USJJF President's Report of the 6th World Games, Akita, Japan

For Ju-Jitsu, the 6th WORLD GAMES marked a very special "mile marker" in the growth and world recognition of our tradition art and sport of Ju-Jitsu.

As stated by Mr. Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC):

"On behalf of the Olympic Movement, I would like to convey my greetings and best wishes to the people of Akita and Japan, the Organizing Committee and the participants in the 6th World Games. By signing a cooperation agreement with the International World Games Association, the International Olympic Committee recognizes the important international role the World Games plays as a multi-sport event. In particular, this event provides participating athletes with the opportunity to join with their countrymen and countrywomen from other sports, in the Olympic spirit, and compete as part of a national team at the highest level. I am sure that this 6th World Games will prove a success offering the athletes the best conditions for them to compete on the global stage, and providing spectacular sporting action for spectators. As President of the IOC, I pass to all athletes at the 6th World Games my best wishes for the coming competitions."

(extracted from The 6th WORLD GAMES Program Booklet, Akita, Japan 2001 8 / 16 - 26)

As stated by Dr. Rinaldo Orlandi, President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF):

"Traditions rekindle with new generation when they still have messages to deliver and value to propose. This is the case of Ju-Jitsu which moved from the FAR to reach all comers of the world, adapting and updating its application to modern conditions and situation, but still maintaining firmly its basic message. Self control, use of rationality over emotion, control of energies in their motion, respect of external entities, are all key factors to minimize damages and to turn daily adversities into opportunities. Ju-Jitsu practitioners develop these concepts on the tatami, but also keep them jealously into their heart and apply them to daily life. The experiences and contribution of Ju-Jitsu instructors from different countries have allowed to transfer the above principles and concepts not only to Self Defense and Combat practices (historically at the origin Ju-Jitsu in Japan) but also to sport-oriented confrontation (nowadays adopted in many countries around the world). It is with pride that the Ju-Jitsu International Federation now presents, in the 2001 World Games, Ju-Jitsu in its modern international sport expression in the very Country, which first has generated the traditional Ju-Jitsu. We wish all participants the satisfaction they deserve, and we encourage the spectators to support their performance."

(extracted from The 6th World Games Ju-Jitsu Program Booklet, Akita, Japan 2001 8 / 16 - 26)

As President of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF), is was a Great Honor to represent the USA as its Senior Ju-Jitsu Delegate. If I were to use only one word to express this most important event, I would have to say it was most "AWESOME"!

From the Opening Ceremony in the Yabase Stadium, Akita, Japan which in marched thousands of athletes with the beating of the Taiko Drums, the overflowing crowd of spectators to the parachutists colorful demonstration, the wonderful music and dancers and finally the raising of the International Olympic Flag along with the International World Games Flag was awe inspiring and sent "chills up & down your back"! As a student of Ju-Jitsu with over 40 years on the tatami, I can rightly say, I have never been so proud to be an American Ju-Jitsuka as the IOC & IWGA Flags waved together in the sky above Akita, Japan this past August 2001. After many years of diligent effort and patience, we have once again brought the traditional art and sport of Ju-Jitsu to world attention through the outstanding stage of the International World Games. And now with the Support and Patronage of the International Olympic Committee, we see our Ju-Jitsu only further expanding world wide and developing to its fullest potential both as a Traditional Martial Art and World Sport!

On a personal note, this was our first trip to Japan for my youngest daughter, Holly and myself. From the moment that we landed at the Tokyo Airport, we were greeted with the most gracious courtesy and friendliness from the Japanese people. We were fortunate to be able to arrive in Japan a little ahead of the WORLD GAMES so we took full advantage of this opportunity to see Tokyo through some city tours made available at our Hotel, the Akasawa Tokyo Hotel. For me, the highlight of our tour of the city was the visit to the Imperial Palace which was even more beautiful than I had envisioned. As a special treat, students of Kendo were practicing in the Imperial Palace Martial Arts Dojo as we walked past! We also visited several traditional Japanese shrines and temples that really did make you feel like you had gone back in time! Before my daughter and I left Tokyo, we had the wonderful experience to visit the famous Kodokan Judo Institute. We were greeted with wonderful friendliness and hospitality. While visiting the Kodokan Museum, we met Naoki Murata Sensei, 7th Dan & Curator of the Kodokan Library. He had much interest in our World Games Ju-Jitsu and asked that I explain the international rules. We had a very enjoyable discussion and then excused ourselves so we would have time to also visit the University of Tokyo, which daughter Holly hopes to attend someday! After our adventures in Tokyo, we boarded the Japan Bullet Train for Akita. All in all, it was a wonderful trip which Holly and I will never forget. By the way, because Holly did her homework on Japan, we went everywhere we wanted to go, never got lost and Holly even used her knowledge of the Japanese language to enhance our trip (and help us when we "almost" got lost)!

On behalf of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, I would also like to take this opportunity to especially recognize and express my sincere gratitude to Sadatomo Harada Sensei, President of the All Japan Ju-Jitsu Federation, for all of the effort it took to make this WORLD GAMES JU-JITSU so SUCCESSFUL and all the hospitality we experienced during our first trip to Japan. Mr. Harada arranged for us to visit the famous Samurai Houses of Kakunodate prior to the Ju-Jitsu Competition. Of course, this trip to the homes of many Great Samurai was of special interest for us Ju-Jitsuka!

During the Ju-Jitsu Competition, we were informed that a member of the International Olympic Committee would be observing our competition and assist in the awards ceremony. As I sat in the VIP section of the Akita Perfectural Gymnasium observing the competition, Dr. Anton Geesink, Judo 10th Dan, and IOC Board Member, joined us to observe the competition. Having also been a Judoka for many years, it was a great honor to meet Dr. Geesink and discuss our Ju-Jitsu competition program with him. When I asked Dr. Geesink what he thought of our Ju-Jitsu, he stated he was very impressed, especially with the Kata of Self Defense. We call it the "DUO" competition in the JJIF rules. Later during the awards ceremony, Dr. Geesink assisted in presenting the World Games Ju-Jitsu Medals to the Champions.

Now this is PROGRESS for our Ju-Jitsu!

In closing, I am very pleased to report that the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) has formally submitted its Membership Application to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). The USJJF is already the USA National Member of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) and serves as the USA National Governing Body for Ju-Jitsu with the JJIF. The JJIF is the recognized World Governing Body for Ju-Jitsu with the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), the International World Games Association (IWGA) and is a Member of the Olympic Family of Sports.

Best regards,

Lt. Col. Bruce R. Bethers
President
United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF)
Ju-Jitsu North American Union (JJNAU)

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