![[Professor Aldridge's picture]](images/Joe Aldridge (4) Small.JPG)
Joe Aldridge
Chief Instructor
Professor Aldridge began the path of the martial arts in 1974. He earned his first black belt in Tae Kwon Do, 1978, from the Monticello Tae Kwon Do Group and the U.S. Foreign Science and Technology Center (now the National Ground Intelligence Center) Charlottesville, VA. Mr. Aldridge started teaching in 1978 in the Charlottesville area and has done so for over 36 years. In 1979 he started his study of Okinawan Kempo from George Dillman. He earned his 1st Dan in Kempo in 1980. From 1980 on, Mr. Aldridge has studied and incorporated Modern Arnis from Professor Pressas, Small Circle Jujitsu from Professor Wally Jay, Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, Goshin Do, Tai Chi, Hsing I, Shiatsu, Katsu, and Okazaki Restoration Therapy. He has used all his training to enhance his study, knowledge and application of Traditional Chinese Medical Theory (TCM). In his 40 plus years of continuous training, Joe Aldridge has been the Assistant Instructor of the Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Tae Kwon Do Class; Assistant Instructor at the Charlottesville YMCA Kempo Class; Head Instructor of the Okinawan Kempo School, Orange, VA; Started the Aldridge Karate Institute Inc., 1985; Head Instructor of the Okinawan Kempo Karate Club at the University of Virginia; Author of Principles of the Fist Arts of the Ryu Kyu Islands; Co-author of Basic Seifukujutsu Procedure; Certified Okazaki Restoration Therapist and NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. Professor Aldridge's instruction of the martial arts is extremely thorough. He emphasizes Kata, Stance Work, and Kata Bunkai without neglecting any nuance. His attention to detail and incorporation of Traditional Chinese Medical Theory (Yin &Yang, Five Element Theory, Acupressure, Quadrant Theory and Energy Work) ensures that his students receive a very comprehensive training program. He also encourages his students to learn from other martial arts disciplines and to incorporate what they have learned.
Mr. Aldridge was born in Orange County, Va. and has been a life long resident of central Virginia. He currently holds the rank of Hachi dan (8th degree black belt) in Okinawan Kempo as well as the rank of Hachi Dan (8th degree black belt) in Torite Karate-Jutsu. He holds Professor level instructor certification in Torite Karate-Jutsu
Professor Aldridge can be contacted via email
