Seven Stars Academy

of Martial Arts

Testimonials

 

Sep 1, 2009 by JRG 5 of 5 stars

 I feel so fortunate that in our small town of Falmouth there is such an extraordinary teacher as Maureen Burke Santos. As a master teacher she teaches much more than the physical movements in the tai chi or karate form. She embodies the principles of martial arts, including compassion, commitment, patience. I love that my 5 year old son can learn not only to take care of himself with the physical moves but also begin to experience the depth of Tang Soo Do and hopefully use these tools in his life.

5 of 5 stars
Sep 1, 2009
by Guest16399

 This is an amazing martial arts studio, whether for a child, a teenager or an adult. Master Burke is a very talented, compassionate teacher and tailors the instruction for the student's needs. Whether you are studying Tang Soo Do or Tai Chi with her, it will be very enriching experience. LAB in Falmouth  

5 of 5 stars
Aug 17, 2009
by Andrew

I discovered 7 Stars Academy while searching for a martial arts school for my 7-year-old son. He bonded immediately with Maureen Burke-Santos (something he hadn't done with the instructors at the other schools I checked out). Seeing how much he was getting out of the experience, I signed up my other son and myself 6 months later. What a ride it's been!! We all reached levels and accomplished goals I would've thought impossible. My health, flexibility, confidence, self-defense techniques, endurance (and the list goes on), all reached new heights. What makes her and her school special? She truly cares about each student, and in turn, the students all support each other, rather than compete against each other. New students are always made to feel welcome. My 7-year-old son is now a 21-year-old US Marine. Whenever he comes home to visit, he never fails to stop in at the school to say hi. He knows the role that Maureen Burke-Santos and 7 Stars Academy played in his life.
5 of 5 stars
Aug 10, 2009
by Guest23037
Great school , really good teacher who relates well with her students, and a good way to learn self defence and get exercise that is very addicting.

5 of 5 stars
Jul 29, 2009
by Guest51472

 Head Instructor Maureen Burke-Santos is a Master Black Belt and certified instructor in Tang Soo Do and a first degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate. She has been teaching for almost 30 years. Master Burke-Santos exemplifies all the great qualities found in a teacher and a mentor ¿ she is clear in her instruction, approachable, supportive and works with students of different abilities. At Seven Stars Academy, students of different age groups learn not only traditional Karate techniques but how to stay safe on the streets. Ways to enhance one¿s body, mind and spirit are often incorporated into the training. The curriculum also fosters the importance of values such as self-respect, respect of others, conflict resolution, modesty, goal-setting, risk-taking and self-actualization. If you are enrolled at Seven Stars Academy for the Martial Arts, you become part of the big family. Often, children who take classes have their parents join the school as well. This is a real gem on Cape Cod!  

 5 of 5 stars A Black Belt Karate School for Everyone 

by Zenscreamer

June 07, 2008

Head Instructor Maureen Burke Santos is a Master Black Belt and certified instructor in Tang Soo Do and a first degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate. She began training in 1980, and has been teaching since 1983. She has studied Chinese Chi Kung since 1987 and Tai Chi since 1994, and currently holds rank with internationally known author and teacher Master Yang Jwing Ming. As leader of the Seven Stars Martial Arts Association, Ms. Santos is titular head of three schools, and she has given Master rank to Master Kelly, Head Instructor of Kelly's School of Karate in Barnstable.

Her school offers classes for all age groups from age four through adult, and all ability levels from beginner through Black Belt grades. Seven Stars Academy offers a safe, comfortable learning atmosphere with qualified instructors who know how to make learning fun. My whole family joined this school in 2003 and after five years we are still learning new things from every class. My husband and I enjoy the exercise and the challenge that meets our 40-something bodies ? our children are growing physically and mentally as they become role models for younger, less advanced children.

In Black Belt class, my husband and I train with students who have been with Ms. Santos for a decade or more and who still feel that she has some new insight to offer them. I have taught Little Dragons classes with her where she meets with pleasure the smallest children and gently coaxes them into the simplest of body motions. I have watched her teaching students with Down's Syndrome, Aspergers, and mental retardation, and offer a Master's belt to a M.D..

To be a student at Seven Stars Academy of Martial Arts is to be part of more than just another Karate school. Seven Stars Academy of Martial Arts is a special place to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually, and the world became a better place twenty-five years ago, when Maureen Burke Santos became a teacher. Come take a class and see what I mean!

  • Pros: Leadership, instruction, peers, moral tone, openness, warmth
  • Cons: Small waiting room fills up for some children's classes
 
Maureen Burke Santos