Business Details
44 Years
experience
Martial Arts Training for All Ages in Santee
Trad Am Karate, founded in 1982, has dedicated over four decades to delivering comprehensive martial arts training rooted in discipline, fitness, and self-defense. Our system, Traditional American Karate (TAK), blends Shorin-ryu, Shotokan, Kung Fu, and other techniques to create a holistic approach tailored for modern practitioners. With a focus on attitude development alongside technical skill, we emphasize intuitive self-defense strategies complemented by structured kata, sparring, and weaponry training. Led by Sensei Floyd Burk, a 45-year martial arts veteran and Black Belt Magazine contributor, our instructors have trained with global legends like Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace and David Carradine.Over 30 years of experience in southern California have established us as a community pillar, serving over 1,000 practitioners through family-friendly classes that foster intergenerational growth and cooperation. Our commitment to quality remains unwavering, evidenced by our formal belt-ranking system and inclusion of 11 empty-hand and 13 weapons katas. We maintain strict adherence to traditional principles while embracing American eclecticism, ensuring our training remains relevant and adaptable to contemporary needs.
Services
Martial Arts Training
Karate for Kids
Adult Karate
Family Classes
Self-Defense
Weaponry Training
Senior Martial Arts
Tournament Preparation
Belt Testing
Demonstration Team
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with 45+ years of combined martial arts expertise
- Eclectic training system combining 7+ martial disciplines
- Low monthly fees with no long-term contracts
- Family classes fostering intergenerational bonding and growth
- Specialized senior martial arts programs for ages 60+
What people say
Fun, safe environment
Improved fitness levels
Confidence building programs
Family bonding classes
Expert instructors
Services
Martial Arts Training
Traditional American Karate integrates Shorin-ryu, Shotokan, Kung Fu, Judo, and kickboxing techniques for comprehensive personal development. Our curriculum emphasizes self-defense intuition, character building, and physical conditioning through structured kata, sparring, and weaponry training. Students of all ages benefit from a balanced approach combining traditional Japanese principles with American adaptability.
Family Classes
Intergenerational martial arts sessions strengthen family bonds while developing discipline and cooperation. Parents and children train together through age-appropriate kicking, punching, and blocking techniques that improve fitness and build shared confidence in a safe, supportive environment tailored for family learning dynamics.
Senior Martial Arts
Specialized low-impact classes for seniors focus on maintaining mobility, balance, and self-defense awareness. The White Crane system incorporates gentle movements adapted from traditional kata sequences, promoting joint health and cardiovascular wellness while preserving martial effectiveness for mature practitioners.
Belt Testing
Structured progression through 10 color belt ranks and 10 black belt degrees follows traditional martial arts tenets. Our formal testing system emphasizes technical proficiency, character development, and intuitive self-defense application, allowing students to advance at their own pace through standardized evaluation criteria.
Tournament Training
Preparation for regional and national competitions includes sparring strategy, kata precision, and demonstration techniques. Students receive specialized instruction in tournament rules, sportsmanship, and performance elements while maintaining traditional martial arts philosophy and competitive excellence.
People
Floyd Burk
Senior Black Belt Instructor
45-year martial arts veteran and founder of Traditional American Karate, Sensei Burk trained with legendary figures like Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace and David Carradine. Author of over 100 Black Belt Magazine articles, he holds a 10th Dan black belt and develops curriculum integrating seven martial disciplines.
Martha Burk
8th Dan Black Belt Instructor
Recognized for exceptional teaching experience, Sensei Martha Burk specializes in women's self-defense techniques and youth development programs. With decades of instruction experience, she contributes technical expertise in kata applications and tournament preparation, having trained with leading martial arts masters.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach Traditional American Karate (TAK), combining Shorin-ryu, Shotokan, Kung Fu, Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Kenpo, and kickboxing techniques in an integrated system developed in 1982.
What age groups do you accommodate?
We offer programs for Tiger Cubs (young children), Juniors, Adults, and Seniors. Family classes allow intergenerational training with specialized White Crane classes for ages 60+.
Are there contracts for enrollment?
All programs are month-to-month with no long-term commitments required. Students can cancel subscription at any time without penalty.
How do belt promotions work?
Students progress through 10 color belt ranks and 10 black belt degrees. Formal testing evaluates technical proficiency, character development, and intuitive self-defense application at individual pacing.
What equipment is needed to start?
Beginners require standard martial arts uniform (gi) and hand protection. The dojo has a gear store open during training hours for convenient equipment purchases.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Mohammed M.
Jul 29, 2021
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My two kids having an amazing time learning the techniques, the staff are so helpful and friendly .. Recommend
Sandy A.
Aug 11, 2019
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My daughter went here for a few months and they were absolutely amazing. So caring and helpful with everything. She loved coming home and showing me her new moves and what she learned that day. BRING YOUR KIDS HERE!! Teaching Respect and how to have fun while do iij ng it all kids should come train here even just for a little the life lessons and the karate that is taught here is worth it!
J. C.
Jun 05, 2019
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My daughter and my son are students here at Trad Am. It is a great school for my children to not only learn martial arts but also to teach them discipline and to be respectful and helpful to others. This dojo is a positive learning environment for my children. The instructors are incredible! They are very knowledgeable in what they do, very professional and on top of that, they are very good to children and truly care about them. The senior black belt instructor (grandmaster) has over 45 years of experience in martial arts. My son is 4 years old and is about to earn his yellow belt. Sometimes
Rebecca L.
Apr 02, 2018
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I haven't attended lessons here in a long time, but to this day I still remember most everything I'd been taught! The teachers here are amazing, and will make sure you've got the moves down before bumping you up to the next level. On top of that, they teach you lessons to be used in everyday life, and never let you forget the basics of your training. These brilliant teachers will work with you step-by-step, no matter your age or gender! Attend these classes, you won't regret it!
Judy C.
Jul 30, 2013
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My Daughter started at the Santee rec program where the Senseis from Trad Am Karate teach. She has enjoyed it so much we moved her to the dojo in Santee after a year of being at the rec center. Her confidence has increased so much. They are always positive towards the students. After watching her improve so much I decided to join the Santee Rec program so I could do karate also. My Personal experience being an adult in a class with kid is great. I don't feel awkward training with kids. The teachers take the time to work with me because i'm the only white belt in the whole class. They
Lisa W.
Jul 25, 2012
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My daughter attends their karate program they run through the city of Santee. I have to travel 25 minutes just to get there but I don't mind. My daughter loves it and the training is top notch.
