About
The Roeder Family Dojo
Our story
It started with a dad who got back on the mat.
Sensei Bill Roeder began Taekwondo in 1972. Eighteen years later he signed his sons up for karate, and before long he was training right beside them.
In 1991 the family found their teacher, Grandmaster Nick Adler. Bill, Bobby and Jackie trained under him for decades, competed nationally, and in 2003 opened Waverly Martial Arts on Waverly Avenue in Patchogue.
23 years later, the Roeders still run it together. Every class still ends the same way: "Yes I Can!"
What makes Waverly different
A family, not a franchise
Bill, his son Bobby and his daughter Jackie run the school together. The people who greet you at the door are the people who own it.
Every student has their own pace
Kids don't race each other here. Each one moves up when they're ready, and the senseis notice the small wins along the way.
Real karate lineage
The Roeders trained in Isshinryu Karate under Grandmaster Nick Adler from 1991 until his passing in 2026. His lessons still run every class.
Ages 4 to 72 (and counting)
Little Ninjas, teens, parents, and Virginia, who started at 72. Nobody here is too young, too old, or too out of shape to begin.
Part of Patchogue, not just located in it
You'll find us at Canaan and Eagle Elementary family nights, running school supply drives, and closing on snow days when the local schools do. Moms and dads train free some months, and siblings get family pricing.