Nakita has been training in the martial arts for twenty-four years. Beginning with American Taekwondo, she earned her black belt in 2003 and her second degree black belt in 2005. She began training at the world renowned Minnesota Kali Group in 2008. At MKG she had the opportunity to study the MKG method, a blended approach to martial arts that focuses on drill-based training progressions to develop students of all levels. The MKG style, as well as her creativity and enthusiasm, combine to make her classes fun and engaging. She loves working with new students and helping them discover an area of martial arts that they enjoy.

Nakita is grateful for the connections and friendships she has made through martial arts and is so happy to continue building a strong and supportive community in the Burnsville Martial Arts Academy.

Credentials:

Level 2 Instructor: Sifu Rick Faye: The MKG Method (Kali, Muay Thai, Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do, Panantukan, Grappling arts)

Level 2 Self Defense Instructor: Guro Diana Rathborne, Rathborne Training

Apprentice Instructor: Guro Dan Inosanto: Jun Fan Martial Arts / Jeet Kune Do Concepts (JKD)

Apprentice Instructor: Guro Dan Inosanto: Kali/The Filipino Martial arts

Full Instructor: Grandmaster Surachai Sirisute Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt under Professor Chris McCune

Taekwondo Second Degree Black Belt

Teaching Experience:

Program Director and Head Coach: Minnesota Kali Group Youth and Muay Thai Programs (2019-2021)

Martial Art Instructor: Minnesota Kali Group (2010-2021)

Martial Art Instructor: Sealed Mindset (2014-2015)

Gus Kratzke is a lifelong martial artist and has trained in combat arts for over 25 years. Throughout his training Gus has gravitated towards competition, specializing in Mixed Martial Arts. During his MMA career he won the welterweight title for “Brutaal” fight promotions and retired holding an 8-1 record with a one hundred percent finish rate. In addition to competition, Gus loves coaching and teaching and has taught martial arts for over ten years. He loves working with both students and fighters alike, helping them achieve their training and competition goals.

Credentials:

Senior Instructor: Grandmaster Surachai Sirisute Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

2008 – Began training Muay Thai under Ajarn Chai

2012 – Promoted to Apprentice Instructor

2015 – Promoted to Associate Instructor

2018 – Promoted to Full Instructor

2022 – Promoted to Senior Instructor

Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Professor Greg Nelson

2008 – Began Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

2011 – Promoted to Blue Belt by Professor Mario Roberto

2015 – Promoted to Purple Belt by Professor Greg Nelson

2019 – Promoted to Brown Belt by Professor Greg Nelson

2023 – Promoted to Black Belt by Professor Greg Nelson

Taekwondo Black Belt

Teaching Experience:

Program Director and Head Coach: The Academy Eden Prairie (2016-2021)

Martial Art Instructor: Mankato Martial Arts (2011-2014)