phenomenal environment for beginners to start, feel comfortable, and take it as far as they want to go. came in no Muay Thai experience, and worked my way up to being very comfortable sparring with people of all levels. everybody is cool and just wants to make each other better. if you're thinking about changing your life for the better, start here. read more

Strongly recommend this gym for any folks in the New England area and beyond whether you're a novice or expert! Absolutely love the facilities, staff, and classes provided: as a young woman, there's nothing better than feeling empowered and welcomed in a martial arts space -- keep doing what you do best! read more

After going to Atomic Kickboxing for several months and wanting to learn more of the MMA side of kickboxing/Muay Thai, I decided to give Burke's a try. As a female, at first I was super intimidated walking into a class full of guys grunting and shouting, but was relived to see more and more girls after each class. Coming to Muay Thai became something I looked forward to each week and felt accomplished when I improved on form or technique. Each class is different so it always feels fresh while building upon things already learned. Jaimeson and Num are awesome and take the time to break things down and give you 1-on-1 instruction within the group class setting. More importantly, they make it fun while still challenging and teaching. The progression and testing system helps you be motivated to hit progress goals, but chill enough for those looking to do it with no pressure as a hobby/exercise. Jaimeson is also really great at checking in with you when you fall off your practice - which is nice to have to stay accountable. I will miss Burke's and wish I had been able to train here for longer before moving! read more

Positive: The teachers are experienced and committed to the practice. I could tell that I was being taught by experts. Negative: I agree with what others on Yelp have reported. Beginners and advanced students are taught in the same classes. Beginners are not given extra attention to catch up to the other students, and sometimes the advanced students are overtly rude to beginners when partnered up. Also, this studio requires an annual contract and a $200 cancellation fee if you choose to end your membership early. Other studios are more flexible and do not require a contract. In my opinion, this martial arts studio lacks the spiritual benefits of martial arts as well as a sense of community. It seems to be focused on sales. read more

Paid for trial membership on Tuesday , Received a text on Tuesday saying if I have any questions to text back It is now Friday I have texted every day about the schedule for intro classes I have called both numbers as well with no answer. I am very lenient and lax but not getting back to customers for three days after they purchase a membership is not good business for customer service. Mind you all I am trying to do is schedule a trial class or at least know what the schedule is so I can show up there. This is unfortunate that the person in charge of intake does not do their job. read more

My husband and I come here for the vee arnis jitsu class (self-defense) and really love it. We (especially me) are pretty commitment-phobic introverts, but we love this class and community. We find ourselves challenged and encouraged during each session as we learn practical tools of self-defense. And it's a lot of fun! We appreciate that the class doesn't just make you feel an inflated sense of confidence, but rather drills in you discipline and opportunity for continuous growth and improvement. Just a note: you get in people's business in this class! So sweat, close contact, and awkward positions are all part of the package. New students are often paired with the more advanced and there is constant partner switching so no one feels left out. The instructors (Mr. Brian and Mr. Burke) are both fantastic teachers. Their class structure is a membership (so you're paying monthly and need to commit to a year or more). You also have to pay for various class materials (clothing, equipment) and an initiation fee (so there is a hefty initial cost). Scheduling is a bit limited, there's only one of the self defense classes per day, so you're limited if you can't do a day/time. read more

Great intense workouts. Friendly , helpful staff who are committed to helping you acheive your individual fitness goals. Killer kickboxing workouts. I'm hooked. I am upgrading my review to 5 stars. I have been attending classes since January and I am truly hooked. I look forward to the classes at Burke's each week and I have noticed a huge difference in my strength, flexibility and endurance. I feel like I can do anything when I leave class. I highly reccommend this class for anyone who is looking to move their fitness to the next level, or just to find motivation and "fitness friends". read more

Had my first "I love kickboxing" class here and was pleasantly surprised by the studio (despite the appearance of the old mill building its in). Aside from that, the class was a welcomed challenge. The staff is incredibly nice and encouraging. I was greeted as soon as I walked in by an instructor that came out of their way to say hello and get me situated. I was offered a free bottled water, small gesture that was much appreciated. As a first timer, I had my own dedicated instructor during the class, Denise. She was wonderful. Get ready to feel the pain and sweat! read more

Never been so disgusted with a gym. Never in my life have I experienced a place that was so clearly more motivated by sales than by providing quality martial arts education. Charged everyone the same price for monthly membership during COVID for online classes, and in order to cancel you need to pay $200 to initiate a "30 day cancellation period" after which time you pay ANOTHER month's 150 fee. No exceptions. Wildly expensive and not worth it. Entire scheme is pretty clearly based on pressuring you to sign a dramatically under-explained lengthy contract with "day-of sign bonuses" post-workout. Feels more like being at a sleazy car dealership than a martial arts institution. If you want to take Krav Maga HIGHLY recommend going to the place on Waterman St in Providence. Or if looking for a regular gym, Healthtrax at any location. Neither of these institutions is as duplicitous when you try to suspend or cancel a membership. read more

I love this place! If fact, I am surprised that the review claiming that this is a dirty gym has not been removed already. This is by far the cleanest, and one of the most professional martial arts schools I have had the pleasure of being associated. It's bright, extremely clean, and the instructors go out of their way to be courteous and helpful. It's a fine line to walk, especially with such an aggressive style, to be able to explain how to "unleash the fury", but still keep a friendly and fun atmosphere. They do a fantastic job. Also, a shout-out to the ilovekickboxing portion of the school. I thought I was going to die the first day, but it was still fun, and an extremely good cardio workout. I've had easier P90X workouts, but they never made me feel like I should push myself to the point of injury. In fact, they encourage communication to understand where you are, if you are first starting the program. Thanks! read more

Burke's martial arts was recommended to me by a close trustworthy friend that saw I was struggling with the normal gym routine. I was invited to try 5 classes as part of a Groupon deal and thought it was a great excuse to only do it the five times. Little did I know I would be instantly hooked after the first class. The biggest impact my first class had on me was the help from a trainer one on one while the class was being instructed. Step by step and motivating words of encouragement helped me through the hour that literally pushed me to my max! I've been attending 4 classes regularly a week and look forward to Mondays to start off the week with trainers who have known and called me by my name since the day I walked in. I receive high fives from classmates that have never judged me and that are friendly because that's what the Burke's Martial Arts team teach, teamwork makes the dream team! I have noticed class by class my stamina lasting longer and my technique is improving. I look forward to a long relationship here because I can rest assure if I need the help the trainers are just a question away! Thank you Burke's Martial Arts! read more

Burke's Martial Arts - An hour on these mats and punching bags is sometimes too short! Time flies when you're having fun. - Martial Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

After a while, Mr. Burke stopped teaching many of the classes, having Brian teach. There's nothing wrong with that, but when I pay good money, I expect the instructor to be there. In addition, they leave for Christmas Thailand trip, even though I pay for the full month of December.... read more

DO NOT GIVE THESE PEOPLE YOUR CREDIT CARD #, THEY ARE THIEVES I went to Burke's Martial Arts about a year ago for a trial class. I really enjoyed it, I liked the instructor and I thought the program looked really good, so I agreed to sign up. I let them place an initial charge of $100 on my credit card. A week later, by horrible coincidence, I suffered a major injury that put my arm out of commission. My girlfriend and I were babysitting her best friend's children, and we had taken them to a trampoline park. While attempting to traverse the monkey bars, I felt a sudden pain in my arm that was so intense I actually fell off the monkey bars. (There was a sea of those plastic balls underneath, so no harm there.) But my arm hurt unbearably for a full hour afterwards, and the following week I made an appointment at an orthopedic center where I was informed that I had ruptured my distal bicep tendon and would need surgery. I was also informed that I needed to abstain from any physical activity with that arm for at least six months. Obviously, this was a bummer, and I contacted the instructor at Burke's who had given me my trial class and informed him of my situation. He sympathized, said he hoped I'd be able to return in the future, and told me that he would cancel my account in light of my situation. That was the last I thought about Burke's Martial Arts. Until six months later. It was Friday, payday, and I had just woken up and gone to my computer to check if my direct deposit had arrived. It had, at approximately 5:45 that morning. Fifteen minutes after that a charge of $140 had been taken out by Burke's Martial Arts, the very same Burke's Martial Arts that had long ago assured me my account had been canceled. There was no attempt on Burke's part to inform me that they were intending charge me money. When I originally called to cancel my account, it was not implied in even the most casual way that the company intended to wait some random length of time and then begin charging me money again. Now, I wasn't too concerned, because I figured, of course, that this was a mistake that would be cleared up with a single email. That's when things began to get truly bizarre. I did email Burke's, and they responded telling me that my account had never been canceled (despite the fact that I still have the original email from them back when I got my injury assuring me that they were canceling it.) Absolutely shocked by this, I continued a back and forth email exchange, in which the company refused to back down. Eventually I got Mr. Burke himself on the phone, who despite having no legal basis whatsoever for his actions, informed me that he had no intention of giving me my money back, and furthermore, it was his intention to CONTINUE charging me, going forward. And in fact he did continue to try and charge me, eventually leading me to have to cancel that particular credit card. And it doesn't even end there! Yesterday I got a letter in the mail from an attorney. Burke's Martial Arts is suing me for approximately $800, which they claim I owe them because I signed a contract, despite the fact that this same company had assured me, six months previously, that my contract was canceled and I had no obligation to them. So it seems this is the attitude over at Burke's, once we have your credit card info, we can do anything we want with it. And if you get a serious injury and can't practice martial arts, that's fine, we're gonna take your money anyway. This is all true. I'm being sued by a dojo I took one class at a year ago. I ruptured a tendon in my arm and their response was to make unauthorized transactions on my credit card I never approved of. And then to sue me. So if you visit Burke's and you like what you see and you want to train over there, do yourself one favor. Pay in cash. Oh and don't get injured. read more

Terrible terrible gym. You don't learn Muay Thai as you don't get an opportunity to spar. You kick bags and pads all day. I've been here for a year and once my contract expires I'm out. I'm disappointed and disgusted by the instructors treatment of me. Furthermore, they have very unethical business practices. Look up what a "Mcdojo" is. That is what they are. read more

Burke's Martial Arts is a fantastic facility. I've trained at two other martial arts schools in the past and I can honestly say I enjoy the approach the instructors take. The staff are all super helpful, friendly and genuinely want everyone to improve. The classes are such an awesome workout and you meet tons of like minded individuals when they do partner work. The Muay Thai training really teaches you how to be able to defend yourself in a practical scenario, which is something very important to me when seeking out a place to train. Mr. Burke has such a wealth of skills and experience and every class feels like we learn something new! Would reccomend this to anyone looking for a new place to train! read more

Burke's martial arts is a great place to train the environment is awesome its clean its bright its friendly its positive and it kicks butt!! I participate in the ILoveKickboxing program here and it cranks out. It's a high energy class but you can go at your own pace. Your fitness goals will be met guaranteed!! -the instructors are great and inspirational, there to help you reach your goals and you will. I highly Recommend this school. I have experienced a seminar here and there so if muay Thai is something your interested in or self defense classes vee arnis ji jitsu, that too is definitely the best around in Rhode Island!! Go for it you'll love it!! Susan collins (boston). Cawllinns!!! read more

Poor communication and customer service. Personally insulted and argued with when I had an issue with the billing company they use that was charging me after cancellation. read more

This place is awesome! It's very clean, they have great equipment, the mats are soft, the staff is friendly, and the environment is positive. Burke's classes are fun and informative. I have met several of my fitness goals as a member at this school. I would definitely recommend others to attend this school!! read more

I am a 70 year old 2 time breast cancer survivor who began kickboxing at Burke's Martial Arts a year ago. I am overweight and there are some things I can't do such as Burbees. My instructors always have compatible exercises that I CAN do. They work with me and are so encouraging!!! I feel 100 times better than I did a year ago and I feel I am extending my life by working out at Burke's. My fellow classmates, all MUCH younger, are always pleasant and do not treat me like an "old lady" I would highly recommend this place. You'll be happy you did. read more

I have struggled for years to find a workout routine that kept me motivated. After my first kickboxing class, I was obsessed. It's so hard to drag yourself to a gym after a day at work, but I find myself looking forward to my workout days now and miss it on days I don't go. The instructors are amazing and encourage you throughout the whole class. If you tell them you have a specific goal they will remind you every time you show up what you are working for. Even the other people in the class are so motivating, it's a great feeling of camaraderie. Your first class you are paired with an instructor to show you the ropes, which is so relieving because you aren't left to your own devices and expected to jump in at the same level people who have been doing this for months are at. Every time you come back you are a little bit stronger. The moments you do something with more strength or power behind it you can't help smiling to yourself thinking "could I have done that a few weeks ago?" It's a very satisfying feeling. Expect to leave having sweat so much it looks like you just took a shower! read more

This is great place to to learn authentic Muay Thai technique. Burke and his crew are top-notched trainers. Also it is a very positive, encouraging and fun atmosphere. I have been attending Burke for over 2 years. I highly recommend!!! read more

I decided to try this place after looking for a self defense class. I ended up signing up for the Muay Thai classes and it just may be the hardest thing I have ever done. I'd have to disagree with the last reviewer (but I do understand I am reviewing a different class) regarding no one paying attention to you if you're not a regular. I'm about as new and inexperienced at this as you can get, but I haven't found myself being left on the sidelines. The regulars are very patient and willing to help me out. So far, so good. read more

I'm trying out different exercise/martial arts places in RI trying to figure out what I like. I got a Groupon to Burke's for 10 Krav Maga classes. So, I can only give a review on the Krav Maga classes. It's in a broken-down warehouse which you have to walk through to get to their part. The actual Burke's part is all fixed up, but you need to walk through a waste-zone to get to it. They have very small classes, which might sound good, but all of the lessons depend on having a partner and swapping. Most of the people in the class are "regulars" that have been doing this for months and they all know each other. If you're the new guy, no one wants to pair up with you and you just end up standing on the side for most of it doing nothing. Mr Burke (the guy you see in all the pictures) only does the Muay Thai classes. You'll never see him if you do the Krav Maga. I did 8 classes and then gave up, it's not worth the drive. I've been to two other Krav Maga centers that are better than this. read more

Trapped into a contract with this company despite being reassured of steps to cancel if I moved out of state. They make the process of cancel unnecessarily complicated and continue to charge your account. If I had known this, I would not have let them convince me into a contract. read more

Burke's Martial Arts is a game changer in our lives. My wife and I are taking a self defense class together. It is a great workout, knowledge for the unknown as well as relationship bonding. Mr Burke and Mr Brian take great personal care with each of their students in teaching them this art. We are preparing for potentially a life of death situation...hopefully it never arises, but we feel we will be ready. Thank you!!! read more

This place would benefit by having less high pressure salesmanship! The place has state of the art facility, even though it is in an old mill building. I bought a groupon coupon for 4 lessons. To even take the class, you much answer a questionaire asking if you are willing to pay $139-179/month for classes. My first lesson was 10-15 minutes of 1 on 1 instruction with an instructor who was very knowledgeable. But it was both preceded and followed by a long bit of high pressure salesmanship about why I will save on other fees if I sign up for a 7 month contract including over $100 initiation fee by the end of the next class! read more

I have been coming here for two weeks now, the place is clean, and the instructors are very knowledgeable and they love to teach, I really learned a lot in the few weeks I have been here, I have also lost 10 pounds ( I did put great amount of effort and made changes in my everyday life style and choices) their warn ups are really intense Interval training... You only do it for like 15 minutes but it feels like an hour!. The reason why it did not get 5 stars,is because of the fact that their Muay Thai classes is not offer during the early hours of the morning, specially at the rate of money they are asking... Yes, they do have their kickboxing classes but this is just kicking and punching for fitness more than technique... If they had a class at 6-7-8 am I think that it will be more fulfilling for people that have to work evenings rather than a 9-5 job. Also you need at least 200$ to get all your equipment before you can actually train, shin pads 70$ Muay Thai shorts 40$ each, Burkes shirts 20 each, you definitely going to need more than one because after the first class you uniform is going to be soaked in sweat. Overall this place is amazing, if you decide to change your life completely and really make this discipline work, than there is not better place to train than Burkes martial arts, mr. Burkes is an amazing coach as well as he's apprentice, they just don't teach you this martial arts but they also are so deep in it that their passion for this is very empowering!!! You may need a bigger gym! read more

This place is amazing, have been coming here for about 3 weeks with my husband for Muay Thai and we love it, we always have a good time. Instructors are very helpful and always there to help you out. Yes, classes are very challenging, especially to someone who never did any martial arts before, but that's the beauty of it all! Great workout, and I'm happy to be learning something new. read more

A couple years ago I joined on a promo deal for Krav Maga. While the studio was clean, the instructors knowledgeable and the classes organized, it was not Krav Maga but rather VAJ. Bait and switch with marketing is plain wrong. The other problem is with the billing company that Burke's used, Education Funding Company. After the fact I found waaay to many complaints. Realizing it was near futile to drop them for the 1-year contract even though I stopped going to Burkes due to the above-noted bait and switch, I decided to let the billing cycle ride through the 1-year contract. After the 1 year was up, guess what? They kept charging me. I complained to my credit card provider. After pointing my card provider to the numerous complaints online against Education Funding Company, they thankfully refunded the charges and issued me a new card number so the company could no longer levy bogus charges against me. read more