Gerome L. Baldwin, BA, AA, AS

Armed Services Judo & Jujitsu Academy, Pensacola, Florida # FL-041

United States Judo Association (USJA)

United States Jujitsu Federation (USJJF)

United States Traditional Kodokan Judo Association (USTKJA)

International Society of Traditional Judo & Jujitsu Zen Remmei Juko Ryu (Division of Juko-Kai Kokusei Remmi)

Watanabe Kodokan Dojo, Yokosuka Japan

International Kodokan Judo Institute, Tokyo, Japan

Sensei Gerome L. Baldwin, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, was introduced to Kodokan Judo in the early 1950’s while as a military dependent, his father was assigned with the United States Navy in Japan. Later, Sensei Baldwin, a U.S. Navy Electrician, was stationed onboard the USS Constellation CVA 64, Yokosuka, Japan. While in Japan, Sensei Baldwin trained in Judo under Sensei Jiichi Watanabe, Hachidan.

Sensei Baldwin competed regularly at the Kodokan Institute, Tokyo Japan, as well as in local dojos in and around the Yokosuka area. Sensei Watanabe’s teaching resulted in kick starting Sensei Baldwin’s overall keen interest in martial arts in general and the art of Judo in particular.

Sensei Baldwin has a distinguished outstanding high school and military sports background in weight lifting, wrestling, and track; specializing in long distance running. In addition, his military background combined with a high level of leadership training and bearing, greatly complimented his skills in both learning and teaching Judo.

A dedicated Sailor, Sensei Baldwin’s military hazardous duty career training included all schools available for Electrician and Gas Turbine Electronics, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Combat Divers School (Key West Florida), and EOD Technical Escort School (Alabama). In 1970 while attending EOD School, he received orders to Vinh Long, Republic of South Viet Nam; attached to the Viet Nam Naval Advisory Team 68, Military Advisory Command Viet Nam (MACV). 

L2R:  Purple Heart Ribbon  :  Military Order of the Purple Heart  :   Combat Action Ribbon

Trained for combat warfare duty, he was transferred throughout the Viet Nam Theater of Operations, training the South Vietnamese military to take over critical battle field responsibilities. Sensei Baldwin was wounded three times while accomplishing his tour at various locations, e.g., Chu Li, Dong Tam, and elsewhere in-country. For his distinguished military service he was awarded the Purple Heart, and Combat Action Ribbon, and other awards and decorations medals while serving in Viet Nam, Southeast Asia. Sensei Baldwin is a Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Association.

Leaving Viet Nam in late 1972, he reported to Security Group, New London Connecticut. During his off time he taught Judo with Sensei Ron Egnor. Sensei Baldwin’s 23 year Naval Career included specialized duties as an Electrician and Gas Turbine Specialist (Electronics) Diver Surface Warfare GSE1 (DV) (SW).

In 1991 Sensei Baldwin retired from the United States Navy. Sensei Baldwin received a VA Disability Rating for injuries received under combat conditions.

Several years after the temporary departure of  Dr. H. G. Robby Robinson, Kudan, Corry Station Senior Judo Instructor for an overseas assignment to the Republic of South Korea in 1989, Sensei Baldwin stepped in and kept the Judo classes available to the Pensacola military community. With the return of Senior Sensei Robinson in 2005, the Armed Services Judo and Jujitsu Academy (ASJJA) was relocated to the Fred Smalley Youth Center, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. 

Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM)

Sensei Baldwin has competed as a member of the United States Navy Judo team while on active duty from 1984 – 1987 and competed in the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM). He was very active in International Judo competition while stationed in Japan.

Armed Services Judo & Jujitsu Academy

Along with ASJJA students, Sensei Baldwin competed in tournaments hosted by clubs in Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida. ASJJA students have consistently medaled in the majority of their tournaments. During 2008, Sensei Baldwin placed 1^st in the 55 and Over Masters and 2^nd in the 35 and Older Masters Divisions in Louisiana. In 2009, a total right knee replacement has eliminated him from actively competing in tournaments.

Sensei Baldwin’s service and civic organizations include:

• The Military Order of the Purple Heart
• American Legion, FL 0240
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post # 15010
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Life Member # L21240

Sensei Baldwin’s Current Martial Arts Promotion Ranks:

• Judo - 6^th Dan Rokudan, United States Judo Association Jun 2009
• Judo - 6^th Dan Rokudan, United States Martial Arts Association Jan 1998
• Judo - 5^th Dan Godan, United States Judo Association LM # 2592 Gold, Patron Member#6552
• Jujitsu - 5^th Dan Godan, United States Judo Association
• Jujitsu - 4^th Dan Yondan, ISTJ Zen Remmei Juko-Ryu - Division of Juko- Kai Kokusei Remmei
• Karate - 3^rd Dan, Shotokan Karate  

Revised: 12 October 2009