Business Details
18 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Sherrill, NY
Waterman's Martial Arts was founded in Sherrill, NY in 2008 by Sensei Heath Waterman, who began his martial arts journey at age 10 and became one of the youngest black belt recipients in his former school. As an affiliate of the Zen-Do Kai International Association, we prioritize self-defense training with a focus on prevention, developed through collaborations with law enforcement, military, and experts. Our programs adapt to all ages and abilities, featuring rank advancement, leadership training, and annual events while maintaining the philosophy that improvement is limitless through perseverance. We expanded to Hamilton, NY in 2018 and offer online curriculum, community seminars, and structured youth programs like Mighty Monkeys.Our instructors include third-degree black belt Sensei Waterman, primary sword instructor Jeanine Conway with expertise in kendo and iaido, and business strategist Joe Chevrette who guided our physical and operational growth. We emphasize mental resilience and practical self-defense skills, demonstrated through high student performance in tournaments and partnerships with local schools and Colgate University. Our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in our motto: 'There is no limit to improvement.'
Services
Karate Instruction
Sword Arts
Self-Defense Seminars
Online Classes
Mighty Monkeys Program
Rank Advancement
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of experience with third-degree black belt instruction
- Our curriculum integrates real-world expertise from law enforcement partnerships
- We provide adaptive programs for all ages and ability levels
- We pioneered the A.W.A.R.E prevention-focused self-defense methodology
- We maintain physical locations in both Sherrill and Hamilton, NY
Services
Karate Instruction
Our karate program builds technical proficiency through Zen-Do Kai-certified curriculum, with rank advancement opportunities and traditional martial arts principles. Students develop physical discipline, mental focus, and practical self-defense applications through structured training. The program adapts to individual abilities while maintaining rigorous standards established through decades of instructor experience.
Sword Arts
Sword instruction includes kendo and iaido techniques under certified instructors, combining historical martial arts practice with modern self-defense applications. Our system incorporates safety protocols while preserving the martial effectiveness of traditional swordsmanship. The program develops precision, timing, and situational awareness through structured kata and partner drills.
Self-Defense Seminars
We deliver prevention-focused self-defense programs for schools and organizations, emphasizing situational awareness and de-escalation techniques. Our A.W.A.R.E curriculum addresses real-world threats through scenario-based training developed with law enforcement expertise. These seminars provide practical tools for personal safety while promoting community safety awareness.
Online Classes
Our online curriculum provides accessible martial arts instruction through structured video lessons and instructor feedback. Students maintain training consistency with digital resources covering forms, self-defense techniques, and theoretical knowledge. This format preserves the quality of in-person instruction while expanding access to remote practitioners.
Mighty Monkeys Program
This youth program develops discipline, coordination, and confidence through age-appropriate martial arts instruction. Children learn fundamental techniques, respect, and perseverance in a supportive environment. The curriculum balances technical development with character building through games and structured challenges tailored to young students.
People
Heath Waterman
Chief Instructor
A third-degree black belt since age 13, Heath Waterman founded the dojo in 2008. He developed the A.W.A.R.E self-defense curriculum and expanded to two locations while maintaining martial arts excellence through tournament success and community outreach.
Jeanine Conway
Primary Sword Instructor
Shodan ranked in both kendo and iaido, Jeanine Conway established the sword program in 2018. With expertise in psychology, she contributes to self-defense seminar development and maintains the dojo's rigorous technical standards as co-owner.
Joseph Chevrette
Business Strategy Adviser
MBA holder Joe Chevrette has guided the school's expansion since 2012. His strategic direction enabled location renovations, maintained operations during challenges, and supported growth while serving as Chief Technology Officer at Inizio Technology Solutions.
Autumn Davis
1st Degree Black Belt
Overcoming early challenges through perseverance, Autumn became the dojo's first full black belt in 2018. Her competitive success and 'Honey Badger' determination exemplify the school's values of resilience and continuous improvement.
Robert Pinney
6th Degree Black Belt
Founder of Pinney's American Karate, Robert Pinney mentored Sensei Waterman and established the Colgate University martial arts program. His influence continues through curriculum standards and competitive achievements that shaped our dojo's development.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you offer?
Our core offering is karate with specialized sword arts (kendo and iaido) instruction. We also incorporate elements from other styles through our affiliated instructors.
Do you have programs for beginners?
Yes, our Beginners program and Mighty Monkeys class for children provide foundational training for all new students regardless of age or fitness level.
Are online martial arts classes available?
We offer structured online curriculum with video lessons and instructor feedback to maintain training continuity for remote students.
What self-defense programs do you provide?
We deliver A.W.A.R.E seminars focusing on prevention strategies, situational awareness, and de-escalation techniques developed with law enforcement expertise.
How long has your dojo been operating?
We've operated in Sherrill since 2008 and expanded to Hamilton in 2018, with instructors having over 25 combined years of teaching experience.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Lindsay G. Kidder
Apr 16, 2021
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Mr. Heath Waterman has been teaching a self defense class for many years during my physical education classes at Sauquoit Valley Elementary School and he is wonderful! His expertise, methods, conversations with students are exactly what we were looking for and have been so happy with him over the years! I love that his main focus is teaching awareness and avoidance to young students and I would highly recommend taking classes from him!
Aaron F. Carvell
Dec 06, 2019
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Quality training in a fun family setting. From early karate for the smallest kids to dynamic training for experienced adults, Sensei Waterman offers a full menu of martial arts and fitness classes ... and great results! Highly recommended.
Robert Merrill
Sep 06, 2018
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I love this dojo, the whole place feels like one big family, All students get plenty of one on one teaching and plenty of opportunities to try many different things from weapons to different martial arts. Small classes and big opportunities are what set this place apart from the rest!
Jasson Obomsawin
Jul 26, 2018
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My son has been attending for almost three years. Sensei Waterman is an excellent teacher who trains excellent students. Hes great with kids and has taught our son a lot.
