Kim Aldus began taking Tae Kwon Do in September of 1987. She began studying under Mr. Kelly O’Keefe. Other Peoria area instructors she has studied under are Vera Harrison, Al Nimmo, Preston Jackson and Steve Aldus.
Kim Aldus is now or has been in the past certified to coach or judge at Regional or National Tae Kwon Do tournaments for the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) or the USNTF (United States National Tae Kwon Do Federation).
Kim Aldus is also certified to judge at USKK and Alliance tournaments.
She taught children and adult Tae Kwon Do classes at the United Black Belt Academy for 7 years. Then she assisted in teaching Tae Kwon Do classes at Eastside Center for Al Nimmo for 5 years.
She has competed in sparring and weapons in various state and national tournaments, for both Tae Kwon Do and Karate, of which she has placed either 1st or 2nd.
On April 12th, 2008 Kim Aldus was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame under the category of Female Tae Kwon Do Master of the Year.
Seito Matsumura Ryu / Karate Shorin-Ryu
Kim Aldus began studying Seito Matsumura Ryu / Karate Shorin Ryu in June of 2003 under Master James Price, and her instructor’s teacher is Master Phillip Koeppel. She continues to train in the Seito Matsumura Ryu system at this time. She holds the rank of Sho-Dan (1st degree Black Belt) in this style of martial art. She study Okinawan weapons under Master James Price. She has also learned some Okinawan weapon forms from Master James Webster (eku, sai and bo staff).
In 2006 she placed 2nd in the nation in Kumite (sparring) and 5th in Kata (empty hand forms) at the USKK Grand International Championships.
In 2007 she placed 5th in the nation in Kumite (sparring) and 5th in Kata (empty hand forms) at the USKK Grand International Championships. Her USKK membership number is she-3640.
In 2007/2008, she placed Finalist in Kobudo (weapons) and received the award at the USKK Grand International Championships.
In June of 2009, she was presented the prestigious award of the Small Double Axe from Master Price. In order to receive the award Master Price requires his students to be at least rank of Sho-Dan. The student is judged on how they present themselves overall as a martial artist, achievements attained in class and in tournaments, and how one interacts and is viewed by other Martial Artists of all levels.
Sangaku Bujutsu Renmei
On October 22, 2007 she was accepted into the Sangaku Bujutsu Renmei Organization headed by Soke James Horne located in Sarasota, Florida. she have participated in various organizational demonstrations and training events. Soke Horne was inducted into the Alliance Hall of Fame in 2007. My rank of 5th Dan is recognized by Master Horne.
Hsing-I Chu’an and Tai Chi Chu’an
Kim Aldus started training with Mr. Steve Aldus in March of 1990. Mr. Aldus has taught (and continues to teach) her Tai Chi Ch’uan (Old Yang Style long form and short form), as well as various Chinese weapons forms (5 and 6 foot bo staff, Tai Chi sword, escrima sticks, and knife fighting.). Mr. Aldus also teaches me Hsing-I Chuan, the 5 Element forms, the 12 Animal forms, breathing and meditation, as well as Chin-Na (joint locks and self-defense).
She began training with Mr. Preston Jackson in 1996 studying Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi Chuan and other Martial Arts concepts.
Kim Aldus assists in teaching Tai Chi Ch’uan, Hsing-I Ch’uan and weapons for Preston Jackson and Steve Aldus at the Contemporary Arts Center.
On March 31st, 2007 Kim Aldus was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame under the category of Multi-Disciplined Female Instructor of the Year.
In February of 2008 Kim Aldus placed 1st in the nation with the Alliance for competition of Women Black Belts, 5th Degree, ages 35 to 49.
On March 15th, 2008, Kim Aldus received my Ph.D. in Martial Arts Philosophy from the University of Asian Martial Arts Studies.
On April 12th, 2008 Kim Aldus was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame under the category of Female Tae Kwon Do Master of the Year.
On April 4th, 2009 Kim Aldus was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame under the category of Multi-Disciplined Female Master of the Year.
On August of 2009, Kim Aldus received the Alumni award from the Alliance in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
In 2008, 2009 and 2010 Kim Aldus placed 1st in the nation with the Alliance for competition of Women Black Belts – 5th Degree, ages 35-49.
In 2008, Kim Aldus received the Warrior Award for competition with the Alliance. This is achieved by placing 1st in 3 or more events in the competition year.
On March 15th, 2008, Kim Aldus received her Ph.D. in Martial Arts Philosophy from the University of Asian Martial Arts Studies through the Alliance. Her thesis was presented on Women’s’ Self Defense – Awareness and Prevention.
In August of 2009, Kim Aldus was nominated by her peers for the award of Alliance Martial Artist of the Year for the state of Illinois.
In 2009, Master Black (VP of the Alliance) and Dr. Thomas (President of the Alliance) asked her to organize and put together the requirements for expanding the Alliance Hall of Fame to include Special Athletes. This award is intended to give recognition to competitors/martial artists who excel in courtesy, integrity, perseverance, indomitable spirit and commitment to doing their best in bettering themselves. This award is in no way intended to segregate or point out differences of an individual, but intended to honor the dedication they have put forth to the martial arts despite the obstacles in their lives (such as blindness, being deaf, loss of limbs, mental disorders, muscular disorders, etc.) They deserve to be recognized for their courage as they strive to be great Martial Artists. The first Hall of Fame inductee for the Special Athletes was Jacob Garcia in April of 2009.
Ju-Jitsu
Kim Aldus studied Ju-Jitsu for 1½ years under Mr. Kelly O’Keefe and attained the rank of blue belt.
Mr. O’Keefe’s instructor was Professor Larry Hilton. She has also studied Ju-Jitsu under Mr. Kelly O’Keefe through the United Black Belt Federation and attained the rank of 2nd Dan on August 21, 2008.
Kuk Sool Won
In September of 2002 Kim Aldus began studying Kuk Sool Won under Mr. Ben Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell’s instructor is Grandmaster In Hyuk Su. She trained under Mr. Mitchell for approximately 1 year. Her student id is #3099104.
Women’s Self-Defense
Kim Aldus has taught and assisted in numerous women’s self-defense seminars and demonstrations throughout the United States.
Seminars Attended
- She has attended seminars in Muay Thai Kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do (Mr. Dave Rogers, Mr. Paul Vunak),
- Nunchaku (Mr. Steve Aldus), Ju-Jitsu (Professor Larry Hilton), Chen style Tai Chi Ch’uan (Mr. John Jenkel),
- Hsing-I Ch’uan (Mr. Steve Aldus), Hapkido, Aikido, Krav Maga (Mr. Kelly O’Keefe), Tae Kwon Do fighting strategies and stretching (Bill “Superfoot” Wallace).
- USKK seminars include Mr. Koeppel, Major William Hayes (2004 Grand Nationals), Master Hidy Ochiai (2005 Grand Nationals), Mr. Doug Perry (2006 & 2007 Grand Nationals), Mr. James Webster (2006 – sai), Mr. James Horne (2007 – bokken).
Kim Aldus Tae Kwon Do Ranks:
1st – IL Dan – September 24, 1994
2nd – EA Dan – January 16, 1996
3rd – SAM Dan – May 14, 2000
4th – SA Dan – July 15, 2004
5th – OH Dan – June 3, 2007
