Testimonials
"Training with Sensei Burgart has been a real joy. He is completely dedicated to helping all of his students learn, no matter what level or ability. His calm, focused style of teaching makes the dojo a great environment in which to learn. In the 7 years I’ve trained, I have seen a huge transformation in many aspects in my life. I am calmer and more relaxed, clearer-minded, and focused because of my karate training. The wonderful thing that I have observed in my training is that it never gets boring. I am constantly learning something new. The main reason I have trained so long, and will continue to train, is that I need a form of disciplined exercise that uses my entire body, due to the fact that I have arthritis. The common thinking on arthritis is that the joints are limited and therefore exercise must be. It has proved to be quite the opposite in my experience with Shotokan karate and Sensei Burgart. It has allowed me to experience greater range and fluidity of movement, and has kept my arthritis under good control. My doctor is continually amazed at what I am able to do physically, even with a diagnosis of arthritis. I owe it all to karate."
-Kathy Atwater
Administrative Coordinator
Shodan
"From the moment I first met Karl Burgart during a Nishiyama Sensei seminar in Chicago back in 2001, I knew that he was what I would call a serious martial artist. He is not into flash or fluff, but is continually growing and seeking a deeper understanding of the true art of traditional Japanese karate, not only for himself, but for his students. He is excited about learning and teaching and just can't keep a good thing to himself! I appreciate his professionalism, openness and willingness to share his knowledge and skill with others, and find that we are never considered outsiders when I, or my students, visit his dojo."
- Eric D. Banks
Kansas City, MO Mechanical Engineer
Sandan, JKA-ITKF"
"I've trained under Karl Burgart for the past 12 years, ever since his first beginner class at the Ballwin Point. In training with him, I have found him to always be helpful and most of all passionate towards teaching his students. I have never felt afraid to ask him questions or ask for advice as he is a true, dedicated teacher. In addition, Karl is continually training on his own and seeking higher rank instructors from all over the country for advice and new concepts to introduce to his classes. Training under Karl has definitely been a life changing experience for me, and I'm sure many others who have trained with him."
- Michael Miller
College Student
Shodan
"I was introduced to Sensei Karl Burgart and Traditional Karate in 2001 through my daughter who was a student at the time. I was immediately hooked. My daughter and I were later joined by my two sons and my wife; traditional karate became a family affair. Karl has a passion for the martial arts that comes through in his teaching; he holds nothing back. He is constantly seeking to improve his teaching approach and knowledge of the martial arts by training with the best instructors; the result of this is that over the years our training has continued to evolve and improve. The focus on a balance between mental and physical training with an emphasis on total relaxation results in classes that are always dynamic, interesting and invigorating. The training I have been receiving from Sensei Burgart has been life altering in both my professional and personal life. I am now self aware of my stress levels and have learned how to use techniques taught in our martial arts class to relax my mind and body in whatever circumstance I find myself in. This new found relaxed mental and physical state has had a profound impact on my quality of life."
- Ben Atwater
Manager Information Systems - Manufacturing
1st kyu