The USJJF Journal
May - June 1999

US Ju-Jitsu of Oklahoma Formed

Below are photos from Shihan Bethers visit to the State of Oklahoma where we saw the formation of the US Ju-Jitsu of Okalahoma. Making two stops, one in Chickasha and another in Ada for a night each of training, Shihan Bethers saw as many as 10 news clubs join the USJJF!

From Chickasha on May 24th Left to right: Charles Jernigan, Bruce Bethers, Delva Mandrell and Mike Bowman	Shihan Bethers presents Charles Jernigan with his USJJF Yondan certificate.
Shihan Bethers presents Delva Mandrell her USJJF Nidan certificate
From Ada on May 26th Sensei Ron Chandler & Shihan Bethers	Sensei Chandler, Shihan Bethers and Sensei Sherri Chandler
Shihan Bethers addressing the seminar participants
Demonstrating techniques	Demonstrating techniques
Group photo of seminar participants

June 1999

USJJF Seminar in North Carolina

Below photos are from June 5th and 6th in Asheville, NC with Shihan Wilcox and his students. Shihan Bethers conducted a seminar and USJJF Referee Clinic for the assembled group.

News from the 1999 JJIF World Congress in Israel 

On April 24th, Jeff Ellis represented the USJJF in Israel at the 1999 JJIF World Congress. Here is just some of the news to come out of that event.

From the Technical Meeting:

• The Italian Federation has put forth a proposal for another event for the purpose of bringing the competition truer to the spirit of self-defense. While the proposal was met with optimism, the consensus was that a new event was not needed at this time, but Italy was invited to provide a demonstration at the JJIF Summer Camp to renew the discussion so a final decision could be reached.

• The Duo Event was discussed relative to it realism and the tendency to "show-boat". The consensus was that every attempt at realistic attack and defense should be emphasized and that judges should reflect this in their scores. 

• The Slovenian Federation proposed having a Junior Competition. The response was positive with the only concern being travel expenses. They also requested permission to name their major competitive events with something like "Grand Prix" or other such name to provide more prestige and bring in more money from their government. This matter will be discussed at the Summer Camp where a criteria will be set to determine what names may be used. 

• A discussion of rules changes that had been suggested previously by the referee committee was held. This was passed to the General Assembly.

General Assembly Meeting Results:

• Referee requirements were discussed relating to requirements for Continental, International and World Referee certification. Requirements are now, 1st Dan, 2 years experience, 1 refresher course and 1 International competition.

• There was a move to have Continental Referee be done through the JJIF. Mr. Ellis brought up that the US was under the impression that the National Federation could certify up to Continental. The general impression by most of the attendees was that allowing the countries to certify their own Continental Referees would decrease cost to the individual and be an incentive to attract more referees. A compromise was reached that countries could do so but must first seek approval from the JJIF when planning a course.

• Current JJIF Officers were reelected.

• The dates and locations of the following events were set:

  • Winter Camp Year 2000 - same location in Italy as this year, Jan 30 to Feb 5th

  • 2000 Congree in France - week of April 8 - 9

  • Summer Camp 2000 - 1st Choice Turkey, 2nd Choice Greece, week of July 16th

  • World Championships 2000 - Denmark, Nov 25 - 26

  • 2001 Congress - 1st Choice England, 2nd Choice USA and 3rd Choice Germany

  • European Championships - 1st Choice Italy, 2nd Choice Norway 

  • World Games 2001 - Japan

US Ju-Jitsu of Southern California

A Referee Clinic and Gathering of the leadership of US Ju-Jitsu of Southern California was conducted on June 27th. Below are some of the pictures from that event.