Students of Oneida Martial Arts School Practice Outdoors

The Martial Arts Ryouzan Dojo found itself without a home after the building that served as their dojo collapsed after two storms last 4th of July. The outer wall of the structure went down after two storms on July 2. Since then, Heath Waterman’s martial arts school hasn’t found a new space yet.

Waterman is holding his martial arts classes in Allen Park until he can find a more suitable place. It seems like the students are enjoying the outdoors.

Waterman started teaching martial arts nine years ago when he was an assistant instructor at the Pinney American Karate in Hamilton and Sherburne. He has been a study of karate for the last 21 years.

He said that Karate is already in his blood and has stuck to it. He offers several varieties of martial arts in his dojo throughout the week that include kick boxing, traditional Japanese weapons training, capoeira, Karate and kendo. He accepts students of all ages but most of his students are between the ages of 5 and 15. Most of his classes are for self-defense.

He explained that the name of his dojo was an indication of the struggle that his students face in life. Ryou means to endure while Zan is steep mountain. He said that hard work is the way to be successful in Martial Arts and in life in general. He said that it takes a lot of endurance to keep going up and learn. The dojo’s name is now put to the test as it tests the martial arts school.

Waterman runs the dojo with his brother Ethan. He said that Ethan is his rock and always there to give his support during trying times. He balances his classes with a combination of strictness and fun. He is able to keep the students focused and attentive during the classes, and at the same time make them smile.

Photo by James R. Evans [Public domain], undefined