Sensei Jake Burke

Jake started his training on the streets of providence fighting probably on a weekly basis. At the age of nineteen he began working with Peter Manfredo Sr. in Pawtucket RI learning kickboxing. He later worked with Lenny Corrente learning the basics of boxing and studying this new, closer range of fighting style. At the age of twenty two he started with Professor Richard Petronelli learning Vee-Jitsu as it was taught at that time. Professor Petronelli later introduced him to Professor Florendo Visitation whom he had the pleasure of meeting on several occasions in his nursing home. He was then introduced to Professor David B. James the inheritor of the system of Vee-Jitsu and remains a student of the system. Since that time he also worked with Ronald Kiltica in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. He also later worked with Manny Neves for a short time furthering his learning in American kickboxing and grappling. Jake traveled to Thailand to learn Muay Thai at a fight camp just outside Bangkok the way it is taught in their country.

Jake has taught a variety of law-enforcement and corrections professionals and continues to work with Police officers from Cranston , Lincoln , and Rhode Island Correctional officers. His goal is to help people learn simple ways to defend themselves and their families in life threatening circumstances. In doing so, he hopes to spread the word of Vee-Arnis-Jitsu, helping it continue to grow as the newest technology in tactical urban self defense.

Senior Instructor

Sensei black belt #27 in the Vee Arnis Jitsu system was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He started his training at the Impact Training Center studying Sosuishi Ryu Ju Jitsu under Sensei Jerry Lepore. He trained five to seven days a week, soaking in as much information as he could for two years until an abrupt closing of the dojo in 1995. Not letting a minor inconvenience stand in the way, he searched for a new school to train out of. In January 1996 he started training at the New England Academy of Martial Arts located in Johnston, Rhode Island. While training at the N.E. Academy, Sensei was very active in boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Under the tutelage of Sensei’s Richard Laviolette and Paul Slade, he received his black belt in Vee Arnis Jitsu in December 1999. But, once again the doors closed. Since there weren’t any other recognized Vee Arnis schools in Rhode Island there was only one alternative. So with the good graces of Professor David James, he opened a Vee Arnis school in August of 2002 which is now located in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Sensei has worked with numerous law-enforcement, military, and correctional officers. He continues to work with Police officers from Cranston, Lincoln, and Correctional officers throughout the country.