Meet Your Instructor
The founder behind the method — dedicated to forging confidence, resilience, and real-world capability.
Burnett R. Newkirt
Burnett R. Newkirt is the founder and lead instructor of Synergy Defense Method (SDM). Originally from Chicago, Illinois, and now based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Burnett brings more than 25 years of combined martial arts, defensive tactics, and personal development experience to his instruction.
Drawing from training in Hapkido, Judo, Wing Tzun, anti-grappling, ground fighting, and Escrima weapons training, Burnett developed the Synergy Defense Method to provide practical, adaptable, and reality-based self-defense education. His experience includes working alongside law enforcement personnel, private security professionals, and both amateur and professional MMA fighters.
Beyond self-defense, Burnett is passionate about mentoring others to build confidence, resilience, discipline, and emotional composure. His mission is to empower individuals through practical training, mindset development, and the skills needed to navigate both physical confrontations and life’s everyday challenges with confidence and purpose.
Disciplines
Student Stories
Confidence, composure, resilience in their words.
I walked in anxious and unsure of myself. I train calm now. Burnett teaches you to read a situation before it reads you.
The awareness piece changed everything. I notice my environment differently at work, walking to my car, everywhere. That alone was worth it.
Not a belt factory. No ego, no fluff. Just efficient, real-world technique that holds up when the pressure is real.
Our team came in for a corporate session and left with a shared language around safety and composure. Burnett is a natural mentor.
Train With Burnett
Begin your induction under the guidance of the founder. Your path starts with a single step.
Begin Your Transformation