Learn more about Okito America

Our instructors have studied and trained for years to qualify as part of the Okito America Team, and their primary goal is to assist you in being the best you can be. We will help you acquire effective self-defense skills and provide you with a comprehensive, personal development program. It is our goal to raise the quality of life for all our students in every way possible.

Orlando Millan

Owner – Okito America

Mr. Millan started Okito America in 2007 with a vision of improving the lives of families in the Gainesville Area, by introducing them to the art of Tae Kwon Do, Kick-Boxing and Self-Defense. Mr. Millan has been involved in martial arts for approximately 30 years, with training in Special Forces. A dedicated instructor, Mr. Millan is known for his ability to motivate and instruct both young and old.

Instructors

Marvin Walker

4th Degree Black Belt

Mr. Marvin has been doing martial arts for almost 20 years with trophies in forms, weapons, and sparring. He worked for Okito America for 3 years from 2011 until 2014. He left to pursue a bachelor’s degree, upon completing his degree he returned to the Okito America Family. Mr. Marvin returned to instruct more students in the art and skills of Taekwondo. He hopes to continue inspiring students to be their best not only at Okito but also at home and school.

Joseph Lutz

4th Degree Black Belt

Mr. Joseph was the first student to start at Okito America in 2007. He practiced taekwondo for 7 years until taking a short break. He’s recently come back to teach and recently earned his 4th degree black belt. Mr. Joseph has set an example for his younger siblings and wishes to be a positive example to many other students. He has excelled in his weapons training on the demonstration team and wishes to pass on that knowledge for the future demonstration team.

Peter Lutz

1st Degree Black Belt

Mr. Peter has been involved in Tae-Kwon-do most of his life. He started as a Little Dragon at OkitoAmerica in 2007 and completed his black belt. He took a break to finish school and has returned to OkitoAmerica as a full time instructor. Working at OkitoAmerica has given him the ability to work with amazing students and to get physically fit at the same time. Mr Peter is currently working towards his 1st degree black belt. He will continue to improve so he can pass on self defense and discipline to his students.

Management Team

Nori Millan

Owner

Mrs.Millan, Secondary Owner of Okito America has been practicing her passion and love for helping and educating children as a counselor of our programs, for over 16 years in the Gainesville community. She graduated from the University of Havana Cuba as a registered nurse. With a love to help others, she is now continuing her studies in education and children in the autism spectrum. She is an example not only to her students but to her team, who love and follow her. She is someone you can always rely on and know will support you. She is thrilled to be able to continue her work in the business and to continue to expand her knowledge and passion in the field of After School Professionals.

Thalia Millan

Regional Manager

Thalia Millan, Regional Manager of Okito America locations. As the daughter of owners Orlando and Nori Millan, Thalia began in the company as a student at only 7 years old. She has grown up within the Okito walls. Her dream was not always to work within her family company, however, after dedicating many years of work she slowly realized her passion was business, management, marketing but overall being a great leader like her role model Orlando Millan. She became Regional Manager at only 22 years old and is continuing to expand her knowledge and skills by partaking in courses such as Dale Carnagie. Her goal is to continue learning and growing as a leader and to travel as she spreads her love for children in educational abroad programs.

Felix Melendez

General Manager

Felix Melendez, manager of Okito América Archer rd has been a part of the Okito team since 2019 following his passions in teaching, and managing. With a background in computer engineering, Felix loves to spend his free time creating content and traveling. Felix began in the company teaching basic sports skills and has prospered through his career now working as the school general Manager. He enjoys meeting new people and creates a positive, fun and safe atmosphere within the Okito walls, not just for his students but anyone who walks through our doors.

Maria Isabel

General Manager

Maria Isabel, General Manager of the Newberry location is a passionate, full of life and outgoing individual. She found her passion for working with kids after having her daughter Mia, and has shown great skills in her role as an After School Professional with her positivity, great attitude, advice and love for all students. She brings a smile to work everyday and always knows how to make a student feel welcomed and at home. Growing her skills she continues to participate on her own time in leadership workshops and professional development classes all while maintaining a great work efficiency.

Melissa Aportela

General Manager

Melissa Aportela, a loving and strong willed individual, who runs as Manager of the Alachua City Okito location. Melissa has shown to have a passion and love not only for children but humanity. Her goal is to inspire tranquility within her teachings and to make sure all her students feel welcomed, valued, and loved. With expertise in computerization and photography, she shares her skills taking many of Okito’s community event pictures. She finds beauty in photography but her biggest passion is childcare, she has been part of the Okito family for more than 5 years and she is excited to continue sharing her love, knowledge and compassion everyday in this field.

THE FIVE TENETS OF TAEKWONDO

Respect

Integrity

Perseverance

Self Control

Discipline

Team Members of the Month

Archer Road Team Member of the Month

Newberry Team Member of the Month

Alachua Team Member of the Month

Skill of the Month

Featured services

Martial Arts

Develop self-discipline, sharpen your mind, and push your limits.

After-School Care

After-school programs, Summer, Winter, and school holiday camps, and free transportation.

Testimonials

We absolutely love it—strongly recommend for kids. Excellent instructors and positive messaging. Values like integrity, personal responsibility, confidence, and respect for self and others are emphasized regularly.

Jose Soberon, Google Review

We love Okito America. They have done a great job taking care of the kids during this pandemic. They have great Taekwondo classes and after school program. They also has started dance class this year and the kids love going to dance. My child has confidence and I have seen a change in the school behavior since we started going to Okito. Thank you for all you do.

Melissa Charron Youmans, Google Review

They have helped our family so much. They always have a solution to our child care coverage and provide a second home for our kids that is nurturing yet structured. Everyone there truly cares about our children and making a difference in the community. We really appreciate everything they do!

Steph Carr-Williams, Facebook Review

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