Joseph Rae’s martial arts journey began in 1993 at the Roanoke Bujinkan Dojo in Virginia. Just five years later, in 1998, he earned his Shodan—marking a major milestone in his commitment to the Bujinkan tradition.
In 1999, Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he went on to serve with distinction for 22 and a half years. During his military career, he was primarily a small arms and crew-served weapons instructor and also taught defensive tactics—bringing his martial discipline and experience to bear in real-world applications.
Joseph opened a small private dojo in Chesapeake, Virginia, in 2004, continuing to train and guide others even while serving. In 2006, he made the journey to Japan to test for his Godan (5th-degree black belt), a significant achievement in the Bujinkan system. He would later return to live in Japan from 2017 to 2018, further immersing himself in the culture and traditions of the art he has dedicated much of his life to.
After retiring from the Navy in 2021, Joseph transitioned to a new form of service—becoming a deputy sheriff in Virginia. In 2022, he opened his first public dojo, offering students the benefit of his decades of experience in both martial arts and tactical instruction.
Please welcome my guest today, a dedicated martial artist, veteran, and public servant—Joseph Rae.
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Navy veteran dedicated to duty and discipline
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