Traditional Shotokan Karate — Proven, Powerful, Purposeful

At Orlando Private Karate (OPK) we practice and teach traditional Shotokan Karate handed down from Masatoshi Nakayama to Hiroshi Shoji to Yasuyoshi Saito, the founder of Japan Karate Do International (JKI). Our instructor, David (Dave) Melton, is a third degree blackbelt (Sandan) within the JKI organization and has been training with Sensei Rafael Sevilla (JKI-Central Florida), Sensei Saito (JKI Miami), and Sensei Mazzuca (JKI Miami) for more than 12 years.

Sensei David (Dave) Melton has over 12 years of karate training experience as a Shotokan Karate practitioner instructed by Sensei Yasuyoshi Saito, founder of Japan Karate-do International (JKI) (www.jkimiami.com ) and Sensei Rafael Sevilla (JKI – Central Florida jkiofcentralflorida@gmail.com ). While a practitioner of traditional Shotokan Karate, Sensei Melton has experience with multiple styles of Traditional Karate including Gojo-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu, providing a well - rounded foundation. Sensei Melton attends yearly Gasshuku at the Hombu dojo in Miami and has attended seminars by legendary Shotokan Karateka (Karate practitioners) Toshihito Kokubun and Manubu Murakami and has participated in JKI seminars held in Japan. 

At OPK, students benefit from personalized instruction that is difficult to achieve in a large class setting. Small-group and one-on-one lessons allow for individualized coaching, immediate feedback, and training tailored to each student's goals, experience level, and learning pace. This focused approach helps students develop proper technique more quickly, build confidence, improve fitness, and gain a deeper understanding of traditional Shotokan Karate. Whether your goal is self-defense, personal development, or martial arts excellence, individualized instruction provides a more effective and rewarding training experience.