Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in St. Catharines
Burtnik Karate has been a cornerstone of martial arts training in St. Catharines for over three decades. Founded by Chief Instructor Sensei Tom Burtnik, a 6th Dan with 40 years of martial arts expertise and 30+ years teaching children, our dojo emphasizes respect, confidence, and self-discipline. Our structured kids' program offers five skill levels and flexible scheduling across four weekly sessions, ensuring steady progress through belt promotions. Adult classes focus on self-defense and fitness, accommodating all experience levels with three distinct intensity tiers. Beyond karate, we offer Cindy Burtnik's Yoga Athletics program, blending vinyasa yoga with toning exercises, reflecting our commitment to holistic wellness.Cindy, a certified instructor with a nursing background and 20+ years of yoga practice, brings unique expertise to her classes. We host themed birthday parties featuring karate games, board breaking, and self-defense demonstrations, providing memorable experiences for up to 18 children. Our facility boasts 1,000+ sq ft of padded flooring and 280 sq ft of mirror space, creating an optimal environment for both martial arts and yoga training.
Services
Kids Karate
Adult Karate
Yoga Classes
Birthday Parties
Stretching & Toning
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Sensei Tom Burtnik brings 40 years of martial arts expertise and 30+ years teaching experience
- Structured kids program with 5 skill levels and flexible scheduling options
- Yoga Athletics combines vinyasa yoga with toning exercises for holistic wellness
- Themed birthday parties include karate games, board breaking, and self-defense demos
- Three-tier adult classes accommodate all fitness levels with personalized instruction
Services
Kids Karate
Our children's karate program combines traditional Goju Ryu techniques with modern teaching methods. Five skill levels ensure appropriate challenges for all ages, with flexible scheduling across four weekly sessions. Students develop discipline, confidence, and physical coordination through structured belt promotions and supervised training.
Adult Karate
Adult classes focus on practical self-defense techniques and fitness development. Three intensity tiers accommodate beginners to advanced practitioners, emphasizing personalized progress at individual pace. Training includes traditional forms, sparring practice, and conditioning exercises to improve strength and cardiovascular health through martial arts.
Yoga Classes
Cindy Burtnik's Yoga Athletics program blends vinyasa yoga with targeted toning exercises. Classes improve flexibility, strength, and mindfulness through dynamic flows and stretching routines. Certified instruction accommodates all experience levels, with modifications available for different physical capabilities and needs.
Birthday Parties
Themed karate birthday parties feature two hours of supervised activities for up to 18 children. Includes professional instruction, pizza party, loot bags, and special activities like board breaking and self-defense demonstrations. Packages provide all necessary equipment and materials for a memorable celebration.
Stretching & Toning
Specialized classes combine vinyasa yoga sequences with strength-building exercises. Focus areas include muscle toning, flexibility improvement, and stress reduction through mindful movement. Sessions incorporate breathing techniques and progressive stretching to enhance physical and mental well-being for all participants.
People
Tom Burtnik
Chief Instructor
6th Dan martial artist with 40 years of training in Goju Ryu Karate and other disciplines. Competed internationally with five Canadian Championships and three Pan American gold medals. Full-time instructor since 1992, specializing in youth development through structured martial arts programs.
Cindy Burtnik
Yoga Instructor
Certified yoga instructor with 200-hour training certification and 20+ years of practice. Combines nursing expertise with martial arts experience (4th degree black belt) to develop therapeutic yoga programs. Focuses on improving physical and mental health through customized stretching and toning routines.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Goju Ryu Karatedo with additional influences from Hung Gar, Wing Chun, kobudo, boxing, and wrestling.
Do you offer yoga classes for beginners?
Yes, both Stretching & Toning Vinyasa and Gentle Yoga for Mature Adults include modifications for all experience levels.
What are your class schedules?
Kids karate classes available 4 times weekly, adult classes with 3 intensity tiers, and yoga sessions on Wednesdays at 7:30am, 9:20am, and 10:45am.
Can I try a class before committing?
Yes, first-time drop-in yoga classes are $10, and we offer a free introductory karate class.
Do you host private events?
Yes, we offer themed birthday parties for up to 18 children with karate games, board breaking, and self-defense demonstrations included.
Reviews (2)
Kimberly Scott Princess Treasures
Dec 29, 2020
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Sensi Tom is great with the children and all covid protocols are in place. My son has been going there for 2.5yrs and we recommend it to everyone.
Ryan Thiessen
Jun 19, 2020
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A great dojo catering well to both adults and kids. Classes are a lot of fun, and there is a great deal of variety in each class that allows you to work on not only skills, but also cardio and general health. Sensei is great to work with and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Both my wife and I, as well as our daughter attend, and we all have a good time and have learned a lot attending classes.
