Instructor Mark Burckhard

In the 30+ years of his martial arts training, Mark Burckhard has gained experience in several arts. His wide base of knowledge has enabled him to incorporate many different techniques and concepts into his unique teaching style.

Mr. Burckhard's training in the martial arts began in the early 70's. From 1972 to 1978 he studied Shotokan Karate where he obtained the rank of brown belt. In 1978, he stopped studying Shotokan so he could spend more time with his family.

Years later, in 1996, he enrolled his children in a self-defense course offered at the local recreation department. Watching the classes rekindled his interest in the martial arts. Mr. Burckhard convinced Pete Sorce to start a rec-department program of his own, and in 1997 Mr. Burckhard became one of the first adult students to train with Mr. Sorce. With his previous Shotokan experience, Mr. Burckhard learned quickly. He trained five days a week and in just under four years, Mr. Burckhard became the first Sorce Martial Arts student to be promoted to black belt. He has since become the first Sorce Martial Arts student to be promoted to 3rd degree black belt.

Since 2007, Mr. Burckhard has been a Certified Instructor of Taekwon-Do. He also holds the title of Certified Instructor in Inayan Kadena De Mano, Siniwali and Dequerdas. Mr. Burckhard serves as an assistant instructor in our Danzan Ryu Jujitsu classes. He holds a brown belt in Judo and Jujitsu under the United States Judo Association (USJA).

Mr. Burckhard works for the South Milwaukee school system as their chief of maintenance. When he isn’t training, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren or riding his motorcycle.