Pictured from top left: Thomas Campanie, Donald Wilson, Maggie Cummings, Ethan Waterman, Judah deMaintenan, Griffin Haas, Victoria Sgarlata and Autumn Davis.
(Oneida, NY – Nov. 2013) Ryouzan Dojo of Waterman’s Martial Arts would like to congratulate Ethan Waterman on achieving his Shodan or Black Belt, the dojo’s first student to do so. Ethan was tested on technique, kata (traditional forms), self-defense that included multiple opponents and weapons, and physical fitness. His panel of judges consisted of high ranking black belts from Texas, Florida, and across New York, including the head and 2nd in command of the Zen-Do-Kai Martial Arts Association. After several years of attempts and many months of intensive training, Ethan impressed the judges with his physical and mental growth and was passed unanimously.
Congrats are also in order for the lower ranked students who tested at a later date. Graded on similar criteria as the Black Belt exam, students demonstrated excellent preparation, attitude, and technical capability, earning praise from Sensei Waterman’s teacher and guest judge, Bob Pinney.
Waterman’s plan to host its 6th annual Kick for Kids charity on Nov. 21 to benefit Oneida’s Share a Caring Christmas, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Stuff the Bus. For $5 or a toy, anyone can join in and kick alongside students (and join them for pizza at the end). Doors open at 5 p.m. and kicking starts at 5:30 p.m., but feel free to jump in any time between then and 7 p.m.
For more information about the events, please contact the dojo at 363-0561,watermansmartialarts.com, or friend us on Facebook.