Phil Rasmussen
Following are some FAQs that have been received about USJA Jujitsu. If you have any questions please contact the USJA Jujitsu Committee Chairperson.
What styles of Jujitsu does the USJA offer rank testing for?
This area is one of the things that makes USJA unique. We don't mandate a specific style. What we do however is to acknowledge that there are around 1000 different techniques and a thousand ways to apply each. Does this mean one is more correct than another? Certainly not. Hence if you look at our promotion process (which is also unique), we indicate the number and type of techniques to be evaluated. The instructor also adds additional techniques he/she feels the student needs to know.
Does the USJA conduct or sanction any Jujitsu contests? If so, what rule system is used?
No. USJA views jujitsu as a self defense martial art rather than a sport martial art. In all jujitsu contests there are rules that have to be followed. The same is true of the UFC. The true nature of jujitsu does not come out when approached as a sport. This doesn't mean that what is taught is not effective in a self defense situation. All it means is that certain techniques, etc. are not allowed and as a result may not be taught or practiced.
What type of Jujitsu events does the USJA hold and are any of them in my state?
We hold classes, workshops and camps in jujitsu. Often the jujitsu camps are part of a USJA sponsored judo camp. Before ruling out a judo event it is important to remember that judo is a jujitsu style (albeit one that has been turned into sport and competition). It is still the number one hand-to-hand or defensive tactics style taught to police and military personnel world-wide.
2003-08-25
