Karate instructor Douglas Bleecker is shown holding two certificates he recently received with some of his students. One certificate recognizes his promotion to rank of Rukudan “6th Degree Black Belt.” The second Uechi Ryn International Karate-Do certificate has awarded him “Master Teaching Title–Renshi.”
Both were awarded in Massachusetts by the International Karate-Do Association Board of Directors. He also received a certificate of appreciation “For the Advancement of Uechi Ryu Karate-Do” and a proclamation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives. It is in recognition of his “2026 Outstanding Contributions to the Art of Uechi Ryn Karate-Do” and is signed by Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano on August 15, 2026, in Boston.
Bleecker earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics at George Mason University and his Master of Science in Education at Old Dominion University. After starting his martial arts career in 1988 he opened the Okinawan Karate School in 2001 at Botetourt Carilion Wellness.
This year he is celebrating the 25th anniversary of serving Botetourt and Roanoke children and adults. Under his instruction his students have learned respect, confidence, self-defense and leadership skills. Karate is more than breaking boards and what’s shown in the movies. Classes are taught Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information call 540-309-6221.
~ Submitted by Ann Layman
