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December 4, 2006 JJIF Congress and other news - From: Ivica Zdravkovic ivicaserbia@yahoo.com

Unfortunately, that will probably remain so, as the money that is given from the state for international jujutsu activities remains in one single pocket, one of Strahinja Tepavcevic. I have no strength to deal with him. Hoglund, Beguena and everyone else should now remember my words: the former JJ team from Serbia and Montenegro was "one Serb plus bunch of Montenegrins". Now, when Montenegro is independent, Serbia is shown in true light. And so, we lose the best years of our lives looking how one man buries Serbian jujutsu. This coming weekend we are gathering over 150 jujutsu people from clubs all over Serbia on national championship of Serbian Budo Council. Once someone from JJIF remembers that we exist and sends a note about it to our Serbian Olympic Committee, we will start thinking about JJIF. I was asking several times from JJIF representatives to come and see what is happening. Or to at least to ask for proper videos and documentation from Strahinja and us and compare them... No one is responding. Without help from JJIF, we simply cannot fight Strahinja and his few associates. -- Take a look what are the activities of Serbian Budo Council and Ju-Jutsu Federation of Serbia - both with same people; one friendly group registered under two names... We are the only true jujutsu organization in Serbia. Once someone recognizes that, it will be different. Meanwhile, we will stay isolated and Serbia will be miss-represented, or even worse, our chair will be empty, just like on that Congress...

----President Bethers <president@usjjf.org> wrote Hello Ivica, Just to let you know, Serbia's Table was empty at the World JJ Congress and I did not see any team from Serbia at this year's World Championships in Holland. Montenegro made a "Good Showing", but no Serbia Delegates nor Competitors. Thought you should know. Take Care, Bruce.

December 3, 2006 Conversation: 1st Asian JJ Champ From: Saad Ahmed Al-Ani -- We are pleased to advice you that Mr. Saad A. Ani, President of Iraqi JJ Fed. is now the Vice-President of the Asian JJ & Belt Wrestling Fed. For more info, please follow the following link: http://www.ajjbwf.org/website/?page_id=3 Thanks a lot for your time...Best regards... Sincerely, Ahmed A. Tatoz IJJF Board Member & Translator

October 20, 2006 From: Franco Garibotti Franco.Garibotti@iis.it Conversation: Stages Hakko Ryu Ju Jutsu - Daito Ryu Aiki Ju Jutsu - Taura Muso Ryu Katori Shinto Ryu Muso Shinden Ryu Genova (Liguria - Italy - Europe16.12.2006).12.2006) ---- I am very happy to inform you that Baucia Riccardo, Bo Aldo , Briano Marco, Garibotti Franco, Granati Roberto and Tesini Pino, will be in Genoa in Saturday 16 December 2006. They hold a stage in Hakko Ryu, Daito Ryu , Taura Muso Ryu , Sport Ju Jitsu and demonstrations of Katori Shinto Ryu, Muso Shinden Ryu, Tenshin Ryu Batto Do, in the Mandraccio Gymnasium – Piazza Cavour 2 in the ancient port of Genoa (Liguria – Italy – Europe). You are heartily welcome; the tax fees are 15 (fifteen euro ) for the Traditional Ryu Stage and 10 (ten euro) for the Sport Ju Jitsu Stage. Board and lodging expenses to be paid by you. Hope to met you soon in Genoa Best regards

July 17, 2006 USJJF National Championships conducted in Columbus, Ohio - was another Great Success! This year's National Championships includedparticipants from 15 states and the Competition was Spectacular and the competition was really tough. The DUO Champions came from the Schools of Ernest McPeek's, USA Self Defense Centers, Buffalo, NY and from Ed Kuras' WISK from Illinois. The Pan American Chief Referee Michael Piaser again ably handled the Referee Course on Friday, while David Parritt from the Samurai Judo Ju-Jitsu School in Melbourne, FL managed the competitor "check-in" and Benjamin DeLeon, National Coach, handled the "weigh-in" process. As determined at the previous National Meeting, it was decided that the team pool will be formed as usual and consideration of the team selection for the Ju-Jitsu International Federation World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 2006 should begin with this team pool. The procedures for the USA Team Selection for 2006 were completed during the summer. Meanwhile, Coach DeLeon has done a wonderful job getting the USA Team ready for the upcoming WORLD Championships in Rotterdam, Holland in November 2006. The US JU-JITSU Annual Awards Dinner was held at the Holiday Inn across from the Ohio State University. The following Ju-Jitsuka were also recognized for their accomplishments in the 2006 National Championships at the Awards Banquet: Jeff Rhodes - Outstanding Senior Sportsman Award from North Carolina Tessa Dillenbeck - Outstanding Junior Sportsmanship Award from Wisconsin Torr Harrison - Outstanding Junior Competitor Award from Montana Brian Dietz - Outstanding Senior Competitor Award from Ohio Josh Thompson - Best Junior Technique from New York Justin Wachtendorf and Kaleb Keeran - Best Senior Technique from Illinois In addition, Sensei Kenneth Meier - USJJF Instructor of the Year Award for 2006 from New York.October 14, 2006 From: George Kirby <senseigk@budoshin.com> Dear Martial Artist, It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Professor Kenneth Penland late Sunday afternoon, October 8, 2006, after a long bout with throat cancer. He was 59. [8/22/47-10/8/06]. Ken was a tremendous martial artist, serving the martial arts community for many decades. I had the pleasure of knowing Ken since the 1970's. I came to know him as a sincere and giving person. Early in my martial arts career as a Sensei and founder of the American Ju-Jitsu Association I found that I could go to him for honest advice. Our friendship flourished on that basis.Ken was tremendously influential in resolving some of the early policy issues facing the AJA. He offered his vast experience freely and provided perspectives that others had not thought of that relationship continued in later years where either of us could pick up the phone & discuss any issue that was on our minds. His sincerity and dedication added immense value to whatever advice he provided. Ken was also one of the "old-timers" and a consistent draw at almost every Camp Budoshin held for the past 15-16 years. It wasn't camp without Ken. We all missed him this year, knowing that he was in declining health, and that his time was near. We will miss his gravelly voice, his smile, and that glint in his eyes. I will also remember a phrase that he often said to me after we discussed an issue: "You've got to do what you think is right." Ken is the third close martial arts friend and advisor I've lost this year; actually in the last three months. I shall truly miss him as I miss the other two. However, I also know that he's on the great tatam I up in the sky with all the other martial arts greats. ------------Conversation: Passing Of A Great Martial Arts Legend: Prof. Kenneth Penland passt away today on 08 October, 2006. One of the Founding Members of AJJIF - All Japan Ju-jitsu International Federation 1 10 Dan AJA - American Ju-Jitsu Association ( Prof. George Kirby ), 10 Dan Daito Ryu Ju-Jitsu USA ( Prof. John Denora ), 10 Dan European Union JuJutsu ( Prof. Bell ), 10 Dan AJJIF ( Prof. Alexey Kunin ), 9 Dan Karate - Do, 9 Dan Judo, Chairman of the International Shorinj I Ryu Jujitsu Federation, President of the Kyu Shin Ryu Federation, Chief Martial Arts Instructor of the Los Angeles Police Department Ju-Jitsu and Defensive Tactics Dojo. He was a true legend in the Martial Arts Community.

Noted: Grand Master Alexey Kunin, Hanshi 10 Dan Ju-Jitsu, 9 Dan Karate, 8 Dan Judo President of the AJJIF - All Japan Ju-Jitsu International Federation www.ajjif.org <http://www.ajjif.org/> Head of the Clan of Katabami Ryu Ju-Jitsu ( Honbu Dojo ) www.katabami-jujitsu.com http://www.katabami-jujitsu.com/ Head of the Combat Ju-Jitsu USA www.usa-jujitsu.org

January 28, 2006 Subject: TKJ - Progress Report! From: Bruce R. Bethers <president@usjjf.org>

Fellow Colleagues, Here's an UPDATE on our Traditional Kodokan Judo Program. To date, we have made Considerable Progress in both USJJF's National Program of USA-TKJ, www.ustkj.org. g. The Following Activities were completed during 2005: 1. Several Developmental Meetings and Training Events for Traditional Kodokan Judo were conducted in the USA and across the globe. 2. Official Websites for both the USA-TKJ and ITKJ Programs were launched. 3. The TKJ Technical Development Committees were established for both USA-TKJ and ITKJ. 4. The TKJ Dan Grade Promotion Requirements were completed and posted at USA-TKJ and ITKJ. 5. The USA-TKJ Kata Development Committee was established. 6. The TKJ Kata Training Programs were initiated. 7. Communications have been established with the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan. 8. Several other National TKJ Programs by MAIF Affiliates have also been established. 9. Several Very Senior Judoka were Recognized for Their Support, Service and Leadership in Traditional Kodokan Judo.

Planned Activities for 2006: 1. Conduct TKJ Training at the USJJF Winter Camp in February in Ohio (See USJJF Schedule of Events) 2. The Kyu Grade Promotion Requirements have been drafted and are being edited. 3. Multiple TKJ Training Seminars are scheduled for this year. 4. Several USJJF Senior Yudansha will travel to the Kodokan Judo Institute in August to attend the Summer Kata Course. 5. Special Recognition Awards from MAIF-ITKJ will presented this summer to the Kodokan Judo Institute and its new 10th Dans.. Lt.Col. Bruce R. Bethers (US ARMY Ret) President, USJJF www.usjjf.org & www.ustkj.org

January 27, 2006 Subject: Re: Announcement - Kodokan Judo Institute Promotes 3 Judo Leaders to 10th Dan!!! From: Takikawa <totak@bellsouth.net>

Kodokan Judo Institute, Tokyo, Japan, during the (Sun) Kagam I Birak I Ceremony (New Year's rice-cake cutting ceremony),the performance of several Kata, some Randor I with members of the national team, then the Judo Dan Grade awards ceremony with 3 Judans awarded. Toshiro Daigo (80 years old), Ichiro Abe (83 years old) and Yoshim I Osawa (79 years old) - were promoted to 10th Dan. There has been no "Kodokan Judo Institute" 10th Dan holders for 15 years since Sumiyuk I Kotan I died in 1991 - he was promoted to 10th Dan in 1984. It is first time 3 men have been promoted at the same time. (Source - Judo Info Site)

March 8, 2006 Subject: Re: Very successful ITKJ Shodan test in Germany! From: Zdravkovic <ikiliki@ptt.yu> --- I just came back from a very successful Shodan promotion test, my 4 new black belts did a great and hard 1-dan promotion test 3 hours and 45 min. We made many photos, and I will have them ready for you with some text this week. The certs, did not arrive in time but I hope tomorrow so I can present the certs to the them later this week. So our first ITKJ Shodans here in Germany has a very high standard, and I am very happy! Best regards to you from everybody! Thanks, Peter11/6/05 From the President Bethers on the USTKJ and ITKJ Homepages :"What is Traditional Kodokan Judo?" Definition of Traditional Kodokan Judo (TKJ): "Traditional Kodokan Judo" is simply the practice of Kodokan Judo as described in the text "Kodokan Judo" by Prof. Jigoro Kano, without the "overwhelming emphasis" on the Sport of Judo. Studying the History, Etiquette, Waza and Kata of Kodokan Judo and enjoying them for what they are - "The Knowledge, Skills and a Way of Life" based on Principles taught
by its founder, Prof. Kano.

11/1/05 Commentary on Tradition of Judo and/or Traditional Judo By Thurl R."TR" McClanahan received for posting with our editing-- (Comments welcome)

Tradition to me is to me the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instructions with an inherited pattern of thought or action.

First let us study what is Judo. It is a system put together by Jigoro Kano of "maximum efficiency mutual welfare and benefit" to all. This system was unchanged until the end of 1945 - World War 11. At that time the Kodokan Judo Institute was ordered not to teach their Judo unless it is taught as a Sport. It was then to be practiced with emphasis (to the outside world) towards "Shiai" - contest - sport, than Kata and Randori or, it would not be taught at all.

In 1961, I was delegated by the National AAU Judo Committee Chairman to go to the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan, to advise the President of the International Judo Federation, Mr. Risei Kano (the son of the founder of Judo Mr. Jigoro Kano), who was also the President of the Kodokan Judo Institute, that the United States of America would support Judo in the 1964 Olympic games if they would change the system to include weight class's into the system. If they did not support this change the United States of America would not support Judo into the Olympic system of Sport.

Within the United States there were two major groups. The old "Judo Black Belt Federation" (I was a member of this group #230) that had merged into the United States Judo Federation (I was then a Life Member of this group) that supported Japan's Judo position and the United States AAU - Judo section - group (I was State Chairperson of the AAU Judo Committee) that held control of International competition for Sport to the United States Olympic Committee that wanted weight class's. Without this support, the United States and other Countries were teamed up not to support Japan's entry of Judo in the 1964 International Olympic family.

At the end of our meeting(s), President Risei Kano assured me for the United States of America Amateur Athletic Union Judo Committee that they would support said weight classes into Judo as purposed and we, their purpose. Prior to these times, Kata, Randori and Shiai contests in Japan were without regard to weight and height - just Skill and/or Rank (from performance by doing on the mat) earned. Also, the information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example at that time were towards the use of attackers force - movement - to defeat the (Uke) attacker. This system had worked very well against all from day one.

The mental development of this system of use [before change] was a special feeling of well being as you were being educated mentally (to change the focus of fear and the unknown into control) and physically (to bring the body to a higher state of strength with methods and techniques with focus controlled speed) to better yourself. This made two systems merge into one though. This though became one with movement at best efficient speed.

I was at wonder when an old seventy - eighty year old person, who I could not physically feel and being smaller than I, could place me (throw me) on the ground (Ukemi). I was always stunned with awe when my eyes saw the ceiling and a glint in the eyes of the old gentleman (Tori). It was a wonder to behold and one I humbly try to resemble today at age 73 as I participate and teach the young this original system.

Today, 2005, the Kata has remained very much the same in form but with out the real demonstration of the Kuzushi - demo of loss of balance (in many cases) or control of force - movement by Tori (receiver) to Uke (giver) also called the attacker. Randori is practiced as match contest usually in defense mode with both parties pulling to their rear for advantage. This system does not work well in Hand-to-Hand Combat and/or Law Enforcement. I was in the United States Marine Corps and Law Enforcement (total time 29 years) and it violated the spirit of the Law and did not work against stronger people who were trying to just hurt or kill you. The Shiai has changed, in part, to wrestling similar to the current Randori. Also, the system has changed or diluted the controlled throw and fall to award points for a half and full point that do not demonstrate the control as within the original system. The original system, if you lost, you went home. Now, the mental pressure to do well has been diluted so you get still another chance to try again. Quality of the original intent has been diluted another step.

I remember loosing all the time until I got it really correct. It was a great feeling when it was good. I have played and watched under the current rules and the spirit - feeling of really earning a great technique is diminished. We worried about the skill of the movement instead of just loosing. We practiced each movement with Kuzushi before execution and tried to merge each part into one automatic movement. It was a great feeling to use no power in an up-right proper posture into a feeling of nothing - no power and with your opponent telling you "great technique"! It did not happen all the time but that was the Spirit of the Feeling of Method and Technique we were looking to acquire. That to me is Traditional Judo!

It is the Spirit - the feeling of accomplishment within your inter self not the Rank Certificate that traditional Judo people have among themselves. They know each other from being in the system. They try to protect the system because it was one of life's greatest fights! It was against your inter self. When some one comes along that has not participated in the system - has not paid their dues in blood, sweat and tears, then given or buys - obtains Rank for their Ego some how, it is like stealing your child - a part of you.

The General Public will place their faith on the good reputation built over time by Men - Women of Honor. It is they who then help organizations build a future for the Citizen in Quality. When some one obtains a Rank Certificate who did not earn it they commit two crimes. One, they steal from the person of Honor. When they then promote some one, and the quality s not there, they commit a crime under United States of America Federal Statues. What do you think happens if some one does a technique that you taught incorrect and it did not work? If they trace it back to you, you may lose all.

It is said those who respect your Father - Mother and show the proper courtesy with attention teach their Son - Daughter to respect and show courtesy and attention to you now and in the future! You have two Fathers - Mothers! One is your Traditional Martial Art(s) Teacher.

October 15-16 -- The US Ju-Jitsu Federation National Championship, Stow, Ohio 14-15 October went really. There were over 100 participants from 14 states in the event and the compeition was really tough.

The US Ju-Jitsu Federation National Championship, Stow, Ohio 14-15 October went really well. There were over 100 participants in the event and the competition was really tough. Surprise! Surprise! The DUO was won by the competitors from Ed Kuras’ WISK from Illinois and the most beautiful technique was done by Adam Older coached by Pat Byrnes from Philadelphia. Older did a front kick with his right leg which his opponent grabbed – Older then jumped in the air with the foot on the floor and doing a spinning back kick with his body horizontal to the floor, popped the end of his opponents face. The best technique I have seen all year! Pan American Chief Referee Michael Piaser ably handled the Referee Seminar. The technical seminar was handled in masterly fashion by Jim Harrison, who just gets better and better. This buy is really great and makes everything look easy and understandable. He brought his sons with him and they are following their dan, tough and tougher.

There were no surprises on the National Meetings. It was decided that the team pool will be formed as usual and consideration of the team selection for the Ju-Jitsu International Federation Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 2006 should begin with this team pool and planning for team sessions for 2006 must be done immediately. Ben DeLeon was chosen for the Coach for 2006. The Awards Dinner was held at Kent State University. The seminars and competition were held at the Hickey Center and the whole event was under the management of Pat Hickey who deserves commendations.

8/21/05 USJJF / USA-TKJ Vision - Mission - Values Statements: from President Bethers ----- Mission Statement ----The Mission of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation is to unify American Ju-Jitsuka & Judoka with a foundation of mutual respect for all systems of Ju-Jitsu and Traditional Kodokan Judo, as well as provide services and guidance to foster Technical Excellence, Fellowship and Human Character Development. ----Vision Statement ----The United States Ju-Jitsu Federation is a world-class organization comprised of highly skilled and dedicated Ju-Jitsuka & Judoka rich in tradition of excellence. We will provide our members unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, development and pride. We will always strive to exceed the expectations of Our Members, the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) <http://www.jjifweb.com/> , the Martial Arts International Federation (MAIF) <http://www.maifhq.org> , and the Martial Arts Community. ----Values Statement -- The United States Ju-Jitsu Federation is committed to effective communication and continuous improvement to foster technical excellence, an environment of trust and teamwork which promotes personal and organizational growth and achievement of clearly prioritized goals.

8/1/05 Editorial Comment - Which martial arts should be in charge of ju-jitsu ? There has been a lot of skuttlebut about ju-jitsu and whether is belongs to judo. To some people ju-jitsu shares a lot with karate and it appears to them that Brazilian Jujitsu, althought it teaches a wide range of techniques, looks a lot like judo. Over the weekend in Springfield, Ohio, Parker Shelton went in the next room and came back with the comment that the ocmpetition looked a lot like "Two dogs going at it." I think that you can translate that.

Anyway, Here is an article written for presentation to a group of karate masters. We invite comments.

---- Universal jujitsu is not much different than the large section of contextual karate that we identify as bunkai. Once you have absorbed the bunkai principles of karate and can perform them to standards, then you have learned a large part of the fundamental jujitsu requirements. It is really arrogant of any jujitsu practitioner to suggest that their narrow slice of the martial arts (they make it narrow, not us) is only learnable by judo types.

Karate cannot accept the truncated definition of jujitsu offered by the judo people because karate jujitsu (do) was included in the ancestral root form of the martial arts and are still together if the definition is viewed from right perspective.

To put connotations where they belong, it becomes necessary for us to define jiu-jitsu in the terms of karate learning. We shouldn’t replace karate paradigms and inferences with those of jiu-jitsu. It is preferable to use the model of karate and to add on to it to reach the core denotation of the “Jiu-Jitsu.” Just as taekwondo has deviated from the norm of martial arts the concept of Jiu-Jitsu has likewise moved. Regardless of the position taken, it is incredible that some of our fellow practitioners would trade the body development systems of the vision reliant martial arts for the general body training system of the grappler. It is analogous to saying that Japanese language is better the English language. Better for what?

The past removal of atemi standards and practice from judo and jujitsu standards was decried by the late grandmaster of judo, the great Sadaki Nakabayashi of the Kodokan, who himself was an international champions of kung fu as well as judo.

8/1/05 Whose Game is it? Received From Anonymous Email --- The game is THEIR game! Everyone in small town USA thinks the Jujitsu game is THEIR game! They think that what they do is THE Jujitsu and the USJJF must recognize their game regardless of anyone else’s game.

Well -- the Europeans got together and set up a game to get Jujitsu into the Olympics. Now THE game is the EUROPEAN GAME and we were asked to join up with it – and join THEIR Olympic movement.

The problem is that the various Jujitsus in the USA only cooperate if it is THEIR particular game. Somehow we need to have them understand that THEIR game is fine – but when we get together as the USJJF, we meet to play the OLYMPIC (hopefully) game. We need to cooperate and make decisions to that effort. Ranking organizations get in the way of all this when we begin to start choosing WHOSE game is THE game. In reality, none of THOSE games means has real influence in the Olympic JJIF Game followed by the USJJF.

Why Olympic Jujitsu? Because we can get into the Olympic Festivals, the Pan American, Central America, South American, and Caribbean Games. And perhaps we can discover who has tatami and plan group sessions at the Olympic Training Centers, with would bring reduced costs for team practice. Also there is the possibility of greater sponsorship possibilities for athletes.

---For you martial artists who pooh-pooh the jujitsu game played by millions, Emerson made a good comment: " A great man is always willing to be belittled. Whilst he sits on the cushions of advantage he goes to sleep. When he is pushed, tormented, defeated, he has a chance to learn something. He has been put on his wits on his manhood. He has gained facts, learns his ignorance. He has cured of the insanity of conceit."

----To which Mark Twain’s comment is a fitting response: “Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.”

7/2/205 but just posted Subject: RE: A “Forum” for Traditional Kodokan Judo! Date: S From: Lt.Col. Bruce R. Bethers <natlhq@usjjf.org> Morning Llyr, I thought that might be You! :) Your points are Very Well Expressed!

It is ALWAYS Good to have the “Educated Ones” contribute to forums as well…You, Ivica, Dave & James have made Excellent Contributions to this forum. MANY THANKS. Looks like we have made a few folks “nervous” that we in USA-TKJ & ITKJ may “Have Something of Value” in the Judo World! Thanks Again, b.

Kano’s vision for judo was that it should be an agent for mutual beneﬁt and harmony. As a long standing judoka I am saddened and disappointed with the poor quality of argument and vitriol in the majority of these postings.

Judo should be able to accommodate everyone be they competitor or traditionalist. What makes judo a superb activity is that fact that it has two essential components - martial and art and in Kano’s vision the two were of EQUAL importance.

The martial component of judo can be related to combat through the way of the warrior (budo) - the contemporary representation of which is competition (shiai). Similarly, art can be deﬁned as technical excellence and understanding of techniques developed through repeated practice (uchi-komi and nage-komi), free practice (randori) and of course kata.

Today the concept most people have of judo is martial which represents but one small element of judo. The ‘ofﬁcial’ i.e. IJF (International Judo Federation) accredited national governing bodies market judo on a one dimensional basis (a combat sport) and measure the health of their country’s judo simply in terms of results at major championships. Promotion policies often pay only lip service to the breadth and depth of an individual’s technical judo knowledge cf. contest results.

I feel qualiﬁed to write the above as am a former international competitor and lived and trained in Japan for nearly 2 years. I have stood on the mat in the Kodokan and looked for the easy practice, only to discover I was the easy practice. Through 15 years of contest attrition my body is too damaged and battered to compete or do hard randori - I now have discovered the delight of kata. It has kept me in judo but to the sports orientated governing bodies I might as well not exist.

No one organisation should have a monopoly on judo, and every organisation had to start from somewhere. At the end of the day governing bodies are not necessary to enjoy judo - all that is needed is like minded, motivated training partners. Also a belt serves no real purpose other than keeping one’s gi jacket closed. It is not necessary to attack the ITKJ - live and let live. The ITKJ can follow one path, the other judo governing bodies can follow an other. No-one accumulates any credit by attacking the other. It is easy to stand on the side and throw stones, it is harder to stand up for one’s values. The ITKJ will value kata, technique and tradition - great - someone needs to. Other bodies can value competition, athletic excellence and sporting prowess - this is also great!

7/28/05 Here is some information about the direction of the USJJF from President Bethers:

Mission Statement: The Mission of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation is to unify American Ju-Jitsuka & Judoka with a foundation of mutual respect for all systems of Ju-Jitsu and Traditional Kodokan Judo, as well as provide services and guidance to foster Technical Excellence, Fellowship and Human Character Development.

Vision Statement: The United States Ju-Jitsu Federation is a world-class organization comprised of highly skilled and dedicated Ju-Jitsuka & Judoka rich in tradition of excellence. We will provide our members unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, development and pride. We will always strive to exceed the expectations of Our Members, the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) <http://www.jjifweb.com/> , the Martial Arts International Federation (MAIF) <http://www.maifhq.org> , and the Martial Arts Community.

Values Statement: The United States Ju-Jitsu Federation is committed to effective communication and continuous improvement to foster technical excellence, an environment of trust and teamwork which promotes personal and organizational growth and achievement of clearly prioritized goals.

7/25/05 From TR McClanahan's investigation after llunching with George Anderson. He asked me to post this a reminder to us all. -- A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT - January 2001 - The United States Judo Associations Board of Directors at its Las Vegas meeting asked me to serve as President of the association. I accepted the position with the understanding that after two years there would be another president. Mr. Jesse Jones has agreed to ﬁll the newly created position of Chief Operating Oficer. Mr. Jones and I will work together at the direction of the Board and the membership to restore credibility, integrity, and financial stability to the association.

Mr. Phil Porters self assessment of his own managerial capabilities was that they were poor. I find nothing in my management review that would allow me in any way to quibble with Mr. Porters accurate self-confession. Mr. Jones did an outstanding job in bringing to light and documenting the impact and severity of this lack of managerial ability. His documentation has been posted to the USJA web site for those who are interested. The association owes Mr. Jones its very future because without his leadership and that of the Board of Directors, the courage to create a transition of management by removing Mr. Porter could not have been mustered. The USJA would have faced certain ﬁnancial ruin and collapse.

History will judge Mr. Porter's legacy to American Judo and the youth of this country harshly, I trust, because with all of his charm, marketing ability, and technical knowledge and skill; he did not need the self adorned and somewhat preposterous title of Osensei, he did not need to “sell” red and white belts to the highest cash contributor, he did not need to alienate and drive away loyal USJA members for disagreeing with his at times insane schemes and policies, he did not need to treat the other Judo organizations and their members with harsh words and disparaging remarks, he did not need to corrupt the ﬁnances of the association with his personal greed. But he did.

For all of this, I apologize to the past and present members of the United States Judo Association, the other Judo organizations and their members, and most importantly, I apologize to the youth of American who are the future of the sport in this country. The USA has many great leaders past and present who can revitalize the dream of the Association when it was created.

The initial dream saw a bright and prosperous future for American Judo, a future of inclusiveness for all. Where each member could become part of a greater community and benefit from the basic concepts of Mutual Welfare and Benefit and Maximum Efficiency with a Minimum of Effort. The Association has beneﬁted in the past from its dedicated club leader, its tireless national leadership, and it devoted general membership. Men and Women of impeccable judo credential and managerial integrity like Mr. Jim Nichols, Mr. George Harris, Ms. Bonnie Korte, Mr. Melvin Ginter, Ms. Jone Ginter, Mr. Bill Horve, Mr. George Pasiuk, Mr. Bruce Toupes and the list could go on for literally hundreds of pages.

As I sit here, early this Tuesday morning, I am literally crying and in mourning. My emotions run the full range from intense anger created by betrayal over where the USJA was taken by misguided ego mania to a burning determination to continue the effort initial by Mr. Jesse Jones and the Board of Directors to rebuild and restore to vitality a very worth while United States Judo Association which can contribute once again, as it has in the past, to building a bright and prosperous future for the current membership and especially the youth of America. For me and many others, it is legacy time. What do we leave in the world which will make mankind a little kinder and gentler? Perhaps it could be the Gentle Way.

I ask you all; our dedicated leaders, our devoted members, the other Judo organizations, their members and their leadership, and members of the general population to work with me and the Board to restore the USJA to what it was so it can realize what it can be. This will require great effort and cooperation but, if the USJA is destroyed, so is a major segment of our American Judo program.

Judo Forum .... Not sure of all the details but it is alleged that the BOD voted Jim Bregman out of the office of president of the USJA on Jul 1, 2005 in absentia. Does anyone know the details etc?

Judo Forum ..... I got a call from Jim Friday morning around 8AM (PDT) confirming this. I then sent an e-mail to several key USJA board members who were behind this move which has not been responded to. Understanding that some of these folks were in Toledo running the USJA Junior Nationals (which incidentally my girl who took a first was match #13 and didn’t fight until close to 3PM!) I followed it up with several more e-mails that again as of yet have not been responded to. It appears the 6 or 7 USJA BoD members who voted Jim out unleashed more then they bargained for and are only now realizing it. I’m sure they are formulating their response as they must speak up and defend their action or face a growing lack of confidence in the rank and file members. The good news is the full election is just a few months away and this action will not be forgotten by all us voting members. I will run for the BoD in an effort to flush them out and get the USJA back on the right track for American Judo. Thanks. Gary Goltz www.goltzjudo.com #1 Club in the USJA

Judo Forum .... Anyone who’d toss out Jim Bregman is a darn fool. He’s one of the ones who realizes that Judo isn’t just training for the Olympics, it’s not just working out in the clubs; it’s Everything, for Everybody. My confidence has been shaken by some of USJA’s recent actions already; this threatens to break it totally. Starkjudo

Judo Forum ....Anyone who’d toss out Jim Bregman is a darn fool. He’s one of the ones who realizes that Judo isn’t just training for the Olympics, it’s not just working out in the clubs; it’s Everything, for Everybody. My conﬁdence has been shaken by some of USJA’s recent actions already; this threatens to break it totally.

Judo Forum ....According to Jim, they voted him out by phoning the members who were not present in Toledo to get I guess a majority. The ones who voted for this action according to Gene Foder were, Mike Szreiter, Thom layon, Gene Foder, Pat Szreiter, Virgil Bowles, Ernie Smith, and Jesse Jones. The ones against this action were George Weers, George Harris, Jim Webb, and Jim Bregman himself of course. Historically, this board for the most part took power under a very suspect election some years ago following their Coup d’Etat against Phil Porter lead by Jones. Phil was corrupt along with most of this current Board and a few others such as Fletcher Thornton. At the time the entire group should have been taken out for their complicity in the Porter diabolical. Now we have a chance once and for all to take the USJA back from this group as George Harris calls them “no dans”. The battle lines are drawn and we clearly know who the enemies are. I for one have been in judo for 40 years and the USJA for over 30 years of them. Having built the largest club in the organization combined with my business experience and resources I will fight this action to the end. This is classic good vs. evil battle. Thanks. Gary This post has been edited by JudoGary on Jul 8 2005.

7/25/05 From the www.judoforum.com about judo and jujitsu Posted by David Camarillo at mma.tv’s Judo Forum *DC is a Judo and BJJ black belt*It is hard to say that something is Judo or that it is Jiu-Jitsu? Someone attacks me from their guard and I have to defend it. Is it Judo or JJ? This question has been answered over and over again by people who think that it matters what art to all a certain technique. Which is fine.

Lets set aside the propaganda usage (the business purpose) of the term Judo and Jiu-Jitsu? It all came from people who figured out how to throw, pass guard, leg lock and arm lock, among many other positions in these arts. The name actually doesn’t matter that much if you think about it. I remember that famous video from the 50’s that was called Kosen Judo (could be mistaken of the name). When I saw it I thought it was Jiu-Jitsu. It didn’t look like any Judo that I was ever exposed to. Does that make it Jiu- Jitsu? Well it would if you blocked out the evolution of both arts. First Judo, or Kosen Judo, used to have ne-waza that resembled our current day Jiu-Jitsu. But, as far as I have been exposed to, it has changed into something very different. The rules, and I have written about this many times, have watered down the ground aspect of Judo. Does this reality define Judo? That depends on what kind of perspective you choose to adopt. The better question should be, “what defines Judo?” Well in my opinion it is defined by the only thing I feel is real, my experiences. Judo of today is simply the byproduct of the rules that govern tournament Judo. This is controlled by a Judo elite that, through membership, make up the institutions (Resnick would know much more about these specifics) that decide the rules of Judo. This then refiects the direction of the mainstream goals of Judo, which are to win Judo tournaments and follow the guidelines rules of the sport (if you win trounaments the sport will grow, its a natural path). This has, in my opinion, watered down the ground work of the art, in the United States and Japan (two countries that I have experience training in). This is a fact because of the short time that one has in a match to finish or score on an opponent when in ne-waza.

From what I have gathered about the Judo in the past, is that referees used to allow Judo to continue on the ground far longer than it has recently (this comes from a talk I recently had with a Turkish Judoka that doesn’t see much difference between the Jiu- Jitsu of today and Judo of the past). The result is a lack of knowledge that I have seen from today’s referees regarding ne- waza. But again that is because of what they have been exposed to, if you have a short time on the ground you will see less and less attempts and techniques for attacking and defending in ne- waza.

If you come from the camp that feels Judo’s ne-waza is the same as Jiu-Jitsu, you are talking from a time that has past. Again this is generally speaking. The Jiu-Jitsu of today, technically speaking, is beyond the Judo of today on the ground, just like the Judo of anytime, is greater in throwing techniques than Jiu-Jitsu. In Jiu- Jitsu tournaments you see the opposite, a short time to throw an opponent, and only one shot at it.

It is a simple matter of rules dictating the behavior of students and instructors. Knowledge has been lost here and there and we see the effects of this in the top two schools for Judo in the country (the former OTC and SJSU). I have also seen this in Japan. Again this is all related to the experiences throughout my career. So going back to the question of is that technique Judo, or is it Jiu-Jitsu? Again, I have never been attacked well enough in Judo to have to defend anything from my guard? But still some of the techniques are similar, however I would never say it is the same (depending on what time we are talking about). So to conclude I would have to say yes and no, for different reasons. At one point I would say my ground techniques are Jiu- Jitsu, but are mixed with the attributes such as speed and strength gained from Judo. To put this another way, there are only a handful of techniques that I still use in my ground game that I was ever taught in Judo. It is true that I arm lock from the guard, just like it is legal to do in Judo competition, but the technical aspects of a JJ arm lock (should actually be called an elbow lock) are far more technical than anything I have been taught in Judo. Final verdict: There is a difference between the two arts. But that is only regarding present day standards. So is there really a difference, it is a matter of perspective. For purposes of referring to present day events, tournaments, and training then yes? People also have to understand that Jiu-Jitsu has gotten a lot more respect in mma. The result of this is “Jiu-Jitsu” being used as business terminology that represents grappling “geared” towards ﬁghting in the street (i.e. self-defense). If Judo had the same entrance that JJ had in mma, then Judoka would probably see more business than it is now. Hopefully Karo in the UFC will change this!
I am equally proud of being a part of both arts! *the above was a copy and paste … read more on the link provided*

Absolutely a great post, in my opinion. Here are some further comments and I hope I will not be flamed for being too much off topic. I just had lunch with TR McClanahan and we discussed the present state of affairs and I agreed to address the matter. The karate people made a great error in times past by practicing on a polished wood floor. Tatami is important for all martial arts and throwing and grappling are basically excluded when there is no tatami. For the judo side of it, it is a shame that atemi has been diminished and that kicking techniques are somewhat undervalued. I think that the martial sports are great but have divided techniques into too many categories. I do believe that if you want, say for example a third dan in karate, you should have accomplished at least a first dan in judo, and have some competition experience in both. In the International Ju-Jitsu Federation, this combination of atemi, nage-waza and ne-waza is viewed as ju-jitsu. Anyway, for all those rough, tough, and hard to bluff judoka, keep the faith but don’t narrow your practice.

7/23/04 Subject: Re: David Sgro resigns from AAU Ju-Jitsu From: TSDSaBomNim@aol.com
Dear All, This e-mail serves as my resignation and removal as the NC AAU Ju-Jitsu Sports Director, and any association with the AAU Ju-Jitsu National Office. Please remove me from your website and mailing list. I have worked hard to assist in the development of AAU Ju-Jitsu but feel at this time I will be moving in a different direction. My number is listed below for anyone who cares to discuss this matter in greater detail. I wish you success in your Fall National Championships here in NC. David L. Sgro dsgro@sktsd.com (this is the 3rd notice in 3 days forwarded to us.)

Editorial reply On the Judo Forum allegations--Someone made a comment on my involvement with TKD and Karate. I posted the following: They are really off base and I would like to see if they are not afraid to identify themselves and post specific allegations regarding my stated "troubles." Then the scurrilous accusations can and will be addressed. For my judo grade, I thank the UJSA for that, it was somewhat of a gift, but that has not a lot to do with my Jujitsu which I have practiced since 1950 after some experience in wrestling, or my karate, or my taekwondo - kobudo -or kwonbup. I have read this guy's posts and I am pretty certain who he is. We have a lot of bad information on him but to post it would be an ad hominem, that is, attacking the person, not the argument. We have some great guys involved and why don't you hit on them, they actually run the show. I think if athletes actually get involved with the JJIF and understand the international rules, they will realize the great possibilities. There are a lot of really significant judoka in the JJIF and to complain and complain about the USJJF trying to do something for American, is just plain idiotic. Let's get together and then we can make traditional American martial arts a significant force in the world - which it really is not now.

JeffBruner @ Jun 30 2005 said -- Sorry... I see no point to this organization other than to grant high level dan certificates (for a price) to those that can't get promoted elsewhere.In their mission statement they say: "It has become a clear fact of life (in the Olympic Judo Organizations) that 'if you are not a judo competitor, or judo referee or tournament promoter or officer, with few exceptions - you simply do not get promoted beyond the judo rank of Sandan or Yondan, no matter how much skill, knowledge and years you have in Judo."So... if you are not a "judo competitor, or judo referee or tournament promoter or officer" what are you? Someone who just shows up at practice and holds up the walls? Does this deserve promotion? Admittedly there may be deserving individuals who run clubs in the hinterlands and backwaters or individuals who have studied diligently but who have little connection with the established orgs. --But really, judo is a COMMUNAL activity. You cannot do judo by yourself. You need an active judo community in which to thrive, improve and grow. We already have a few effective judo "communities" (read that as the USJF, USJA, USJI) and all you have to do is get in there, participate, show service and dedication to your community, and your community will promote you.True, in the US orgs promotions for Shodan through Yodan are more easily gained if you are an active competitor but there are AMPLE provisions for these ranks to be gained by non-competitors and kata enthusiasts. -- As for the higher dans, I see plenty of promotions to Godan and above in my organization based on dedication and commitment to the Judo community. As, yes, service as a referee, tournament promoter or officer is looked upon favourably. Why not? It is an indication of solid and true commitment to "mutual benefit."The last thing we need is another organization to muddy the already murky waters.

Editorial Reply 7/21/05 --You have made a good post, but in my opinion, you have missed the point. This is my idea, and is not shared by everyone in our group.The case in point is the jujitsu-judo-karate linking. Judo is a great sport but so are the others.Jujitsu does not belong to judo and most judo performers fall far short of international dan requirements for jujitsu --- You call me and I will explain. 330-813-2720. It is similar to most American karate dans falling far short of World Karate Federation requirements.High dans given by your sensei or organization or you to yourself don’t carry much weight in the international community.In the JJIF, the international body, there are really good judo guys.

Many of the European JJIF groups are previous divisions of National Judo Federations, which now have separated because of World Games and other such requirements. A look at the governing roster will confirm that and many judo leaders are now working in jujitsu. As a matter of fact, Luis Beguena, the vice-president of the JJIF is the past president of the Spanish Judo Fed, the founder of the European Judo Union, and the past president of the International Judo Federation.The current rules have been concocted by these guys and if you don’t like them, that is your option but don’t condemn what you do not understand.

The point of all this is that the cooperation and development between countries and the martial arts is important to jujitsu, both competitive and traditional. Karate, judo, hapkido, chin-na, kwonbup, etc. people both all enter the jujitsu competition and practice. Judo by itself in not enough.In the JJIF, Duo Competition is for those who aren’t concentrating on grappling and the Sparring is for those that are.The present Judo leadership in the USA has expressed little interested in the JJIF or its regulations. However, many judoka do. That is the purpose of the Judo Section of the USJJF. We can help both enter into a successful mutually beneficial USJJF – which is now and has been for sometime the US National Governing Body for the JJIF.

The point of the grading system is ORGANIZATION, so we can move the US representation forward and we know who is in charge.For the athletes, they are in charge of a Coaching Committee and dan grades are irrelevant for the competitors.

The Coaching Committee is a committee under the Central Technical Committee, which I chair and am very careful to keep independent. --The Chair of the Coaching Committee is TR McClanahan, a Judoka of some note. Some if the senior coaches are Gene LaBelle, Jim Harrison, Kris Harrison, Ben DeLeon, Ernie McPeek, Mitch McClanahan and others.The whole point of the organization is to involve judo people without the different private agendas of the main judo organizations in the USA. Judo competition is good, but that is not our agenda.

Our goal is not to just promote, but to organize and utilize our assets. Judo is a terrific asset as are other arts. We intend to bring what we can together and proceed about our business, avoiding the murky waters that the other groups have muddied.Why don’t you join us and see what is going on? Don’t get put off by the now issue of ranking and the fussing of the USJA, which, by the way, is a great federation, which has ----------- produced many world champions ---------- and lots of bad jujitsu, karate, and taekwondo grades.

7/19/05 -- CONGRATULATIONS to James R. Webb on the Kodokan Kata Course! from Lt.Col. Bruce R. Bethers <natlhq@usjjf.org> wrote: Hello Jim, Certainly GOOD Bragging Rights! :) -- Who is your kata partner? We would be pleased to post a "News Report" at USA-TKJ on that Good News Story! Your personal experiences attending that Course at the Kodokan would be a Great Read! Do you have any Photos to share? I am sure there are lot's of folks interested in BOTH the Waza and Kata of Kodokan Judo (not just shiai) across the USA Judo Community. Maybe, we will see a further "expansion or re-birth" of this Focus in Judo!

My personal HOPE is that the current trend of Kodokan Judo "shrinking" will reverse back to a trend of "GROWTH" again! Jim, I would be very pleased to see you become more involved in the USJJF and the USA-TKJ Program. We are developing a Kata Instructor Training & Certification Program --Let's visit!

—reply 7/19/05 Subject: Kodokan Judo Kata Course -- From: James R. Webb [mailto:jimrwebb@ix.netcom.com] Bruce, For your records. A copy of my 7th Dan from the International Judo Federation. Reply, James R. Webb Dallas, Texas [mailto:jimrwebb@ix.netcom.com] Subject: Re: Article in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts Picture with kokokan 9th DansBruce, You may want to note that my kata partner and I were the only two Americans to successfully graduate from last years Kodokan Kata Course. Potential bragging rights for the USJJF. Picture with kokokan 9th Dans

7/18/05 An Article itle: "COMPETITION, KATA AND THE ART OF JUDO" written by our friend, Dr Llyr Jones in the UK will soon be published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, says "Lt.Col. Bruce R. Bethers" <natlhq@usjjf.org> wrote:Subject: Kano Society Report. To: " Llyr Jones" llyr.jones@btinternet.com Is the Kano Society familiar with the "Mission" of USA-TKJ & ITKJI believe that by "working together" with the Kodokan Principles of "Mutual Benefit" and "Maximum Efficiency", both the Kano Society and the ITKJ could have a "much stronger & more positive" position in the Judo World!

7/12/05 --- Question from Mitch <mitchg@charter.net> I am pretty convinced there is active racism in the United State Judo Fed. So I did a search on the net and found this phrase you wrote: "the famous AAU/USJF arguments." Could you let me know what the story is on this? ------ Forwarded Message

Reply: Well, I have passed this on to others for their more informed comments. However, in short, it was an argument on sho should rule judo and select the team. The Armed Forces Judo, the National Judo Federation, the AAU and the US Judo Association finally came to agreement after a bad suit that they would share the power to choose the team and the recognition of grade would be universal. The Armed forces Judo and the USJA were the same group fundamentally.And comments from the USJJF PresidentWell I am back at the computer after seeing the movie - "War of the Worlds", sounds like the "Judo World" a little. :) In the USA, Judo is somewhat of a "sacred cow" and many become nervous (& are "ready to attack") anything that might disturb their "judo world" I say we should IGNORE them and do what we think is "Best" for our members and Kodokan Judo in the 21st Century. USA JUDO (United States Judo Inc - USJI.) came into existence after a "Big Legal Battle" between USJF & USJA. The folks of USJA won the court battle and "got the right" to say their judo ranks were "equal" to USJF ranks...Then USJI was established with USJA & USJF as its Group Members. Later USJI organized State Governing Bodies and "they" are all still fighting over most everything to this very day. Unfortunately, they are a very "dysfunctional family" at best. AND "Sport Judo" is their primary (if not "only") focus.Consideration of the above is one of the many reasons that USA-TKJ was launched by USJJF to serve American Judoka that are not focused just on Sport Judo. Hopefully, this information helps. Now the USA-TKJ moves forward in American Judo! :) http://judoinfo.com/links/index.php?PHPSESSID=868c3c82a7048a3e45168c1a91755f 3d&PID=7&PHPSESSID=868c3c82a7048a3e45168c1a91755f3d

6/5/05 Hello all! New KIAI Online Magazine is now available Re: Ivica Zdravkovic, MD, Founder of KIAI http://kenjutsukai.tripod.com ----Hope you'll enjoy it. If you experience any problems with opening our pages, please report them to me. Note: use "refresh" button in case some photo does not appear. Best wishes,

6/1/05 -- Subject: Criminal charges against ju-jitsuan?- We have received an email from a usually reliable source. We are withholding all names because, so far, this is just an allegation - but it is extremely interesting. We are told that a local paper replrts thast a prominent jujitsu instructor was arrested for allegedly raping a juvenile female. It should be noted that an article in a newspaper is not a conviction

5/17/05 Just came up atain Name: Mr. Muhammad Sabir, Kempo-Goju Karate Do LLC Milwaukee, Wisconsin-- Kempo and Goju karate, we have over hundred register black belts in our organization. All would like to be a part of your organization if at all possible master. Many of our black belts are in law enforcement of some kind. Please send one of your respresenatives to talk with us. If you have training that would benefit our members send information to Mr. Sabir in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Sabir is a teacher by profession and carries a Ph.D. from the university of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Many of our member are highly educated. Mr. Charles Warren retired State Patrol Officer.

-----reply from Ben DeLeon, Head Coach, USJJF -- <dmaa@charter.net> Hello, Just wanted to drop you a line since Mr. Anderson Forwarded your e-mail to me.It is great to hear about your interest in USAKF.. It is an excellent organization and the training is awesome and the versatility and variety seems to be endless. I have been a member for over 5 years. Please feel free to contact me if I can assist you in any way.

April 25, 2005 --- Thanks - From B. A. DeLeon Sr., Head Coach, USJJF --- Hello Sir, Once again I would like to thank you for your unique insight in training this past weekend, and how fortunate I've been in knowing you! Every time I leave I'm ready for the world Thanks to you.

March 2-6, 2005 — Notes on the Seminar at the WISK group with Shihan Edward Kuras in Macomb, IL I left on Wednesday noon and arrived in Macomb Thursday after listening to tapes of old AAU Karate meetings. Very interesting. For the Seminar, we started with a “private lesson” group on Friday morning, practicing Kawashi and Kazushi as represented by Shotokan and Wado-ryu styles. We reviewed the Aikido based KMK Kumitachi techniques and morphed them into club work and then into kenka. In the afternoon we had the kids. USJJF Head Coach Ben DeLeon did a super job - lots of noise and spirit - tugging and rolling ending with pole and mat kicking. The next day we trained in Ju-jitsu and the Kong Sun Goon kata after being worn out by locomotive 40 hand drills. The evening session was more JJ and lots of history and throwing.

March 14-18, 2005 — Visitors at Hombu ---Shihan Ed Kuras then came to the National Training Center with several of his students to upgrade their Judo - Ju-Jitsu practice. The training was tough and included hand conditioning work for high velocity slap and back slap. They really liked our breaking table and we make them one. The final day I took them to the Hickey Center and they practice important tumbling skills. (The Hickey Center has the equipment for that type of training, using it for their Demonstration Team). They went home with expanded skills and a great attitude adjustment.

February 18-20, 2005 — The Kwanmukan Symposium at the newly remodeled and huge Quality Inn Richfield/Cleveland was dynamite and very strong. It was a sold out event. There were over 300 attendees from about 20 states. We were completely full and actually had to turn away some late applicants. Great Grandmaster of Shotokan Takiyuki Mikami was a special guest instructor and received a special award at the sold out banquet. We hosted the US Ju-Jitsu Winter Camp at the same time and covered issues vital to that discipline. – Many topics were covered, including Karate, advanced Okinawan Kata, Judo, Ju-jitsu, Taiho Jitsu, Aiki-Jitsu, Kobudo, Aikido, Audio, Tumbling, Knife, PSDI Civilian Tactical Defense Training, and an dojo owners session and the World Natural Health Organization (http://www.wnho.net). Information on the Kwanmukan Symposiums can at < http://www.kwanmukan.us> The Instructors were top notch. To see a complete report go to http://www.usakarate.org/dir.schedules/kmksymp04-2.html

December 18, 2004 (from previous year but not posted) About the Dayton KMK --From: Hudson Jeffrey A Contr AFRL/HEC--- Nosa, Kwanmu! I’ve been very busy evaluating a NASA T-38 jet equipped with a new ejection seat — (the Air Force may want to upgrade to it as well for their T-38s.) So, its been impossible to leave work early on Fridays to come up for the Tai-ho Jitsu classes — which has been very disappointing. — Otherwise, things have been going good. I finally graduated last August… earning my Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Kent State. YES, I finally, REALLY finished this time. — I have a few new students in my class and it’s going well. For the higher kyu ranks I’ve been working Tsui Sho and the Bunkai to demonstrate “the karate mind”… the rhetorical question I ask is: “If you can do the kata alone, why is it so different when I attack with a sword?!” As you know, it’s good fun.

November 25-28, 2004 — JJIF World Championship --( report still coming)The USJJF sent a team to the November 2005 Ju-Jitsu International Federation World Championship in Spain. President Bethers was Chief of Delegation, Vice Pres. Anderson was the Chief of Mission and Shihan DeLeon was the Head Coach. Anderson was reappointed as Commissioner for the JJIF and Senior International Advisor. President Bethers was elected the Secretary for the newly formed Pan American Jujitsu Union.

June 26 2004 - Quite a fuss over the USJJF Nationals --For more information call us and we will talk. — The US Ju-jitsu Nationals in New Jersey at South Mountain Martial Arts, Madison, NJ and some controversy over it. -—The 2004 National Matches were accomplished despite very serious deficiencies in the facilities, which were not at all suitable for any major martial arts event. It all started out with a feeling of cooperation, which soon disintegrated because of personal comments to the Coaching Staff about the character of the USJJF President. The tournament was strong, but some of the competitors from grappling clubs felt put out (to say the least) by the JJIF Rules with which they had obviously little experience. Evidently, grapplers like extended grappling times and don’t like to get hit. JJIF International Referees Michael Piaser and Joe Santocildes and National Referee James Caldwell capably handled the referees. - Competition was tough and correct. Losers lost. Legendary Pat Byrnes, Chief of Coaching for the USAKF and teacher of many national and international champions was there and appeared well recovered from his knee operation. He brought the outstanding international karate champion Adam Older to the completion and he zoomed away with a gold medal. The matches were a bit rushed because we were informed that we had to be cut off before evening because of other events scheduled for the dojo — so the team selection meetings scheduled were postponed. On the downside, the competition was halted for a lengthy and boring, but technically OK) demonstration of Japanese sword which dragged on and on. The presenters were extremely rude to the Ju-jitsu leaders, and snubbed them as what I took to be a judgement that we were an inferior breed. This did not lead to an enhancement of good feeling.\ – In the mind of most of the competitors and leaders, the hosts were more than rude and were very poor sports. They did not know the rules and reacted unprofessionally when they lost the matches under those regulations. The JJIF is a huge organization and the rules and procedures are well tested and functional for a world sport the size of Ju-jitsu, so to complain and whine is not justified. If you don’t like the game, don’t play.

Note*** on the personal slurs made and be aware that Bruce Bethers has no brother. -— From: "Daryn DeRose" Date: Thu, 27 May 2004 Subject: Re: Larry Bethers - Oh, you're just going to love this... So, Larry [Bethers] questioned Bruce's [Bethers] motives and credentials? Well, if he's right, if his own pursuits are more legitimate than those of his brother, then he has inadvertently delivered the ULTIMATE putdown! At this rate, I fully expect that we will find that there is one remaining Bethers brother, named "Moe", who practices Vada. You might want to give Willy a call. Perhaps you can politely ask him if he knows about Larry's,... idiom? Original leter — Subject: Fwd: Larry Bethers - Oh, you're just going to love this...Date: Thursday, May 27, 2004 11:16 AM From: DaynD@aol.com To: <usakf@raex.com> This site has a BIO of Larry Bethers; perhaps Cahill made the mistaken assumption - but the statement is direct from him, and if there is a mistakwe, it is in the "geneology" I didn't make this up, and I am repeating "hearsay", directly from coach ... but hearsay Look, it hurt us. -Dayn

***Noted below is some of the controversy over the event (which next year will be hosted by the Hickey Center in Stow, Ohio) http://www.usjujitsu.net

***Our General Secretary Ernest G. McPeek, JD comments on the host for the championship. - Dear Bruce: I apologize for leaving without saying goodbye to you and George but “DD” had me so angry I didn’t want to run into him. I have never seen such a whiner and complainer. He is no gentleman and has absolutely no character whatsoever. He criticized each and every member of the USJJF and made loud rude comments that not only the members heard but the spectators as well. Who does he think he is? The parents of one of the participants sat next to Debby and me and kept asking why he was so obnoxious and hostile since he was hosting the event. This was their first USJJF tournament and they indicated probably their last. — I recommend we immediately strip him of his membership in the USJJF. He is not the caliber member we want. .…He is a disgrace to any martial art, especially fencing, because he has no honor. — He lied to everyone about how many people he could personally bring to the event and to the facilities. He provided no help whatsoever to the tournament except for a negative attitude. No amenities for participants or spectators. — It is our duty to contact every participant and apologize for the conditions they had to compete in and inform them that Dayn had lied to everyone until it was too late to change the venue. We also need to inform them that he in no way represents the USJJF and that we have expelled him from our membership. In addition we need to let them know that next year we will be in Ohio, and if Pat has a website with pictures of his School give them his address. ….we are the official NGB and in good standing. I would personally like to shove this up DD’s butt. What he is doing is slandering the USJJF, the officers and each member and we can demonstrate reputation and money damages in court if he cares to go there. At the very least he owes everyone who attended the tournament an apology for his hostility and rudeness. I believe fencing is referred to as a Gentlemen’s Sport, in his case he has made it an oxymoron. — I would like to commend all the officers, board of director members, officials, referees, participants at the table, and all competitors for not complaining, whining, or making negative remarks about the adverse conditions we had to perform under. Everyone, except the host, showed great character and sportsmanship, which the USJJF stands for. I am proud to be a member of the USJJF and proud of everyone who participated. — Bruce, please forward this to everyone on our mailing list. Especially DD as I do not have his email address. Every thing I wrote here I am willing to say to his face. He is rude, ungracious and a discredit to his martial art, whatever that is. - Hanshi Ernest G. McPeek, JD

***Comments from “DD” and other of the same mindset which came before the top letter.

\**DD: Gentlemen; this is the impression you have left over, and over again. I have fought AGAINST this since the time I took the job to hold the nationals - I didn’t even tell him about the irregular observance of contact rules, or the calls that were reversed.

****B: I was not able to attend yesterdays USJJF event (I filled in teaching …. so he could bring ….). I am sending you this email as a thought from me on the state of USJJF Rules. This in no way is aimed at you or the ref.’s who have to judge according to the rules they are given. —- The rise in popularity in Grappling , Sambo, BJJ, MMA,K1, Daido-Juku, etc. has given a shot in the arm as well as a wake up call to all of the BS propagators in the Martial Arts. This would seem like a golden opportunity for like minded people (people who believe the word MARTIAL in Martial Arts has meaning) to put together venues for Sport Combat that finally puts to rest the tag sparring bullshit as well as the embarrassment of high ranking Jujitsuka with no functional(!!!!) Martial ability. —- Even with the best efforts of judo/ Jujitsu/ Sambo/ Kickboxing person (You)…this rule set is a JOKE. To take Nage Waza and Ne Waza, two PROVEN MARTIAL arts/sports and fold into them tag sparring a INEFFECTIVE MARTIAL sport; and then give equal scoring weight to real waza and tag is a joke. Is this a way to make point karate people feel good about their training in the face of common sense and empirical evidence, ie. MMA. There already is an event for people that need to feel good about themselves even tough they are not the best in their sports…it’s called the Special Olympics…and the competitors there are a wonderful sight to behold for many reasons. —- Imagine if you would a Sharpshooting event that gave equal weight to actual shots on the target and angry stares down range (for those who aren’t very good shots). That way everybody feels good about the match…except those marksmen who can actually shoot…they will not compete in that venue again. You cannot polish a turd. Those rules smell like dung. - I know you have wanted to try and save this beast Dayn….Put a fork in it it’s done. Our guys would love to come play Sambo or Combat Sambo. Lets leave tag sparring to the guys(?) in the Paul Mitchell Gis. - Let the Europeans keep their Eurojitsu and we’ll even throw them Jerry Lewis and Michael Moore for good measure. Just my opinion. B;

****And more:- I couldn’t agree with you more! First though, let’s see if we can disenfranchise these utter creeps. The Europeans are livid with them as well. …. I get Edson [the “great” sword master] in the dojo for one of those special, rare times, and he has to witness THAT. I feel like I participated in a violent crime. Please convey my abject apologies and my - it’s more than utter- embarrassment that I could cause a well liked and honored guest to be treated in that way. All I can say is that I thought they’d be under par, but I forgot that when point Karate men know that about themselves, they CHEAT. If you can please help Edson to send his comments to the European governance. This is a joke. Especially when you go to the USJJF Website and see how BIG they try to make it seem - over half the people AT the tournament were victims - the other half were the Kwanmukan -core membership - 15 people? That’s the entirety of the active USJJF! Please, please forgive me!

****And other problems: Apology accepted for bad behavior. —Mr. Anderson, I would like to take this opportunity to look out for the best interest of my student as to respect my seniors and their decisions. During the USJJF nationals, a lot of complications occurred which caused a spark which included the tensions that were raised by Dayn DeRose the host. I did not mean to take my frustration out on you as you were there to assist the situation at hand and to help what you could to making the tournament run smooth as an advisor to the board. Although I learned from my actions, I feel that this will allow for me to become a better person. Please, understand as I was looking out for the best interest of my student, as a father would do to his son or daughter. Again, I fully regret what I said towards you and my actions were completely unacceptable. I hope this will allow for our relationship to become better then it was during the nationals. I do not regret meeting you in person as you have done so much for our community and students of this country. I can only say to continue to the progress. I look forward to meeting you sometime in the future and with better admiration. Respectfully, (Name withheld for obvious reasons)

6/5/04 News from the US Ju-Jitsu Federation Camp -- by GEA - The US Team and USJJF Coaches’ Training Session held at the Hickey Center in Stow, Ohio on June 5-6 was the best yet. Attendance was curtailed because of the coming National Championships in New Jersey and the obvious travel difficulties but overall was great; five states were represented: Ohio, New York, Nebraska, D.C. and Wisconsin. The fighters looked really sharp, especially current US Team member Chad White and the DUO team from Ernest McPeek’s dojo in Buffalo was great. Pat Hickey, chair of the Coaches’ Education Committee presented a great program, which will grow as a most important facet of our national operations. Michael Piaser, chair of the Referees Committee, brought an up-to-date course on the rules. In the meeting it was decided to re-schedule the National Meeting to Akron in August. The Referee Committee now is: Michael Piaser- chair, Jim Caldwell – vice chair, Joe Santocildes – secretary. Ben DeLeon was reconfirmed as coach for the World Championships in Spain. The USJJF insurance program has been made optional and the Ranking and Certification Committee of the Central Technical has been strengthened. It was also decided to further strengthen the USJJF by the inclusion of a Judo certification program. Standards will follow Kodokan regulations excepting the completion requirements (these are covered by the jujitsu standards) and will concentrate on those USJJF members who have an interest in the study traditional judo. It is stressed that we have no plans for instigation of judo competition; we will leave that in charge of the National Governing Body for that sport. T. R. McClanahan will chair the Judo Section of the Central Technical Committee. He is a widely known and respected judoka – one of the founders of the USJA.

3/11/04 Shihan Ed Kuras from Macomb, IL came to Akron with two students for intensive training in Jujitsu and grading of his students to Shodan. Ed is really tough and we hope he becomes active in the USJJF.

1/20/04 - 2004 Winter Symposium and US Jujitsu Federation Winter Camp. PDF Program (Large) was an outstand success and was a sold-out affair with over three hundred in attendance. Representation was international with Shihan Janak Subedi - Nepal Kwanmukan, Dr. Nader Sherif - Egypt - President African Karate Union, and Shihan Michael Osho from Ghana. There was a stronlgly attended meeting of the powerful PSDI Police Survival and Defense Institute during which Dr. Sherif proposed and it was decided to plan a major training seminar in July 2005 in Casablanka, Morocco. Janek Subedi presented documents indicating Nepalese Goverment support for a January 2005 .International Tournament to be held in Katmandu, Nepal by the Nepal Kwanmukan Association. They are anticipating over 25 official national teams - last year they had 18 national teams and the event was sanctioned by the World Karate Confederation, president Fritz Wendland. Charles Stepan of Taekwondo Times gave us a nice article with poictures about the event.

10/3-5/03 US Ju-jitsu Federation Nationals, Batavia, NY at the Holiday Inn. PDF Program (Large) The locations turned out to be a very, very good facility with meeting rooms surrounding the central grand ballroom where the competition was held. The organization of the tournament was absolutely excellent. Ernest McPeek, the General Secretary of the JJIF, promoted the event and assembled and arranged events to proceed without a hitch. The Championships drew people from across the United States: Canada, Wisconsin, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, North Carolina California, New Jersey, Nebraska and Oklahoma, Montana.

The competition was really, really tough. The National Competition was on Saturday, the first day. US Team Members were strong as usual with Jose Rodriquez (Florida - Captain of the USJJF Team for the past JJIF World Championship in Uruguay), Anthony Brewer (California, Uruguay Team member), and Chad White (Ohio, Uruguay Team member) showing their growing experience with strong performances

Carl Wilcox’s group from North Carolina included four humongous guys and it was duly noted that their hobby was bull riding. This was indeed true, but professionally they were the SWAT Team from Ashville, N. Carolina and drove up to Batavia in a Cruiser, with permission from their Sheriff. (They are also on the PSDI National Taiho Jitsu Board.) Aron Caldwell, from Omaha, Nebraska, Kobudo Chairman Jim Caldwell’s son, fought up into the adult division and showed why he is going to be a champion wrestler on his high school team. He won a gold medal in his division in the North American Cup, defeating older and heavier opponents. Adam Pyles also fought up and did a respectable job.

This tournament was the first time the US Ju-jitsu to present weapons kata competition, and Shihan James Caldwell, well noted in the Kobudo world, has been appointed to oversee the program and to ascertain that USJJ certified referees and rules conform to the US Kobudo (Kobudokan) international standards. The USJJF plans to present divisions for weapons forms and self-defense, which will include weapon against weapon and empty hand, defend against the bo. Also scheduled is an open self-defense category. The traditional kobudo weapons will be allowed together with the weapons of traditional ju-jitsu such as knife and sword. At this time the USJJF presents ?duo? competitions and kumite. The ?duo,? consists of two people partnering for performance of defense techniques; each player taking turn on attack and defense against grasping, embracing, club or knife, and punch or kick. Two teams are called to the tatami and each team performs the four categories of attack. After each partnership is done with their presentation, judges score the actions, and the duo with the highest overall score wins. Eliminations proceed on the chart in the same manner as in the kumite competition. Right now, the attacks are fixed in the categories and the referee tells you which attack you must use. The USJJF has decided that in national competition entrants will have an open attack choice and that you can make up your own attack for you presentation in the four categories. We want to go an open sequence, where you can make up your own attack sequence and then present it. We want to be able to include weapons in this presentation and use open hands against weapons, and weapons against weapons.

The championship was double-elimination, so everybody got to fight and fight and fight some more. Some people fought as many as ten matches. All the medals were really earned. The next day, Sunday, the North American Cup was held and a strong field was present. That also added to the number of fights that each athlete had. So every fighter there, I believe, thought they got thoroughly wrung out. I think this is particularly true in the heavy weight division where the ominously strong and powerful big guys from N. Carolina swept the division.

The refereeing was in the hands of Michael Piaser ably assisted by Joe Santocildes and was very well handled. As always there were a couple obnoxious calls and some irritations arose in the matches. Notably: There was a forced loss for an athlete because of alleged ?too-hard-punching? to the abdomen; another was low kicks - bringing up the not-so-clear rule that states ?kicks above the groin are allowed.? This caused several controversial below-the-belt whacks to be allowed. Also, there was some confusion over the concept that you are not allowed to punch after you hold. But what exactly consists of a hold - is it a ?cover?? The USJJF Technical Committee is looking at these problems carefully and will take its conclusions to the next World Technical Meeting in Spain. We are also looking at what happens when you execute an overly strong punch to the abdomen and somebody doubles up and the match is stopped. Is that actually a penalty or not? If it is so considered, we will fight the ruling. Malicious techniques should not be allowed but each competitor should control their breathing and train their abs. Ju-jitsu is not at all brutal in the competition, in fact it is quite safe, but the fighting competition is not for those who are soft or out of condition.

Annual National Congress was held the day before the championship and was the chaired by US Ju-jitsu President Lt. Col Bruce Bethers. Although this was not a world championship year (the next being in Spain in 2004) plenty went on. After the customary Pledge of Allegiance and the certification of delegates, elections for officers were held. Re-elected by acclaim for another 5 years term were Col. Bruce Bethers - president (now Washington, DC), John Chatwood - treasurer (Nevada) and Ernie McPeek - general secretary (NY and acting general secretary). George Anderson (Ohio) was elected vice-president unanimously. So, the set for the next five years is Bethers, Anderson, McPeek, and Chatwood. The head of the coaching committee is TR McClanahan (Ohio), the principle national coach is Ben DeLeon (Wisconsin), and his named national assistant coach is Chris Harrison (Montana). The head of the refereeing committee remains Michael Piaser (Ohio), always aptly assisted by Joe Santocildes - who often travels with him. Welcomed at the Congress as affiliate membership were the representatives of Ju-Jitsu America and the AAU Ju-Jitsu and Small Circle Ju-Jitsu were also approved. The big report was from the Ju-Jitsu International Federation World Congress in Slovenia. Representing the USJJF were George Anderson and Mike Piaser. At this time Paul Hoglund (Sweden) was elected to the presidency, replacing Rinaldo Orlandi (Italy), who was retained in position as the World Games representative. George Anderson was appointed Commissioner for the Americas, which is a great help for the USA. Professor Anderson was also given authority to proceed in trying to get more of the Caribbean and the Central American countries involved in our competition. This is going to be just absolutely super for us.

In the report of the Central Technical Committee (CenTechCom) there was some discussion about the 2004 Championship in Spain and about the team selection and how we are going accomplish it in a fair and just manner. The CenTechCom introduced a detailed team selection plan approved by the President Bethers, which was approved unanimously. The plan is somewhat elaborate, but it does give a fair shake to everybody. It means that you need to go to the championships so people can get a look at you - and, if you win the championships, you get put on the team pool. Then the team selection is chosen from the team pool. The Team Selection Committee will be chosen from a variety of committee positions, from different parts of the country, different styles, and will include at least 5 persons. The Executive of the US Ju-Jitsu Federation will be ex-officio with no vote except in case of tie and the same with the Chair of the Central Technical Committee, who will oversee the Team Selection, appointing a qualified person to act as Chair for the selection of each specific event selection. An example of a properly setup TEAMSELCOM is as follow: 1. Ernest McPeek, New York, Technical – 2. Ben DeLeon, Wisconsin, Coach – 3. TR McClanahan, Ohio, Coaching Committee - 4. Michael Piaser, Ohio, Referees Committee - 5. John Chatwood, Nevada, Technical – 6. James Caldwell, Nebraska, Technical – 7. Carl Wilcox, N. Carolina, Technical. It provides for excellent athletes who have not yet attended any US Ju-Jitsu events to have an opportunity to gain a berth on the team. It is difficult for them to do that, but we must allow for the best athletes in the United States access to the team selection process. The CenTechCom reports on the coaching committee were approved. All present agreed that the USJJF needs a secondary coach to assist he head coach and travel with the team. So, we selected the coach, Kris Harrison, the son of famous Jim Harrison. Rick is a terrific competitor, so he understands our competition very well.

President Bethers gave an outstanding Power Point presentation on the growth of the site.jujitsu.net. It is too extensive to be placed here but look on the Internet at www.usjujitus.net. Note: On the eve of his 86th Birthday, USJJF Life Member, Professor Wally Jay was recognized for his Life-Time Achievements and his Original Contributions to the Ancient Art of Ju-Jitsu with a Gold Medal and the President’s Leadership Award by the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF), The National Governing Body for Ju-Jitsu in the United States of America. Congratulations, Professor Jay! Bruce R. Bethers 1850 Columbia Pike, # 626 Arlington, VA 22204 Office Email: Bruce.Bethers@hqda.army.mi Home Email: president@usjjf.org

Junior Duo Division --Gold: Joshua Falker - New York - Anthony Falker - New York
Kumite Divisions --Junior Kumite Division (Under 18) -- Gold: Aron Caldwell - Lavista, NE - Silver: David Hufnagel, Lockport, NY
Female Lightweight Division --Gold: Janet Joy Smith - Woodbridge, VA - Silver: Kara McBrayer - Peru, NY
Female Heavyweight Division--Gold: Janelle Snider - Latham, NY - Silver: Madeline Ross - Asheville, NC
Male Adult Divisions - Kumite--
Weight Class - 62 < 69 Kg (137 - 152 Lbs.-Gold: Primo Luciano - West Seneca, NY -Silver: Brian Dietz - Columbus, OH -Bronze: Adam Pyles - Canal Fulton, OH
Weight Class - 69 <77 Kg (153 - 170 Lbs) -Gold: Anthony Brewer - Hayward, CA -Silver: Larry Aegerter - Mary Esther, FL -Bronze: Greg Mcelroy - Seville, OH
Weight Class - 77 < 85 Kg (171 - 187 Lbs.)- Gold: Jose&Mac226; Rodriguez - Mary Esther, FL-Silver: Edward Schultz - Walworth, WI -Bronze: Kris Harrison - Missoula, MT
Weight Class - 85 <94 Kg (188 - 207 Lbs)-Gold: Chad White - Akron, OH -Silver: Jonathan Scruggs - Candler, NC-Bronze: John Franklin- Ft. Walton Beach, FL
Weight Class - 94 Kg + (208 Lbs +)-Gold: Matt Melton - Asheville, NC- Silver: Christopher Gant - Asheville, NC-Bronze: Matthew Kiser - Candler, NC
2003 - North American Ju-jitsu „Open Cup Championships
Female Lightweight Division-Gold: Anneliese Reckewitz - Canada-Silver: Madeline Ross - USA
Female Heavyweight Division- Gold: Janelle Snider - USA-Silver: Sofie Winkels - Canada
Male Division - 69 <77 Kg (153 170 Lbs) -Gold: Aron Caldwell - USA -Silver: Bill Brickman - Canada
Male Division - 77< 85kg (171 187 Lbs) -Gold: Edward Schultz - USA -Silver: David Baker - USA -Bronze: Jose&Mac226; Rodriguez - USA
Male Division 85 < 94 Kg (188 207 Lbs) Gold: Chad White - USA - Silver: Adam Nerod - Canada
Male Division 94 Kg + (208 Lbs + ) Gold: Matt Melton - USA -Silver: Gary Pardon - Canada

7/10/03 -- Questions on Jitsu Academy Of Self Defense Jay Sandlin <Jitsu@woh.rr.com> -- I am trying to find information on an organization from the 1960's I believe. Organization is called the Ketsugo Jitsu Academy Of Self Defense (K.J.A.S.D.)). If you have ever heard of this could you please send me any information that I could use to get in contact?

4/28/03 - Complement - from Shihan John Fetzer, President and Ceo for the World Shorinji-ryu Ju-jutsu Association., Shorinji-ryu Ju-Jutsu, Shorin-ryu Matusumura Kenpo Karate, Philadelphia, PA. USA student of : Hanshi Kenneth Penland 8th Dan ---Great web site keep up the good work.

I took the trip as the official representative of the USA, Mike Piaser, head of the USJJ Referee Committee accompanied me. We took a direct flight to London and then on to Lubjiana, Slovenia. We met Frank Furst, JJIF General Secretary, and the Israeli and German delegations at the airport and we taken to Lubjiana by Robert Perc, the organizer for the Slovenian federation. The Treasure, Paul Hoglund, was running for IJJF President and there was some serious politicing going on. In fact they changed the voting structure to favor the incumbent president by ordering the agenda of -- first treasurer, then secretary, and then the president, he told me that that was the way they did things in Europe, which I later found out was a lie. He said that if Paul was not elected president, then he was completely to be gone. ---- Our goals were: Election of USJJ President Bethers as 2nd VP, setting a functional JJIF internet site, allowing us to contact countries in our area such as Panama, Bermuda, Trinidad, American representation in the World Games competition and US Representation on the JJIF World Referee Council. We heard what had been said for all these years: That a new and important develpment was that the World Games are the route to the IOC recognition and it was most important that the IOC Pres. Rogge asked the Natinoal Olympic Committees to support the International World Games Sports. Accordingly we would get money form the USOC. I was asked who I was going to vote for president and I said I never talked about how I was going to vote or for whom I did vote. ---- The meetings started with the certifications of the delegates, voting numbered 18. A professional video record was made of the entire congress. The first item argued about was the order of the voting with the vote for treasurer being held first, followed by the 2nd VP and with the President last. This was a hard argument as it differed from all previous voting and was designed to eliminate Paul. The voting was approved in the order of President, VP and then the Treasurer . For the vote on president, both candidates a presentation of their plans. Paul went first followed by Rinaldo followed who gave a lengthy Power-Point. Paul Hoglund was elected. For the vote on the vice-president, I spoke for Bruce and Ignacio spoke for himself. Luis Baquena of Spain (former International Judo Federation President) also ran and was elected. Hoglund immediately made the outgoing president Rinaldo Orlandi a Honorary President for Life, a gracious gesture. ---- During the Gala Dinner we sat with the new elected President Paul Hoglund and Vice-President Baquena and when the dinner ended we were asked to have a brief private meeting. The upshot was that they reformed the Americas to suit the Olympic structure and formed a new Pan American Union with Ignacio from Uruguay as the name President and George Anderson as the Commissioner in the America and he was also named a Senior Advisor to the JJIF. ---- We stayed a the four star Union Hotel, which had marble everywhere, pubs nearby, and motorcycles and loud shouting all night long near my window which fronted on the street. The food was good, the town spotless, the people great, and the women tall, blond, and beautiful -The entire event was to the satisfaction of the US Ju-Jitsu Federation and we hope that the new leadership will move us forward to direct IOC recognition.

Bruce Bethers President - Reno NV- Chief of Delegation ---- George Anderson JJIF Advisor - Chair Central Tech Comm - Chief of Mission - Akron OH ---- Ben DeLeon Coach -Wisconsin ---- Edmund Fellmeth Team Manager -Wisconsin- Joe Santocildes Referee - Cleveland, Ohio ---- Team Captain -Jose Rodriquez Male Duo & 77<85kg - - Shalimar FL ---- Steve Logue Male Duo - Fort Walton Beach FL ---- Adam Pyles Mixed Duo - Akron, OH ---- Noelle Kanaga Mixed Duo - Greenville DE ---- Chris Burdick <62kg - Topeka KS ---- Shumbey Calvin 62<69kg - Burke VA ---- Anthony Brewer 69<77kg - Haywood CA ---- Chad White 85<94kg - Akron OH ---- Christopher Gant 94+ kg ---- Jennifer Case Wms Kumite - Kansas ---- Jill Matteson 62<70kg - Elkhorn WI

Brief report: The team put up a great fight but won no medals. France, German, and the Nederlands did the best. The refereeing was iffy and, for example, a hold down was put on hold in order for the referees to discuss the value of a previous punch. Actual, the refereeing was atrocious. Ben DeLeon did a great job of coaching and we almost medaled in several events, in some cases I think we did but were put out of the game for misunderstandings. One such was a question of a proper application of a choke and the other a disqualification for something that was permitted for other athletes. The US Team acted in the most sportsmanlike manner and we were truly proud of them. I enjoyed meeting the JJIF Board again and especially Paul Hoglund from Sweden with whom I talked over the state of the Olympics and the planning of a goodwill tour this spring to Sweden, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. We also are thinking of a trip to England and Greece for training and friendly competition. The location was beautiful and the beaches the best that I have seen, too bad it was too cold. The steaks in Uruguay were really to die for in everyone's opinion. The final day there was a huge and grand party at a nearby ranch. All in all, it was one of the best trips that I have taken and the JJIF is definitely in the running as one of the best viewable sports ever.

I am putting up several pages of pictures of the event. Competition Venue Team Travelers Team Competition Team Enjoying Themselves

10/20/02 Note from Jack Pyles in WV Just a brief note on the tournament in Charleston on Saturday. Met a lot of former USAKF people who are just starting to return to the circuit of competition, had a great time traveling with one of David’s students as well as one of Mark Cramers. All the USAKF people - Mcrinna, Crank, Napier and local KMK students did better than expected (homefield advantage) and most defiantly refiected well back to there teachers and the USAKF.Notables: Jordan Brock-David Ames student 3rd in kata and 2nd in kumite 16-17 male advanced. This is the first competition Jordan has done outside the KMK and did very well against several hometown favorites. He hasn’t worked kata for awhile and was not planning to compete in it but after some gentle persuasion did and did very well. In kumite my only suggestion after watching the tape is he keeps his elbows fully extended away from his body which opened his sides up. Adam Pyles - 3rd in kata, second in weapons and 1st in kumite. Since Adam is my son I will not make any comments and get the tape to those who need to see it. The only thing I will say is his fighting is much more aggressive and that came from Roger since Adam did break the nose of one of Rogers students and he couldn’t return to the line forfeiting to Adam. Nikki Pyles - 6th in weapons (first time moving into the 10-13 division much larger than she is used to and defiantly more experienced competitors). 1st in kata and second in kumite. Again she is mine so comments limited - in kata that is her thing she likes and has always done well, and her training between Hombu, David and Mike, I do not believe is any better anywhere. Her fighting has gotten stronger and more aggressive since she is working more at David’s with her fighting and also spending some time with Adam and Lucinda and Deb on it. Working Sai’s she is limited in her overall training, so I think she is planning on going back to either bo or tonfa so she can get training from Adam or others. Mary Meade - Mark Cramers student is the newest addition to the USAKF traveling group and she has always been an outstanding competitor and Saturday was no different. She took 2 gold’s kata and kumite. Credit goes to Mark and Erin Eff for all the time they have but into her. This was her first NGB experience in Advanced division and beat some of WV better people hands down. The biggest thing with Mary as well as most coming from dojo fighting to NGB is they do not follow through with techniques or they throw the technique and back off before the officials call the point. The officiating was average if not below, Roger was short on officials and was able to run only 3 rings till he started to use the 16 year olds and older competitors. Once that happened he ran 5 rings and actually the officiating got some what better. That is one thing John Naanay would like to see more of in the USAKF, is our 16 year old and older competitors become more involved with officiating since most of them know the rules and are more ring knowledgeable. Flip of the coin on that one. We where treated well as always and Hanshi was missed and asked for by many of the old timers who are starting to come back. Rogers next event will be the NGB qualifier in February which we will attend even though we do not plan to go to CA. for the Nationals.

7/15/002 Subject: US Jujitsu Team Seminar Report From: Mike Piaser, MPiaser@mrisystem.com Mr. DeLeon's seminar when very well. I taught about half of the time...predominantly referee/rules/running matches along with some ground technique. Mr. Harrison's son (Kris) was there. He looked really good and had a good attitude (as did most of the attendees). Mr. Caldwell was there with a couple of his students. There we 15-20 people at the seminar. On the last day, Mr. DeLeon had to work so I ran the Sunday sessions for the 1/2 day before I had to leave for the airport.

The weekend started with a trip to Vegas courtesy of the new KICKBOXX magazine. Barry Moyer and the KICKBOXX executives met me in Vegas we then met with Soke Glen Premru of the Okinawan Shorin-ryu and Grandmaster Ted Tabura from the Lima Lama/Okinawa-te style. It was good to see Glen again as I knew him well when he was resident in Pittsburgh. He is doing great and we went over some very interesting old stories. Ted is a great guy with a strong background; we went over to visit Mitch McClanahan at his dojo/video production office. He was working on a new presentation tape for Gene LeBelle. (Gene LeBelle was at the Fall USJJ Camp and I can tell you that Gene and Gokor are probably the best grapplers that I have seen. I sat out the workout because it was evident that my poor body would not endure the cranking, that is if I was to continue to continue with my hard teaching and workout schedule. When you get old, you must be more careful. (For example, If your living depends on teaching kicking, be careful with skiing.) Anyway, these guys are very tough and I recommend to all you grapplers with egos that you train with McClanahan/LeBelle for a while -- then write me a note.)

We left Vegas the next morning and flew to San Francisco where we met with Sid Campbell, who is engaged in writing the Bruce Lee Oakland Days. After some good stories we left for Reno by car and the traffic was stop-start, bumper to bumper for the entire trip. The USJJ Spring Camp was in progress and Rick Dunn was teaching police tactics when we arrived. The KICKBOXX group departed after some interviews. I really had some questions about the tactics taught and we entered into a vigorous debate that still is not fully resolved. We need some more input here, and I am certain that we will get it. The old PSDI, in my opinion, confined itself more to sound principles and recognized, investigated, and adjusted to the contrary opinions of the many opposing attitudes found in police work. But, all that being said, Dunn did a respectable job.

In the afternoon Jim Harrison taught. As usual, he is a super technician and certainty one of the best players to arise in America. No nonsense, solid basics, and unlimited determination have made him arguably the toughest man karate has seen to date. Furthermore, he is smart. That evening, Jim Harrison was awarded the 9th Dan- Hanshi - in the US Ju-Jitsu Federation.

We left for Frisco by car at about 9 p.m. and ran into a terrific snow storm in the passes in Tahoe. When we finally got to the airport in SF I found I had left my bag with air tickets, money, and credentials back in Reno. You can guess the rest.

----CANADA JU-JITSU HAS OLYMPIC RECOGNITION - Canada has now recognize Canadian Ju-jitsu as a member of the Canadian Olympic family and the US Ju-jitsu is in the process of filing its own application to the USOC.

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