The Mt Pleasant Dojo
Located in the heart of Mt Pleasant, just a short walk from the charming Old Village and scenic Shem Creek, Masters Studios Mt Pleasant has been a pillar of the community since its establishment in 1987. Our spacious 4,500 square foot facility offers a welcoming atmosphere for students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
We take pride in our diverse range of martial arts programs, including Kempo Karate for self-defense, sparring, Kung Fu, Tai Ji, Push Hands, and strength training with gymnastic rings. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals, whether you're a child starting your martial arts journey at age 5 or an adult looking to delve into the art of Tai Ji.
With amenities such as changing rooms, lockers, a shower, and a well-equipped back dojo, our school provides a comfortable and inclusive environment for personal growth and development. We also offer unique experiences like traditional Chinese Lion Dance performances, engaging coffee sessions and discussions after Tai Ji classes, and inspiring seminars and retreats led by renowned masters of Karate, Kung Fu, and Tai Ji. Step into our studio and discover the transformative power of martial arts in a truly special setting.
Our Mount Pleasant Martial Arts Instructors
Mike St. Amand | Chief Instructor
Mike grew up outside of Boston, MA and moved to Charleston in 1985. He is the co-founder of Masters Studios of Self Defense along with his partner Philip Beauregard. Mike has been training and teaching for over 25 years and is a 7th degree black belt in Kempo Karate. He continues his Kempo training under 8th degree Black Belt Master Bob Nohelty from Boston, MA. Mike has visited China three times and has been to the Shaolin Temple. He has worked out at the famous Temple and learned a Broad Sword form and a Straight Sword form from the Shaolin Monks. Mike continues his Kung Fu and weapon training under his friend and teacher Sifu Yao Li of Boston, MA.
Mike also studies and teaches Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Chi Jian and Tui Shuo (Push Hands). With the help of his Tai Chi instructor Joshua Grant, he has built a large Tai Chi program. Mike is the Director of Masters Studios of Self Defense in Mt. Pleasant.
Wally Freitag
Wally is originally from New York and first started training in the Martial Arts in his home state. Upon arriving in Charleston, he continued his training. He has been teaching and training for over eleven years with Masters Studios. He is a fifth degree Black Belt and Chief Instructor at the Mt. Pleasant Studio. Beside Kempo Karate, he is certified to teach Chinese Kung Fu (Nan Chuan, Chang Chuan) and Weapons. He is also certified to teach Tai Chi Chuan and Tai Chi Jian. Wally is in charge of organizing the day to day teaching of all the classes. When Wally is not teaching, he enjoys working out and practicing the three section staff, which is his favorite weapon.
Wendy Burkhardt
Wendy Burkhardt has lived in the Charleston area since 1987. A life long athlete, she became a certified personal trainer in 1992. Martial Arts became a part of her own training in 1994. She is currently a Sixth degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate. She also trains in Chinese Kung Fu, Weapon forms, and Tai Chi Chuan.
Wendy’s teaching duties at Masters Studios include the Conditioning and Sparring Class, Beginner and Advanced Tai Chi classes, and karate and Kung Fu classes among others. Her background in fitness adds a unique perspective to the classes.
Paul James
Paul’s martial arts training began with Judo, at age 5. He continued his judo training through college, as a member of the USC Judo Team. He has had the opportunity to study several other martial arts, including Jee Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do, Kempo and two styles of Combat Kung Fu: Lung Tao Chuan and San Soo. He has been teaching various styles of martial arts since 1982.
Paul began his Kempo training under Master Mike St. Amand in 1997 and teaching with him since 2001.
He has also been studying and teaching Tai Chi Chuan and Kung Fu under Master Mike and Joshua Grant (both Yang and Chen Styles) and Kung Fu under Sifu Yao Lee since 2001.
Bobby Smith
Bobby Smith is a fourth degree Black Belt and is originally from North Carolina, but has lived in the Charleston Area most of his life. In addition to Kempo Karate he also studies and teaches Tai Chi Chuan and Kung Fu. Bobby’s other activities have included at various points animal studies, racquetball, snow and water skiing, painting, playing the guitar, inline skating, writing, rock climbing, and computer software development.
Mt. Pleasant Dojo
Master Mike St. Amand
Seventh Degree Black Belt
Shaolin Kempo Karate
Address:
1021 Rifle Range Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: 843-881-4866
Instructors:
Mike St. Amand
Wendy Burkhardt
Bobby Smith
Paul James