Our Staff & Instructors – Dedicated to Your Family's Martial Arts Journey

Our small, passionate team of 6 instructors brings decades of expertise and genuine care to every class. Led by Head Instructor Sensei Dave Roth, we specialize in family martial arts, helping parents train with kids of any age while building confidence, discipline, and self-defense in a supportive Vero Beach dojo.

A Committed Team Focused on Excellence & Family

At Florida Karate Academy (founded 1994), our instructors are more than teachers – they're mentors who live the values we teach: respect, perseverance, humility, and family bonding. With a tight-knit group of 6 passionate black belt experts, we deliver personalized instruction in Okinawan karate, jujitsu, weapons, Arnis, and more.

We emphasize family as the ideal client: parents and children (even Pre-K ages 3-5), family discounts, and a balanced martial arts program that develops well-rounded skills in a safe and encouraging atmosphere.

Training Under Proven Leaders

Sensei Dave Roth (Kyoshi)

image-1

Ranks & Expertise:

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    7th-degree black belt in Shorin-ryu Karate

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    4th-degree black belt in Okinawan Kobudo

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    3rd-degree black belts in Wado-ryu Karate, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Toyama-ryu Battodo

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    2nd-degree black belt in Niseido Jujitsu

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    Guro in Garimot Arnis Training

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    1st-degree black belt in Judo

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    2024 WUKF World Championships - Gold Medal in Short Kobudo, Bronze Medal in Long Kobudo, Bronze Medal in Kata

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    2025 WUKF World Championships - Gold Medal in Long Kobudo, Silver Medal in Short Kobudo

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    AAU-USA Team Coach and WUKF International Referee

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    Over 40 years experience training and teaching.

    Founder and owner since 1994. University of Florida graduate (BSBA 1986), extensive training in Okinawa, Europe, and Japan. Passionate about Family training. Lifelong martial artist and instructor.
Martial artist in white uniform

Sensei Bob Siebelts

Ranks & Expertise:

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    5th-degree black belt in Shorin-ryu Karate

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    1st-degree black belt in Okinawan Kobudo

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    Over 30 years experience teaching and training.

    Founder and owner of FKA-Boca Raton for over 25 years. Retired and now lives in Sebastian and teaches at FKA-Vero Beach. Long-time senior instructor known for patient, encouraging teaching style. Excellent with families and beginners.

Portrait of woman with short red hair

Sensei Jan Fraley

Ranks & Expertise:

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    4th-degree black belt in Shorin-ryu Karate

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    2nd-degree black belt in Okinawan Kobudo

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    Over 20 years experience teaching.

    Long-time senior instructor known for her positive mindset and encouraging teaching style. National AAU Referee and Master-level competitor winning multiple AAU National Championships and WUKF World Championships. 

Sensei Mel Duprey

Sensei Mel Duprey

Ranks & Expertise:

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    4th-degree black belt in Shorin-ryu Karate

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    1st-degree black belt in Okinawan Kobudo

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    Over 20 years teaching experience.

    Known for his no-nonsense but caring teaching style. Excellent at explaining kata details and  demonstrating practical self-defense.

Sensei Paul Hebig

Sensei Paul Hebig

Ranks & Expertise:

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    3rd-degree black belt in Shorin-ryu Karate

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    1st-degree black belt in Okinawan Kobudo

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    Over 10 years experience training  and competing.

    Head Coach of FKA Competition Team, experienced competitor winning multiple AAU National and WUKF World medals. Known for his fearlessness in competition and his coaching prowess.

Woman in red shirt at indoor event

Nalini Singh-Hebig

Ranks & Expertise:

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    3rd-degree black belt in Shorin-ryu Karate

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    Assistant Coach of FKA Competition Team 

  • Checkmark symbol inside red shield

    Over 10 years experience training and teaching.

    Nationally-certified AAU Coach. Known for her dedication, toughness and her ability to get the most out of our young athletes.

Senior Instructors (Brief Mentions)

Sensei Steve George, Sensei Ray Garcia, Sensei Scott Winslow, Sensei Roberto Varela, and Sensei Colby Pryor – Experienced black belts who assist in classes, seminars, and boot camps, bringing depth to kata, bunkai, and advanced training.

Committed to Your Success

Our team of 6 works together to create a "second home" atmosphere: safe, respectful, and family-focused. We train over 5000 students, produce the most champions in the area, and maintain top-20 club status for 20+ years through dedication and passion.

Meet Our Team – Start Your Journey

Come experience the warmth and expertise of our instructors firsthand. We're ready to welcome your family!