Andrew Kennedy - Strathroy Caradoc
Red Jade & Mad Rock Martial Arts –
Strathroy-Caradoc Dojo
About the Dojo & Instructor – Andrew Kennedy - akennedy@madrockmartialarts.ca
The Red Jade & Mad Rock Martial Arts dojo in Strathroy-Caradoc, Ontario operates through a collaborative partnership that blends shared lineage, technical standards, and traditional values — while remaining locally led and instructed by Andrew Kennedy.
While connected to Mad Rock Martial Arts through organizational lineage and mentorship, this location is independently instructed and managed by Andrew. Class structure, programming, and membership rates are determined locally to best serve the Strathroy-Caradoc community.
This dojo reflects the combined spirit of Red Jade and Mad Rock: respect for tradition, practical modern application, and a strong emphasis on character development.
About Andrew Kennedy
Andrew began his martial arts journey in the early 2000s while in high school, first training in Yoshinkan Aikido before transitioning to Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate, where he found his primary focus.
In 2008, Andrew enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Artillery Gunner. Over six years of service, he trained alongside fellow soldiers and martial artists in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA/boxing, Krav Maga, and Hung Kuen Kung Fu. These experiences deepened his appreciation for functional application while maintaining respect for traditional lineage.
During this period, Andrew became a direct student of Sensei Vern Tilley, earning his Nidan in 2014 and Sandan in 2017.
Following a medical release from military service, Andrew transitioned into roles within municipal government, police service administration, and Information Technology. He continues to support the broader martial arts community through these professional skills, including serving as webmaster for the Canadian Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association (CMKA).
In March 2024, Andrew expanded his training under Sifu Neil Ripski in Edmonton, studying Shaolin 18 Lohan Palm, Zui Quan (Drunken Fist), and Xinyi Liuhe Quan. He also completed a rigorous 100-day Heavy Hands Qi Gong program — an iron palm and iron body system passed down through Gu Yu Cheung — without missing a single day. These studies allow him to bridge Chinese internal and external training methods with Okinawan Karate principles.
Beyond physical training, Andrew incorporates meditation practice along with Buddhist and Taoist teachings, encouraging students to develop focus, discipline, and inner balance alongside technical skill.
The Vision of the Strathroy-Caradoc Dojo
Under Andrew’s leadership, the Red Jade & Mad Rock dojo is built on:
• Traditional Matsubayashi-Ryu foundation
• Practical self-defense application
• Strong technical standards
• Respectful dojo culture
• Community and personal growth
Students train within a system connected to Mad Rock’s broader network and lineage, while benefiting from Andrew’s direct instruction, leadership, and local oversight.
The result is a dojo that honors tradition, values practicality, and fosters a strong martial arts community in Strathroy-Caradoc.