get the team out of a garage gym and into such a nice one.

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Sheldon Valka – Head Instructor

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606-222-0590

Sheldon Valka – Head Instructor

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Call Us!!

606-222-0590