Waterman’s Martial Arts celebrates 10th anniversary with open house
Submitted by Heath Waterman
Waterman’s Martial Arts recently celebrated its 10th year with a big open house. The event began with Autumn Davis testing for her black belt.
The judging panel consisted of PAK Instructor Rick Rinaldo (2nd degree black), Cobleskill ZDK Instructor Keith Stevenson (3rd), Johnstown ZDK Instructor Bonnie Streeter (4th), PAK Chief Instructor Robert Pinney
(6th), and Michael Campos (9th).
Autumn impressed the judges with her demeanor, endurance, and strong performance from beginning to end. Campos, head of ZDK International, complimented her dynamic technique. “Her moves snap like real karate should,” he stated during the post-exam meeting.
Davis, a VVS student, started lessons in 2009 at age 6. She spent this past year intensively training to be prepared mentally and physically for the rigorous exam. The test consisted of technique combinations and demonstrations, kata (forms), sparring, and self-defenses. The latter two components were especially challenging given her partners’ significantly greater size.
The disparity only encouraged her to attack more fiercely, and ultimately, it was her partners who spent the weekend dependent on ibuprofen.
Autumn is the first WMA student to go from “cradle to black belt” and set the bar high. Undeterred, her fellow students followed up with great performances of their own. Demonstrations included floor fighting, weapon kata, a well-choreographed fight, and kendo (sword combat). Each student proved they have the ability to meet the judges’ expectations when their time to attempt black belt arrives.
Highlights from the event can be viewed on the Waterman’s Martial Arts YouTube channel.
Waterman’s Martial Arts holds classes year round at the Sherrill CAC. For more information, contact (315) 363-0561, visit wmacny.com, or like the dojo on Facebook.