The Academy Of Applied Martial Arts

Meet the Instructor

Don " The Iron Shihan" Burnell

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Don Burnell and I’m a martial arts instructor. I was born and raised in the Victor Valley. Growing up I was smaller than most of my classmates and I was bullied due to my size. I played sports to gain acceptance, but never really felt connected to any of them. Then at 16 I was introduced to martial arts and I have been training ever since.

After graduating from Valley High school in 1981 I am a combat trained veteran of the United States Air Force served 5 years Security police officer where I taught hand-to-hand combat to my fellow officers. I also served two years as a medical technician working multiple clinics such as the Obstetrical unit, Med Surgical Unit, and ICU. I am currently employed full-time as a safety officer for KPRS Construction. In addition, I also train security professionals as a certified baton/security instructor for the Bureau of Security and Investigative services.

My martial arts training includes Doshin Kaikan Karate-Do, Tang Soo Do, Tae kwon Do, Kickboxing, and Combatives . I am the owner and master instructor of The Academy of Applied Martial in Apple Valley Ca, and currently hold the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt(Shihan).