About Us
At Burning Tree Mixed Martial Arts in Owings Mills, we combine tradition and modern training to help students of all ages grow stronger in mind, body, and spirit. Guided by our core values of respect, perseverance, and community, we provide a safe and supportive environment where families and individuals thrive together.
Jr. Kenpo
Adult Karate
Kids Jitsu
Adult BJJ
Muay Thai
Hone your skills and hOWN your body
MEETDavid Sztajer
Co-Owner
Karate, Kung Fu, Kid-Jitsu, BS in Health Science and Behavior Change
David Sztajer began his martial arts journey in 1997 at the age of thirteen, training in Kenpo at American Kenpo Karate Studios in Reisterstown, MD. His talent and determination quickly set him apart, earning him a place in the adult program early on. By 2000, he had achieved his First Degree Black Belt and began teaching full-time under the guidance of Joe Palanzo. Over the years, David advanced through the ranks, earning his Seventh Degree Black Belt in March 2022, a testament to his lifelong dedication.
Throughout his career, David has trained with respected martial artists including Karl Petro, Jeff Mendelsohn, Leslie Lichter-Mason, Stuart Hankin, Mike Guercio, Francisco Vigoroux, and Joe Palanzo, broadening his expertise and refining his approach. In 2014, he founded Sztajer’s Martial Arts LLC, creating a school built on respect, discipline, and community. Today, David continues to share his knowledge and passion, inspiring students of all ages to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills through the practice of martial arts.
Xavier Agnelli
Co-Owner
Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Certified ACE Personal Trainer, Health & Fitness Coach for Sports Nutrition and Behavior Change
Xavier, a certified Health and Fitness Instructor with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) specializes sports training, weight loss and behavior change. He is a martial Arts instructor, a health and fitness trainer and is a certified firearms instructor.
Xavier has over thirty years of Martial Arts training in Judo, Tae Kwon Do-Chun Do Kwan, Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate and Renzo Gracie, Cabrera Jiu Jitsu. Xavier is a US Government Field Training Officer (FTO), Firearm Arms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, with over thirty years’ experience teaching Martial Arts to civilians, police and active duty US Military Personnel. Xavier is a trained and certified Government Firearms Instructor (FI) with over twenty years of Government; Law Enforcement and Intelligence experience and is a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the National Rifle Association (NRA). Xavier also worked for many years as a nightclub security officer, and night club manager.
Our Mission: Keeping the Flame of Martial Arts Alive Through Every Generation
At Burning Tree MMA, our mission is to empower students of all ages to build true confidence, strengthen both mind and body, and cultivate discipline and respect through the art of martial training.
We are dedicated to shaping strong, capable individuals — developing leadership, character, and resilience through every lesson on the mat. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and challenging environment where students grow in confidence, fitness, and self-defense, preparing them to lead both in life and in sport.
Through Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Muay Thai, Judo, and Boxing, we give every student the belief, skill, and courage to realize their fullest potential — one class, one challenge, and one victory at a time.
Igniting Growth Through Martial Arts for Every Age and Stage
Burning Tree Mixed Martial Arts is all about blending the time-honored values of respect, discipline, and perseverance with modern, dynamic training methods. Our classes in Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai are designed to challenge the body, sharpen the mind, and build confidence, no matter your starting point. Members can expect structured instruction, supportive coaching, and a community that celebrates progress at every level. From the first time you step on the mats, you’ll find an environment that pushes you to grow while making you feel right at home.
