Red Dragon Karate School: Sensei Jeff Melander

A karate instructor for 28 years at the present location, Melander says he was still in high school and only 16 when he took over the business from the previous owner, Tony Irvin, who was also his instructor. 

"I tried all kinds of sports, including baseball and soccer but karate was my niche. Martial arts develop speed, coordination, balance, but I have found the most important thing that studying martial arts gives you is confidence. I kept out of trouble, and so I only used it as self defense as a last resort. It should be like first aid-you hope not to have to use it, although the skill development is there".

Red Dragon Karate holds classes every day, six days a week, as well as private instruction by appointment. The classes are mixed, and frequently entire families learn karate together. Melander's students that range from four to sixty years of age start class by warming up with stretching, calisthenics and kicking punches. Eighty percent of his students are made up of family members, and he and his instructors pride themselves on being patient, so that students can develop at their own pace.  

The base style of the karate taught by Melander and his instructor, Roland LaVigne, who is a 2nd degree black belt, is based on one known as Pentjak Silat, which originated in Indonesia. What is taught is referred to as an Americanized "freestyle system" He also combines Japanese style punches and deeperb stances. The Red Dragon Karate School is a member of the Zen-Do Kai Martial Arts Association. Melander himself has achieved fifth degree black belt status.

"It's so much more than a sport; it's a way of life" Melander adds.   

The Red Dragon Karate School is located at 2100 Doubleday Avenue (Route 50), Suite 4, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Melander can be reached at 518- 885-5894, or by 

e-mail at rdks81@aol.com.