Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts School in Sherrill & Hamilton, NY
Waterman's Martial Arts was founded in Sherrill, NY on February 2, 2008, with a second location opening in Hamilton, NY in 2018. As an affiliate of the Zen-Do Kai International Association, we specialize in self-defense training with a prevention-focused approach. Our programs integrate traditional martial arts with modern techniques, drawing from collaborations with law enforcement and military experts. We offer adaptable classes for all ages and abilities, emphasizing mental growth, discipline, and practical application.Our curriculum includes karate, sword arts, and foundational grappling, with leadership training and nationally recognized black belt rankings. We host annual tournaments, camps, and community self-defense seminars, guided by the philosophy that continuous improvement is always possible through dedication and hard work.
Services
Karate
Mighty Monkeys
Bold Beginners
Sword
Virtual 1 on 1
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer prevention-focused self-defense training developed with law enforcement experts
- Our instructors hold advanced black belts and certifications from recognized martial arts organizations
- Programs adapt to individual abilities with structured rank advancement systems
- We host annual tournaments, camps, and community self-defense seminars
- Our curriculum combines traditional martial arts with modern combat applications
Associations and certifications
- Zen-Do Kai International Association
Services
Karate
Traditional Japanese striking art with modern self-defense applications. Our curriculum emphasizes proper technique, mental discipline, and practical skills for real-world situations. Students develop physical fitness, leadership abilities, and nationally recognized black belt certifications through structured rank advancement programs.
Mighty Monkeys
Foundational martial arts training for children under 7 years old. This program introduces basic techniques, discipline, and fitness in an age-appropriate format while preparing students for full martial arts programs through gradual skill development and structured rank advancement.
Sword
Japanese sword arts combining Kendo and Iaido techniques with modern combat applications. Students train with non-sharpened steel blades, learning armored fighting techniques and mental focus while earning rank advancements through practical skill demonstrations and traditional tournament participation.
Bold Beginners
Bridge program for ages 7-10 combining Mighty Monkeys fundamentals with introductory karate training. Students develop leadership skills and martial arts foundations while gaining access to competitive events and structured rank advancement pathways toward advanced black belt certifications.
Virtual 1 on 1
Personalized digital instruction offering flexible training options with the same quality as in-person sessions. This program provides uninterrupted practice opportunities for eligible students seeking additional training while maintaining access to structured rank advancement and competitive event preparation.
People
Heath Waterman
Chief Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt with 30+ years martial arts experience. Founded Waterman's Martial Arts in 2008 after training under Zen-Do Kai International Organization. Specializes in curriculum development and self-defense instruction.
Jeanine Conway
Primary Sword Instructor
1st Degree Black Belt in Kendo and Iaido. Developed standardized sword curriculum and ranking system. Combines martial arts expertise with psychology background to enhance self-defense training programs.
Autumn Davis
1st Degree Black Belt
Overcame early training challenges through dedication to become first full black belt at WMA. Earned tournament success and academic honors while maintaining active training schedule.
Joseph Chevrette
Business Strategy Adviser
MBA holder with technology management expertise. Guided business expansion and marketing strategies since 2012. Currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Inizio Technology Solutions.
Robert Pinney
6th Degree Black Belt
Founded Pinney's American Karate in 1992. Mentored Waterman's Martial Arts instructors after closing his school in 2018. Received multiple Zen-Do Kai awards for martial arts contributions.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We primarily teach karate with self-defense focus, supplemented by Japanese sword arts (Kendo/Iaido) and foundational grappling techniques.
Do you offer children's programs?
Yes, we have Mighty Monkeys for under 7s and Bold Beginners for ages 7-10 with age-appropriate curriculum and progression paths.
Are your instructors certified?
All instructors hold black belts from recognized organizations including Zen-Do Kai International Association and have extensive teaching experience.
Do you have online training options?
Yes, we offer Virtual 1 on 1 sessions with the same quality instruction as in-person classes for eligible students.
What self-defense programs are available?
Our A.W.A.R.E program focuses on violence prevention with mental tools and practical techniques. We also teach community seminars for schools and groups.
How do rank advancements work?
Structured testing with nationally recognized certifications. Programs allow individual progression pace while maintaining technical standards.
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