The Roanoke Okinawan Karate School
The Roanoke Okinawan Karate School offers instruction in traditional Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate. Classes are designed to develop and improve self-discipline and confidence in children and adults of all ages. Doug and Susan Bleecker guide each student to their personal goals. They make learning fun and practical.
Classes are held at the Carilion Wellness facility in Botetourt (membership is not required).
For more information, please contact Doug Bleecker at dougbleecker@gmail.com or call 540-309-6221.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Doug Bleecker - Owner/Instructor
Class Schedule
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Private Lessons Upon Request
Children (5-7 years old)
4:00pm to 4:30pm (All Ranks)
Juniors (8-12 years old)
4:40pm to 5:20pm (White-Purple)
Advanced Juniors (12 years old +)
6:45-8:00 (Green and Up)
Adults (13+)
6:45-8:00 (All Ranks)
Lil' Dragons (3-5 years old)
3:30-4:00 (All Ranks)
Children (5-7 years old)
4:00pm to 4:30 (Family Class)
Juniors (8-12 years old)
4:30pm to 5:10 pm (Family Class)
Advanced Juniors (8-15 years old)
4:30pm to 5:10 pm (Family Class)
Adults (13+)
4:30pm to 5:10 pm (Family Class)
Children (5-7 years old)
4:00pm to 4:30pm (All Ranks)
Juniors (8-12 years old)
4:30pm to 5:10 pm (White-Purple)
Advanced Juniors (8-15 years old)
6:45 to 8:00 (Green and Up)
Adults (13+)
6:45 to 8:00 (All Ranks)
Doug Bleecker
Godan (5th Degree)
Doug began his martial arts career in 1988 under U.S Taekwondo Olympic Coach Byung Hang. He obtained the rank of Third Degree Black Belt under the USTU system. In 1994 he began training in Uechi-Ryu Karate and currently holds the rank of Godan from the Uechi-Ryu Karatedo Kokusai Association. He trains under Ninth Degree Senior Uechi-Ryu Instructor John Carria from Inwood, WV. Mr. Bleecker has owned and instructed in schools in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg, Virginia before relocating to Roanoke in 2000. He opened the Roanoke Okinawan Karate School in 2001 at the BAC. Mr. Bleecker is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial, LLC. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics at George Mason University and his Masters of Science in Education at Old Dominion University. His wife of 26 years is Susan and they have three grown children-Jennifer, John, and Juliana.
Meet the Instructors
Susan Bleecker
Nidan (2nd Degree)
Susan supports the Lil’ Dragon’s program at the Roanoke Okinawan Karate School. She holds the rank of Nidan and has trained in the martial arts since 1996. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mary Washington University and is certified in Elementary Education K-8. She has taught Kindergarten and First Grade for several years prior to becoming the mother of three. Susan is also a Certified Swim Instructor, a Read Mountain Swim Teach Coach, teaches swimming for Carilion Health Systems at the Botetourt Athletic Club, and manages the Swim America Program for the CAC at North Cross School.