Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the word “KARATE” mean?
“Karate” (pronounced “Kah-rah-tay”) is a Japanese word that means empty hand and refers to a karate student’s ability to offer a defense without the use of weapons.
What style of Karate is this?
This style of Karate is referred to as Traditional Shotokan Karate
Why is good form important?
Good form means that you know how to use your body in a way that will allow you to get the most power from it while protecting your body from injury.
Will I get a new rank every three months?
No. You must earn your rank. Almost everyone will not pass at least one test. Sometimes you’ll decide that you need more time to prepare for a test. Your time is valuable and the high standards make your training time even more valuable. The high standards mean better karate.
Why is this non-contact Karate, wouldn’t contact Karate teach me to “take a punch?”
No. You cannot be taught to “take a punch” like the kind you deliver with a Karate technique. The average heavyweight boxer punches with 600 pounds of force per square inch. An advanced Karate black belt can punch with a force of 2000 pounds per square inch. Even a weak blow (by Karate standards) can hurt a person. Extreme care and control must be used at all times when practicing karate.
What is the goal of Karate training?
People train in Karate for any number of reasons including, self-defense, physical fitness, fun, competition and confidence. Gichin Funakoshi, founder of modern Karate, said “The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory nor defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants.”
Will the students learn any “secret techniques?”
No. There are no secrets to Karate training. Only through serious, consistent, scientific training and proper attitude will one progress. The biggest obstacle to overcome is the human ego.
The chief instructor of the Traditional Karate Association of Missouri is Mr. Karl Burgart, 3rd Dan with 33 years of training experience.
1974............Began traditional karate training
1982............Received rank of Shodan (black belt) Japan Karate Association
1982-83......Taught traditional karate elective course at Stephen’s College (Columbia, Missouri)
1985............Competed in U.S. National International Traditional Karate Federation Tournament
1985............Received rank of Nidan (2nd level black belt) Japan Karate Association
1986-87......Taught local karate club at University of Missouri-St. Louis
1987............Founded Traditional Karate Association of Missouri (Affiliated with Japan Karate Association)
1988............B.S.B.A. University of Missouri-St. Louis
1989............Graduate St. Louis County Police Academy
1989-95......Full time Police Officer and Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor (St. Louis, Missouri)
1996-2008..Developed the traditional karate program for the City of Ballwin at The Pointe at Ballwin Commons
2000............Received rank of Sandan (3rd level black belt) Japan Karate Association2008............Traditional Karate Association of Missouri relocates Dojo to Life Time Fitness
Karl Burgart and has trained under both Japanese and American instructors. He has always studied and trained in the lineage of Hidetaka Nishiyama, the world-renowned teacher of Traditional Karate. The country of Japan has named Master Nishiyama a national living treasure. Master Nishiyama has lived in California since 1958.
Mr. Burgart’s teacher is Toru Shimoji of Atlanta Georgia (a direct student of Master Nishiyama).
Mr. Burgart travels extensively attending instructor training seminars as well as hosting events in St. Louis. He has taught rape prevention, self-defense and business safety courses throughout St. Louis.
Karl lives in West County with his wife and three children.
No. You are not required to
sign a contract. Class fees are collected for a 7 week session by Life
Time Fitness.
Where is the Traditional Karate Association of Missouri located?
Life Time Fitness - West County
3058
Clarkson Road
Ellisville, MO 63017
What is the mission of the TKA?
The mission of the Traditional Karate Association of Missouri is ultimately human development through the study of Karate. Students must strive to become disciplined and confident enough to overcome any of life’s obstacles.
For additional information and to visit a class please call (636) 405-1960