Mike Oliveri Sensei began his training at the Academy of Okinawan Karate in 2007 under Joseph Walker Shihan, a Shuri-ryu Chief Instructor. He taught for the AOK for four years starting in 2015, then opened Heartland Dojo in April of 2019. He currently holds the rank of sandan (3rd-degree black belt) in Shuri-ryu Karate-do, the title of Tachi (sandan level) in Okinawan kobudo, and is a shodan in Shindo Muso Ryu Jo-Do. He has over 23 years of experience in public K-12 education, and he is currently the Technology Director for the Roanoke-Benson school district.
Patrick Oliveri started training under his father in 2015 and was promoted to shodan, or first-degree black belt, in July of 2022. In May of 2024, he was certified as Gakusha at the shodan level in kobudo. Patrick frequently assists and teaches in the dojo, serving both as a training resource for adults and an inspiration for the younger students.
Tim Oliveri first started training at age 5, left the art for a while, then returned when Heartland Dojo opened in 2019. He developed a passion for jodo alongside his father, and he successfully challenged for the rank of shodan in December of 2023.
Our philosophy is there’s a place for everyone in karate and in our dojo. We follow the principle of kaizen, or continuous improvement. Our goal is always forward, to be better today than we were yesterday. By following the way or path of karate, our goal is also to improve our character, not just our physical ability.
Each student is encouraged to progress at their own speed and to their own ability, so students of all ages, fitness levels, and athletic ability are encouraged to participate. One is never too old or out of shape to get started, and children who are often frustrated by team sports can find success in martial arts training!