Justin coletti, chief instructor
Justin Coletti is a lifelong martial arts practitioner and a licensed acupuncturist with over 20 years of disciplined training. His experience spans Japanese grappling, sword and knife work, and practical movement principles, built through thousands of hours on the mat and over a decade of teaching.
​
He began training in 2005 at Brooklyn Aikikai under R. Savoca, continuing his practice through the Birankai lineage founded by T.K. Chiba, and holds the rank of yondan (fourth-degree black belt). Justin’s focus has always been on functional skill — developing structure, timing, and pressure-tested application rather than choreography. Over the years he has broadened his understanding by exploring Systema and other modern approaches to movement, adding depth and practicality to his teaching.
​
Justin lives and trains on Hawks Hill with his fiancée, Lisa, where the dojo and farm create a grounded, disciplined environment for serious practice. They maintain a daily training rhythm and work closely together to refine technique, teach classes, and guide students through consistent, honest training.
A native of Troy, NY, Justin is committed to offering high-level martial instruction and integrative health services to his community — without theatrics, without fluff, and with complete dedication to the work itself.
​
As featured in Capital Region Living Magazine for 2025 Best Martial Arts Dojo of the Capital Region and News10 ABC, Off the Beaten Path: Hawks Hill Interview. To read more, go to Press here.
​
The Hawks Hill team
Lisa Decker, director of operations, Shodan
Lisa began training at Hawks Hill in 2018 with no prior martial arts experience. Through consistent hard work and a commitment to practice, she earned the rank of shodan and became a core part of the dojo’s leadership. As Director of Operations, she handles the work that often goes unseen — identifying what needs to be done and stepping in wherever there’s a gap, ensuring the dojo functions smoothly and students can focus on training.
​
Lisa has also played a major role in shaping the dojo’s identity — helping Justin refine his vision, strengthen his brand, and develop the dojo's online presence. Her work spans everything from administrative direction to hands-on support around the dojo and farm. She brings consistency, clarity, and a high standard of professionalism to everything she does.
darryl straight, student development coordinator, shodan
Darryl, known as “d,” began training at Hawks Hill in 2018 with no martial arts background. Through daily commitment and years of consistent and disciplined effort, he earned the rank of shodan and became an instrumental figure in supporting student development and shaping the dojo's identity.
​
As Student Development Coordinator, d helps guide members through training, offering structure, accountability, and support as they progress. He has contributed countless hours of labor, time, and resources to strengthen the dojo community and maintain the training environment. His perspective has helped Justin shape his teaching style and identify qualities to build in a dojo community. Reliable, humble, and committed, d embodies the work ethic and respect that define Hawks Hill.
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
— PLUTARCH
Press
Capital Region Living Magazine
Ranks Hawks Hill as the 2025 Best Martial Arts Dojo of the Capital Region.
Tucked away on Cooksboro Road, about 20 minutes outside of downtown Troy, stands Hawks Hill, a third-generation farm on a sprawling 90-acre property. From the outside, Hawks Hill looks like a traditional, historic upstate New York farm. But step inside the imposing barn, and you’ll find a haven dedicated to the Japanese martial art...
​
NEWS10 ABC
Off the Beaten Path: Hawks Hill Interview and Spotlight
TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Tucked away in Troy, you’ll find a sanctuary for martial arts training and wellness. Hawks Hill is a 90-acre third generation farm that specializes in Japanese martial arts, weapons and wellness.
Justin Coletti has almost twenty years of experience in the practice. After spending time in Brooklyn, the Troy native wanted to bring the traditions of...
​
