The JU-JITSU NORTH AMERICAN UNION

On December 11-12, 1999, the Kwanmukan hosted a major International Conference led by the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF). The Conference included the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF), Yudansha Ju-Jitsu Canada and the Mexico Ju-Jitsu Association. These are the three National Member Ju-Jitsu Organizations of the JJIF representing the USA, CANADA and MEXICO. The purpose of this meeting was to form the North American Ju-Jitsu Union and elect the officers of the union under the examination of the JJIF. JJIF President Dr. Rinaldo Orlandi - Italy, Vice-President Dr. Louis Baguena - Spain, General Secretary Mr. Frank Furst - Denmark, Treasurer Dr. Paul Hoglund - Sweden and USA Commissioner George Anderson met with the USJJF President LTC Bruce Bethers, Treasurer Mr. John Chatwood, Directors; Dr. Brian Pendleton, Dr. Mike Dunphy, Dr. Joseph Connolly, Mr. Jeff Ellis, Mr. Mike Piaser, Mr. Larry Feldman, Mr. David Ames, Mr. Carl Wilcox, Major James Caldwell, Mr. Patrick Hickey, Mr. Larry Lamz, and from Canada; President Mr. Ron Yamanaka, General Director Mr. Patrick Barton, Mr. Ron Rasico, Prof. Ron Forrester, and from Mexico; President Mr. Daniel Hernandez, Mr. Julio Zarate and Mr.Edmundo Ortega.

The attending delegates at the North American Ju-Jitsu Conference, to include:
(first row, L to R)
Paul Hoglund, JJIF Treasurer; Luis Baguena, JJIF Vice President; Daniel Hernandez, President of the Mexico Ju-Jitsu Federation; Rinardo Orlandi, President, JJIF, George Anderson, JJIF Commissioner; Frank Furst, General Secretary, JJIF, and Bruce Bethers, President, USJJF

Many North American Ju-Jitsu Leaders were in attendance during this Historical Event! Each of the National Federations (for Canada, Mexico and the USA) reported on their Organizational Progress and National Programs.

The first day of meetings convened at the prestigious Trustee's Board Room at the University of Akron, courtesy of AU President Pruenza and arranged by Dr. Pendleton. The excellent facilities created a high level corporate environment which set the atmosphere for the cordial discussions which followed. JJIF President Orlandi explained in detail the world organization of the JJIF and stressed the JJIF membership, recognition and participation in the WORLD GAMES. The USA, Canadian, and Mexican Presidents also presented their Federations' organization, achievements, program development. USJJF President Bethers proceeded to plot the goals and common values for the new Union's future which finally ended with Commissioner Anderson elaborating on a diagram which was proposed by JJIF V.P. Baguena.

The following day, the conference met at the office of USJJ of Ohio, Mr. Patrick Hickey's Center for the Martial Arts, inspected the large facilities and proceeded to elect the new NAJJU officers. Elected were: President, USJJF President Bruce Bethers; Vice-President, MJJA President Daniel Hernandez; Secretary, YJJC General Director Patrick Barton; and Treasurer, Jeff Ellis, USA and Kwanmukan Shihan. Commissioner Anderson was commended for a job well done and his position as Commissioner was retired. The Conference adjourned with good feelings all around.

The leadership of the North American Ju-Jitsu Union:
Pictured left to right: Jeff Ellis, Treasurer; Daniel Hernandez, Vice President
Bruce Bethers, President. Not pictured, Partrick Barton, Secretary.

Hanshi Anderson receives a Special Award for Outstanding Service as the JJIF Commissioner from Rinaldo Orlandi, President of the JJIF

After the meetings, Hanshi Anderson took the JJIF officers to his home and then to dinner at the Portage Lakes, where they sat a window by the water and had a great old time. The next day they toured the Amish country and bought presents for their families back in Europe. It was interesting that they all purchased the small candy canes that are hung on the Christmas tree. JJIF General Secretary Frank Furst was the last to leave and while he waited for his flight, he and Hanshi Anderson visited Mike Dunphy's dojo and watched Sensei Sheri Rhoades teach the young beginners class with Adam and Nicole Pyle demonstrating kata. Mr. Furst said that it was a great conference (very productive) and it was the perfect termination for a wonderful trip.

The North American Ju-Jitsu Union will function as the Continental Governing Body for Ju-Jitsu in North America, the JJIF Affiliate. JJIF is a Full Member of the General Association of International Sports Federations and the International World Games Association. Ju-Jitsu is now a WORLD GAMES Sport!

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