The USJJF Journal
November 1998 - March 1999

The Passing of a Martial Arts Pioneer

We are very sad to announce the death of martial arts pioneer Thomas LaPuppet Carroll on March 23rd. Master LaPuppet was a member of the USJJF and USAKF Board of Directors and a Regional Representative for the New York Metro area.

Master LaPuppet was one of the true pioneers in the American Martial Arts community, and was loved and admired by many. He will be very missed. Master LaPuppet's wishes were that he be cremated so there will be no funeral service. A memorial service in his memory is scheduled for next week.

The USJJF Leadership and it's members extend our deepest condolences to Master LaPuppet's family, friends and all that knew and loved him.

From January 31st to February 6th, the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) conducted their annual Winter Camp in Fai della Paganella, Italy. Elements of Ju-Jitsu Self Defence, JJIF - Competition techniques, JJIF Referee Course and Examinations, Training of competitors and Winter Tournament among the National participants. The President of the USJJF, Bruce R. Bethers represented the United States and became certified as a Continental Class Referee.

Below are some of the scenes from the JJIF Winter Camp.

"Sport Hotel" site of the JJIF Winter Camp

Left to Right: Mario Den Edel, Chairman, JJIF Referee Committee, Holland Rinaldo Orlandi, President JJIF Mara Kazakou, Camp Referee Instructor, Greece

Mario Den Edel (top) or Holland and George Zantiotis (bottom), Greece

Left to Right: George Zantiotis, Greece; Mara Kazakou, Greece; Bruce Bethers, USA; Nick Papadopoulos, Greece; Mario Den Edel, Holland

Mara Kazakou demonstrating a proper control technique with Jaap Mos, Netherlands

Left to Right: Renus Tegelaar, Holland; Bruce Bethers, USA; Mario Den Edel, Holland

Mario Den Edel explaining the "fine points" of Osae-komi Waza

Left to Right: Nick Papadopoulos; Greece; Polard Dedier, France; Eugene Damagata, France; George Zantiotis, Greece; Bruce Bethers, USA

Winter Camp 1999 Referee Class

Happy Graduates!

A Change of Leadership

Effective January 1st, 1999, the President and Founder of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, Hanshi George E. Anderson passed the reigns of leadership to Mr. Bruce R. Bethers.

Mr. Bethers, the current Chairman of the National Board of Directors for the United States Martial Arts Association and a Lieutenant Colonel in the Nevada Army National Guard, was voted into his current position by the USJJF Board in late December. The current plans are to move the National Headquarters to Mr. Bethers hometown of Reno, Nevada, during the first quarter of 1999.

In addition to Mr. Bethers appointment as the President and CEO, several new people have been appointed to fill key leadership positions, to include: Robert M. Carver, Vice President; Bruce G. Butler, General Secretary; John C. Chatwood, Treasurer; and Philip S. Porter, Senior Technical Advisor. Hanshi Anderson will remain as the JJIF Commissioner, and Senior Technical Advisor.

In the coming weeks, it is expected that new positions will be filled. When this happens, we will announce it here on this page.

To learn more about the USJJF's key leaders, click on their names above to view their biography.

World Ju-Jitsu Championships, Berlin, Germany

The 3rd Annual World Ju-Jitsu Championships was held on November 21st and 22nd in Berlin, Germany. Hosted by the Berlin Ju-Jutsu Association, the event brought together participants, coaches and guests from over twenty (20) nations. Below are some scenes from this event.

Dr. Rinaldo Orlandi, President of the JJIF with Mr. Bruce Bethers, USJJF.	From Left to Right: Mr. Detlev Krause, President of the Berlin Ju-Jutsu Federation; Mr. Bruce Bethers, USJJF; and Mr. Klaus-Jurgen Schulze, President of the German Ju-Jutsu Federation. The name of the participant standing with Mr. Krause is not known.
Participants lined up for the opening ceremonies.
The Netherlands Team makes it entrance.	Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Buchner, German Ju-Jutsu Federation and the German JJF Webmaster.