Following are questions that have been frequently asked by correspondents and perspective members of the USJJF. Hopely, they will service to answer your questions as well. As additional questions are asked, this FAQ will be updated. If you have questions about the USJJF and would like to see included here, please refer to our Contact Information page for sending your questions to the National Office.

March 1999

How long has the USJJF been in existence?

Answer: The USJJF has been serving American Ju-Jitsu since 1971. That is also the year that a "Working Partnership" began with the European Ju-Jitsu Federation which later evolved into the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF).: The USJJF has been serving American Ju-Jitsu since 1971. That is also the year that a "Working Partnership" began with the European Ju-Jitsu Federation which later evolved into the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF). The USJJF is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation.

Does the USJJF have a National Ju-Jitsu Rank System for its members?

Answer: Yes, the USJJF (as the USA National Federation of the JJIF) does have an established Ju-Jitsu Rank System with Technical and Leadership Requirements from White Belt thru 10^th Degree Black Belt. The USJJF National Ju-Jitsu System is referred to as "US Ju-Jitsu". Currently, the Rank Requirements are being updated to include techniques which have been added to the International Ju-Jitsu Rank Requirements of the JJIF. In the next couple of months the USJJF Rank Requirements will be published on our Website at : Yes, the USJJF (as the USA National Federation of the JJIF) does have an established Ju-Jitsu Rank System with Technical and Leadership Requirements from White Belt thru 10^th Degree Black Belt. The USJJF National Ju-Jitsu System is referred to as "US Ju-Jitsu". You may view the US Ju-Jitsu Rank Requirements by going here.

Is a USJJF Member required to learn and be tested under the US Ju-Jitsu rank requirements in order to earn or be certified in Ju-Jitsu Rank by the USJJF?

Answer: No, the MISSION of the USJJF is unify American Ju-Jitsuka with a foundation of mutual respect for styles or systems of ju-jitsu. Many USJJF Black Belts hold rank in various styles or systems of ju-jitsu. USJJF members may learn whatever style or system of ju-jitsu that they choose to study. Many USJJF Black Belts also train in the Korean systems like Hapkido or Yudo. USJJF Membership is open to all Martial Artists that train in Ju-Jitsu (no matter how they "spell it") and other similar systems.

Do you have to belong to the USJJF to compete?

Answer: USJJF competition events are conducted by the Regional Ju-Jitsu Organizations of the Federation. Each official USJJF competition event is sanctioned with specific standards of administration, officiating and proper facilities required. In accordance with the USJJF’s Constitution & By-Laws, all competitors of these events must be USJJF registered members. The National Annual Fee is $25.00. USJJF RJJOs may also collect a small annual fee to help cover their operating expenses. Members receive a USJJF Membership Card, which they simply present when registering at USJJF competitions during the 12 month period. USJJF competition events are conducted by the Regional Ju-Jitsu Organizations of the Federation. Each official USJJF competition event is sanctioned with specific standards of administration, officiating and proper facilities required. In accordance with the USJJF’s Constitution & By-Laws, all competitors of these events must be USJJF registered members. The National Annual Fee is $25.00. USJJF RJJOs may also collect a small annual fee to help cover their operating expenses. Members receive a USJJF Membership Card, which they simply present when registering at USJJF competitions during the 12 month period.

What is a USJJF RJJO?

Answer: The RJJO is a Regional Ju-Jitsu Organization of the USJJF. The RJJOs are the Regional or State Governing Bodies for Ju-Jitsu under the USJJF. The USJJF is the National Governing Body (NGB) for Ju-Jitsu in the USA under the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF). The JJIF is a Full Member of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). There can only be one GAISF Member for each sport. JJIF is the "Ju-Jitsu Member" of the GAISF.

(Note: the IJF is the Judo Member of the GAISF.) Normally, the RJJOs are incorporated as a Non-Profit Corporation in the State where they are established. Some states like California may have as many as 3 different RJJOs, while other states may have only one RJJO to administer the USJJF Programs.

Is there any time limit or rules allowing the stand up of competitors after they begin ground work?

Answer: Each time that the competitors are stopped while on the mat, (due to a submission or penalty call) the competitors go back into "Phase One" of the match, which is the "standing phase" where the kicks and punches are executed. The only time limits are the "two rounds of two minutes" for each match with a one minute rest in between the rounds. The points continue to add up throughout the match.

Are there children’s divisions in USJJF competition?

Answer: Currently the JJIF divisions of competition have been designed only for adults. In the USA, RJJOs may conduct USJJF competition based on the "desire" and "creativity" of their leadership and the ju-jitsu population in that area. The RJJOs may conduct USJJF events that do provide for separate children divisions. When the USJJF conducts its regional or national level competitive events, both the RJJO and National Directors provide Leadership.

Are there different rules for children or different rules for Black Belts?

Answer: The JJIF Competition Rules are the same for all ages and ranks of competitors.However, the USJJF Competition Committee is studying the possibility of some modifications to these rules for National Competition Program. By this we mean possible modifications to the time-limits or deletion of certain techniques for youth competition, etc. Note: Any USJJF member that wishes to serve on the Competition Committee or other USJJF Committees is encouraged to contact the National Office for further information.

Are the competitions divided by rank or is it more similar to Judo which is normally only divided by weight?

Answer: The International Competition is currently only divided by weight division. However, the USJJF can conduct broader competition divisions (which may include different divisions (considering weight, age & rank) provided that there is an adequate ju-jitsu population to support the event. These are decisions normally handled by each RJJO as they plan their various competition events.

Is there an up and running tournament circuit in the USA?

Answer: In 1998 the USJJF did not hold any officially sanctioned events. However, currently there are over 25 different Regional Sport Organizations throughout the USA that are organizing referee courses, technical seminars and planning competition events for this year. This year the USJJF is also forming the North American Ju-Jitsu Union with the other JJIF National Federations of Canada and Mexico. Our goal is to host the North American Open Cup in 2000 as we prepare our ju-jitsuka athletes for the selection of the USA Team for the World Championships in Denmark in 2000, and the World Games in Japan in 2001.

Are there divisions that allow striking to the head or legs? Are leg locks legal in the JJIF Rules?

Answer: As noted in the JJIF Rule Book, punches are allowed to the head. However, the punch must be controlled and only a "light touch" is allowed. Any loss of control and greater contact is grounds for a penalty or disqualification. Kicks are allowed to the head, but only "Round House" type kicks. Straight kicks to the head are not allowed. Best plan for any interested potential competitor is to attend a USJJF Referee Course for greater details and explanation of the rules. Leg locks are allowed in JJIF Competition. Finger locks, toe locks and locks to the spine are not allowed.

How close is Ju-Jitsu to full Olympic Status?

Answer: In 1998, the JJIF became a Full Member of the General Association International Sports Federations (GAISF). It is also a Full Member of the International World Games Association. Last year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) adopted the World Games as the "Third Leg" of the Olympics. The other two "Legs" being the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The JJIF conducted Ju-Jitsu Competition in the World Games in 1997 and will again conduct Ju-Jitsu Competition in the World Games in Japan in 2001. Although it is difficult to predict when Ju-Jitsu will be a Full Olympic Sport, Ju-Jitsu has already become a Member of the Olympic Family.

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USJJF FAQs FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

USJJF FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS