Rafal Burchard

Rafal Burchard is a multidisciplinary professional with a career that spans martial arts, fire investigation, counseling, and leadership. His diverse interests have led him on a lifelong journey to explore the complexities of the mind and the factors that drive human behavior.

Rafal holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology of Culture from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. He has further enhanced his academic and professional credentials with a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), a Diploma in Hypnotherapy, and an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counseling. His commitment to professional development includes specialized training in fire investigation and various instructor qualifications from the fire service.

Rafal began his martial arts journey in 1990, studying Karate Kyokushin, where he achieved a 3rd Dan ranking. He has led numerous Karate and self-defense classes and has been giving private lessons since 2006. Throughout his martial arts career, he has participated in multiple tournaments in both Kata and Kumite, notably securing 2nd place in the Kyokushin-Kan Karate-Do "Baltic Cup" in 2005. In 2003, he established the Bushidoschool in Lublin, becoming the first in the region to teach Ken-Do and Free Running. Over the years, Rafal has also explored other martial arts systems, including Judo, Aikido, Shoulin Chi-Na, and Jeet Kune Do. He played a role in organizing Violence De-escalation and Self-Defense training seminars with Rory Miller in Edinburgh, Scotland, from 2008 to 2014. Since 2008, Rafal has been developing The Elements System, focusing on self-defense in contemporary contexts.

Throughout his career, Rafal has held various responsibilities, including emergency response, training and employee development, and conducting fire investigations. He is recognized for his ability to integrate an understanding of human behavior into fire scene analysis, enhancing both the technical and psychological aspects of investigations.

In addition to his work in fire service, Rafal operates a private counseling and hypnotherapy practice, Free Your Mind Therapy, serving clients in Edinburgh and Galashiels since 2015. He specializes in trauma recovery, supporting survivors of abuse and domestic violence, and helping clients build their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Rafal’s work is marked by analytical thinking, a fact-based approach, and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. He is known for his ability to connect psychological insights with practical problem-solving, whether in fire investigation or therapeutic settings. Client testimonials highlight his empathy, effectiveness, and skill in fostering positive, lasting change.