Business Details
44 Years
experience
Traditional American Karate Training in Santee
Trad Am Karate has been dedicated to martial arts instruction since 1982, offering Traditional American Karate (TAK) that blends techniques from shorin-ryu, shotokan, kung fu, judo, jujutsu, and more. Our family-friendly environment emphasizes physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defense skills for children, teens, and adults. With over 30 years of experience, we provide structured belt progression, competitive tournament opportunities, and low-impact options for seniors.Our certified instructors prioritize positive reinforcement while fostering confidence, respect, and perseverance. Located in Santee, California, we offer flexible class schedules, month-to-month enrollment with no contracts, and a welcoming community for all skill levels.
Services
Martial Arts Training
Karate Classes
Self-Defense
Family Classes
Weaponry Training
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of martial arts instruction experience
- Family-friendly environment with parent-youth duo classes
- Month-to-month enrollment with no long-term contracts
- Certified instructors with 10th Dan leadership expertise
- Offers low-impact martial arts options for seniors
Associations and certifications
- Independent Karate Schools of America (IKSA)
Services
Martial Arts Training
Traditional American Karate develops physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defense skills through structured training. Our system combines techniques from multiple martial arts traditions while emphasizing character development. Students progress through a formal belt ranking system with personalized attention from certified instructors.
Family Classes
Family-friendly martial arts sessions allow parents and children to train together, promoting bonding and shared growth. These classes teach cooperation, focus, and safety awareness while accommodating different skill levels within the same family unit.
Self-Defense
Practical self-defense instruction focuses on real-world scenarios and situational awareness. Students learn effective techniques for conflict avoidance and personal protection while developing confidence and risk assessment skills through structured practice.
Competitive Training
Specialized training prepares students for martial arts competitions including sparring, kata demonstrations, and weapon forms. Our instructors guide competitors through advanced techniques and strategies while maintaining focus on sportsmanship and skill development.
Senior Martial Arts
Modified martial arts programs designed for older adults emphasize mobility, balance, and gentle conditioning. These classes maintain traditional karate principles while adapting techniques to accommodate varying physical capabilities and health considerations.
People
Floyd Burk
10th Dan Master Instructor
With over 45 years of martial arts experience, Master Burk developed Traditional American Karate in 1982. A contributing editor for Black Belt Magazine, he has trained in multiple disciplines including shorin-ryu, shotokan, and kung fu.
Ron Velarde
8th Dan Sensei
Sensei Velarde brings decades of experience teaching Traditional American Karate techniques. As part of the core instructional team, he focuses on technical precision and character development for students of all ages.
Amber Craig
7th Dan Sensei
Sensei Craig specializes in youth martial arts instruction, emphasizing discipline and confidence-building. With extensive tournament experience, she helps students develop competitive skills while maintaining traditional karate values.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach Traditional American Karate (TAK), combining techniques from shorin-ryu, shotokan, kung fu, judo, and jujutsu in a structured curriculum.
Are there family class options available?
Yes, we offer family classes where parents and children can train together in our parent-youth duo format.
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students starting at age 5 through adults, with specialized programs for Tiger Cubs, Juniors, Teens, and Adults.
Do you offer competitive training opportunities?
Yes, we provide tournament preparation for local and national competitions including sparring, kata, and weapon form events.
What are your class schedules like?
We offer multiple weekly sessions with flexible timing, including weekday evening classes and Saturday morning sessions for family training.
Videos
