Bailey’s Karate

108 Homer Avenue, Cortland
(607) 756-4202
baileyskaratecortland@yahoo.com

First opened in 1994, owner Troy Rodman continues to share the teachings of American Sport Karate. Rodman was first introduced to Martial Arts while attending SUNY Cobleskill in 1984 and trained at the Bailey’s, located in Rome, N.Y., where he went on to earn his black belt. Troy owes everything to his instructor Bailey’s Rome. It is a large school and at that time a huge military following with the local Air Force base. Even local boxers trained there.

With a blend of Taekwondo and Kickboxing as well as Shotokan karate influence arts, students at Bailey’s Karate in Cortland can learn about safety and self-defense. All instructors on site are experienced and have students’ goals in mind, especially children looking to boost flexibility, coordination, strength, and balance. Rodman is passionate about avoiding conflict and possible violence and always urges kids to walk away from a potential situation. 

Bailey’s Karate focuses on teaching self-confidence and self-esteem. Classes are around forty-five minutes bi-weekly, depending on the schedule, and are age-based for people to connect with their peers. Currently, there is a special running for $19.99 for the 2 intros or a free uniform for those who commit to a few months. 

Located on 108 Homer Avenue in Cortland, Bailey’s Karate is a great place for people in the community to connect and for safety or self-defense training. 

For those who catch the martial arts bug and start wondering what else is out there, it’s pretty common to want to branch out and explore different disciplines. Karate builds a strong foundation of discipline, striking, and control, but some students eventually get curious about grappling, ground techniques, and a slower, more methodical approach to self-defense.

That’s usually where interest in a jiu jitsu academy starts to creep in—especially for people who enjoy problem-solving with their bodies and learning how leverage can outsmart brute strength. It’s not about replacing one art with another; it’s more like adding another tool to the belt, the old-school way, by respecting the roots while staying open to learning something new.

New for October – Women’s Self Defense Class on Saturday at 10am. Must pre-register by phone. Call (607) 756-4202, or by email at baileyskaratecortland@yahoo.com.