about us

Master Burke poses for a photo

Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Master Burke began his martial arts study under the instruction of Master Thinh Nguyen in 1981. Master Nguyen is the founder of Silkisondan Karate, and his method is the basis of Burke’s Karate.

Silkisondan Karate teaches the “two ways”: the soft and hard elements of martial arts. We believe in harnessing the power and strength of our bodies, and directing our minds to think through any situation. These lessons are applied during classes, and then carried over into our daily lives.

As Burke’s Karate has grown, our instructors have mastered and incorporated other martial arts styles into our teaching, including Tae Kwon Do, Combat Hapkido, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and more. Our foundation, however, remains the lessons of Master Nguyen, emphasizing self-control, self-discipline, and our harmonious interaction with others.