Testimonials!

As you browse our website you are, no doubt, being given a gazillion reasons why you should begin martial arts training here at AKKA. But why take our word for it? Take a look at what our students and families are saying about their experience with us!

Karate has taught me to set goals and to achieve them with focus and hard work. It has taught me to expect more out of myself when it comes to practicing with intensity. I have gained both physical and mental strength through learning karate and I look forward to the next segment of my journey toward Black Belt Excellence

-Barbara McGinnis, Independence

My experience with AKKA has been nothing but positive. I walked in almost a year ago heavier and more timid. Now I find myself approaching challenges with confidence. I also am thinner and much healthier. I anticipate my further training will help shape me into the honorable, respectable person I desire to be.

-Doug Lagemann, Blue Springs

I truly enjoy my training experience. I have more self confidence in being able to do my moves. When I first started I felt like everyone was watching me. Now I know even if they are it is because they are giving me their support. I appreciate all of the instructors and the time they take in explaining things to us.

-Kathy Pearce, Independence

think the instructors have the kids best interests in mind which, to me, is the most important part of teaching kids new skills.

-Michael Leochner, Independence

I have been quite pleased with the activities and instruction that we have received from AKKA. I like the structure of the instruction and I really like the emphasis on fairness and equality. I believe the karate instruction is of the highest quality. I am very happy with the training and opportunities my grandson has been offered. I do like the emphasis on family.

-Elayne Enyard, Kansas City

I think AKKA is awesome. My children enjoy their time here and look forward to their next class. They love their instructors. They know that no matter what happens with their peers that they can come to AKKA and always have someone to confide in. I like the fact that if my children couldn’t talk to their father or me they could talk to Mr. Burt. He not only solves the issue and includes us as parents. What the kids learn here makes them feel good about themselves. They have the confidence and know they are better people. Thank you.

-Shannon Rogers, Independence

I see a lot of changes in the children’s attitudes and behavior as they progress through their training. It’s great to see them grow and change for the good. I believe the way they are taught at AKKA is done in a very positive way. You are constantly thinking up new ways to teach and keep their attention which is exactly what they need. I think you are doing a wonderful job with your students. This school has become like a second home for my family and I. Thanks a bunch for all that you do.

-Monica Pearce, Independence

What a great overall experience. All aspects are covered, not just karate. My daughter has enjoyed every class. I see AKKA in our future for a very long time. We think AKKA rocks! Thanks to the staff at AKKA Independence.

-Robin Bennett, Blue Springs

Karate has helped me find the respect in me.

-Sydney Tormena, Independence

I am thankful for Mr. Burt, karate instructors and classmates who invest their time and energy to train my family.

-Gary Oakes, Independence

My six year old son came to me one day asking if he could take karate lessons. This had always been an interest of mine so I began looking for a school for us to attend. I called Mr. Burt and scheduled our first lesson. Not knowing what to expect the night of our lesson, I was a little nervous about the unknown. Immediately upon meeting Mr. Burt face to face I was put completely at ease. He not only made a point to introduce himself and shake my hand, he did the same thing for my son, Tommy, and made a point to spend some time speaking with him directly about why he was interested in karate lessons. We did our intro lesson together and after working with Mr. Burt for the first time we had no doubt that this was the school for us. Soon after we began our training, my daughter, Madison, came to watch a class. She was so impressed by the class she signed up right away. Studying martial arts with Mr. Burt at AKKA in Independence is a great family experience that I would recommend to all parents.

-Shannon Pearce, Independence

I think AKKA has helped my daughter, Hannah with focusing on obtaining her Black Belt and dealing with other kids her age and the stress of bullying at school.

-Vicky Adkins, Independence

This has been a fantastic experience for my son. He has learned tremendous discipline and focus. He looks forward to AKKA because of the fun yet productive atmosphere Mr. Burt creates.

-Vik Kapur, Lee’s Summit

The teachers are very patient and knowledgeable. I like the structure of the classes. My son is always treated with respect.

-Marie Hasan, Independence

My experience at AKKA has been a learning and growing experience and is challenging. I enjoy the challenge of learning something new every class. The instructors make you feel welcome and are friendly. I would recommend AKKA to everyone who wants to learn karate and make themselves a better person.

-Steven Starcher, Independence

We enrolled our grandsons in the program at ages 5 and 8. They live with us and do not get to see their mother very often. Both boys are intelligent but have had emotional issues. AKKA has helped them with self confidence and ways to deal with their frustrations. It is a work in progress and we like the progress they are making.

-Mike and Donna Bryson, Independence

My experience here has been really good. I like learning the new moves. This class has helped me learn how to protect myself and keep in shape for my job. I like how you can train at your own pace.

-David Eckert, Kansas City

I feel better after class. The stress of my day before my lesson is gone. By the time I leave my tension is gone, I feel great and have a powerful sense of relief. I feel bad when I miss a class because it is as if my week does not go right without karate.

-Carlene Gonzalez, Independence.

The atmosphere here is positive. I have a lot of stress at home and when I come to class everyone is positive and friendly and I feel good about myself because I feel like I have accomplished something. I am 58 years old and I felt because of my age that I would have trouble fitting in. But everyone has always made me feel welcome and at home and I have always felt like I belong.

-Carlene Purcell, Kansas City.

I have always been a shy person. Karate has been good for me because it has helped me face my fears of being around new people. My training has given me the selfconfidence to know I am able to protect myself.

- Debbie Ryken, Bates City.

I have quit enjoyed my experience so far in Kenpo. I like the new style. My body is adapting to the new range of motion and strength. I enjoy most the inner strength I have achieved. My brain is like a huge sponge and I am soaking up everything I am learning. Thank you Mr. Burt.

-Charles Elam, Independence

Mr. Burt and his team have helped train and develop my son. They have helped him in all areas such as fitness and self confidence. They have greatly increased his self esteem. I am very pleased with the results in only a few short months.

-Kelly Conway, Independence

When I first decided to start Kenpo classes I knew it would give me a body confidence that I needed and it would be fun. I never thought I would enjoy it as much as I do. I almost can’t explain the feeling it gives me. It’s a sort of empowerment or a striving to be my best. Even though I can’t put it into words, it is a feeling I don’t want to give up. When I have my Black Belt I want people to look at me and think I want a Black Belt too, just like I felt when I saw everyone Green and up when I got here. Sarah Gruver, Independence I think AKKA is awesome. My children enjoy their time here and look forward to their next class. They love their instructors. They know that no matter what happens with their peers that they can come to AKKA and always have someone to confide in. I like the fact that if my children couldn’t talk to their father or me they could talk to Mr. Burt. He not only solves the issue and includes us as parents. What the kids learn here makes them feel good about themselves. They have the confidence and know they are better people. Thank you.

-Shannon Rogers, Independence

When asked why I study at AKKA the answer seems natural to me. I practice because it has become a part of my everyday routine. I need to let you know I have no intentions of stopping. I can’t...it is just a continuation of my day. Some say it gets into your blood...becomes a part of you. I would agree with that. Meditation with the body in kata, discipline through practice, getting in shape physically and mentally...the benefits are huge. The techniques we practice have a huge history and lineage and the art is quite adaptable to the world we live in. The AKKA organization is top knotch. With this town filled with martial arts schools, many here today and gone tomorrow, and most with a reputation as smash mouth gyms, AKKA stands apart teaching Kenpo as an art...not a sport. The art equips every student for life. As you know, we are all different and AKKA teaches the art so it touches each student individually...each student receiving the benefits in their own way...to suit their lifestyle. I encourage everyone having an interest in martial arts, or getting in shape , or finding out who you are inside to find an AKKA school. Thank you.

-Kevin Taylor, Independence

I appreciate so much that I can learn a real skill in an environment that also accepts the fact that I have children. I also like the continuous growth I experience when I attend class. I never leave without learning something new. My overall performance as a martial artist and my health has improved a lot in the last year and I owe that entirely to AKKA.

-Danae Valdez, Independence.

I like the confidence that I am getting and the feeling that I can do a lot more than I thought in the beginning. I like the friendliness of the staff and other students. They have always made me feel like I could do anything, even when I didn’t believe it myself.

-Kim Cavender, Independence.

No matter how bad my day has been and no matter how mentally frustrated I become I always walk out the dojo door feeling better than when I walked in.

-Marlene Guthrie, Independence

I have truly enjoyed my experience with AKKA. I appreciate the atmosphere of my school and the attitudes of the instructors and my fellow students. They offer a balanced personality of fun and respect. I am continuing to learn and Kenpo continues to be interesting and stimulating.

-Kelly Hill, Lee’s Summit

When I first signed up for karate, I didn’t do it with a specific end goal in mind. I did it to improve myself. Yellow Belt - Green Belt - Black Belt. ..the colors didn’t mean anything. Karate was simply something I had always wanted to do and I had finally reached a point where I decided to start. As I began my training I learned about what it really means to do karate and I made the commitment to continue. Recently I was asked to respond to the question, Why do you want to be a Black Belt? The immediate thoughts that come to mind are the usual. Because it signifies you’ve reached the end. It means you are the best. Nobody will mess with me. Not to mention the one all women know black makes you look thinner and goes with everything! Seriously though, when you watch someone who has truly invested in the art, they are both strong and graceful at the same time. That’s what I want to be. More importantly Black Belt, to me, is about going the distance. It is about pushing yourself. It is about having the courage to risk failure. It is about dedication, commitment, training hard and following through despite any obstacles that get in your way. And, ultimately, it is about the personal satisfaction and inner strength that come from knowing you gave it your all and are better today than yesterday. Personally it would also mean that I acquired the inner strength not to quit. All my life, as soon as something became boring, I was not getting the results I wanted or it became to tough...I quit. To be a true Black Belt I have to lose that mentality. I want to push myself past all those old limits that would have stopped me dead in my tracks. I want to quit giving up when it gets too hard. I want these things in karate and in life as well. One of my favorite quotes is from the movie Rocky Balboa where Rocky says, It’s not about how hard you can hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit, how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! I recite that quote to myself every time I walk through the doors to my classes at AKKA. It motivates me to keep coming back for more. If I can achieve my Black Belt, it will be because I fought for it and didn’t give in to the temptation to give up. If I stumble along the way (which I know I will) I will use it as further motivation to keep going so I can be a positive role model for the most important people in my life...my family. I want my children and someday my grandchildren to see that nothing is impossible, it is not about perfection but about passion and that it is never too late to pursue what you want .but you have to be willing to work for it!!!

-Dana Duncan Independence

When I first asked about the black belt champions program I was told that I needed to answer two questions. The first being why do I like karate. The second is why do I want to keep training. When I started thinking about both questions I realized that the two are intertwined. In a lot of ways they have the same answers, at least for me anyway. I started karate when I was five years old. I had no idea what my parents were getting me into all I knew is that it looked really cool and I couldn’t wait to get going. Nineteen years later, I couldn’t imagine not doing karate. In those years I’ve grown physically and mentally not just as a person but as a martial artist. I enjoyed doing karate when I was little and to this day I still enjoy it. Karate has shaped the way I am. It has become more than something I do, it has become a part of me. There has never been any doubt in my mind that I was going to get that next level or belt. I can remember when my dad got his first degree black belt, I was happy for him and at the same time a little jealous and I knew I was going to get mine, and nothing was going to stop me. As I sit here twelve years after that moment I know nothing is going to stop me from earning my Black Belt

FREE Uniform with Intro Program!

 CLICK HERE for more info!

Follow Us: