The American Ju-Jitsu Association was founded in 1972 by George Kirby & William Fromm at the request of their Sensei, Jack Seki, for the purpose of bringing different ryu of the art together in an atmosphere of mutual cooperation and respect. Since that time, it has grown from two dojos to approximately 30, plus international affiliates. The AJA has established itself as a reputable organization within the martial arts community and works closely with other major ju-jitsu organizations in the United States and internationally in areas of mutual concern.

The AJA is a non-profit amateur athletic association registered with both the state of California and the United States government [IRS code 501(c)(3)]. It is a non-profit corporation with a charitable foundation status. Although originally recognized by the IRS as a “social club”, because there was no other way to recognize the AJA as an amateur athletic association, formal recognition of the AJA as a true amateur athletic association, according to the criteria of the United States government, was secured in 1976 under the Sports Act of that year. To our knowledge the AJA is the only martial arts organization in the U.S. that is classified by the United States government [IRS] as an amateur athletic association.

How is the AJA governed?

In addition to the AJA Board of Directors, each region its own regional director. Who sits on the National Standards and Certification Board (NSCB) along with the vice president who chairs the NSCB. They review dojo applications and many other matters. Decisions are made according to the procedures established by the Constitution and Bylaws AJA constitution, approved November 16th, 2024 -2

Who may join the AJA?

Any ju-jitsu dojo representing any ryu of the art may join the AJA. The instructor, who must hold a yudansha (blackbelt) grade in ju-jitsu, must submit a formal application for membership on behalf of his/her dojo which you can apply here online (https://americanjujitsuassociation.org/online-aja-application/). The dojo registration fee for the first year is waived. Once Dojo membership is secured [normally a 2 – 4 month process], individuals within that dojo may secure their individual memberships.

What are the benefits of AJA membership?

First, and most important, you are supporting an organization that is dedicated toward furthering the art of ju-jitsu, whether it be the traditional values of some dojos or more modern attitudes that may involve amateur competition in various formats. In addition, the AJA is involved in a number of international organizations who work closely with one another to further the art. Individual members of the AJA may secure certificates of rank, be considered for national awards administered through regional directors among other benefits.

How involved can I become?

You may become as involved as you wish! The AJA encourages participation in all levels of the organization. We are constantly looking for volunteers who can help in various staff positions and a member may provide input to any level of the AJA. Contact our AJA president if you are interested at president@aja-email.org

How many ryu are represented on the board of directors?

There are currently at least five ju-jitsu ryu represented on the Board of Directors. The Board serves as an excellent example of how different ryu can work together for the mutual benefit of the art. The varied composition of the board is one of the major strengths of the AJA.

Does the AJA have any annual conventions or training camps, etc.?

Starting in 1992, the AJA board of directors decided to have a national convention every other year but that has since ended due to Covid-19 however there are individual dojos, groups of dojos, or regions conducting, seminars, host tournaments, and promote other activities suitable to the members’ local needs. Check out our most recent on our American Jujitsu Association | Shiai | Events page. 

Will my ju-jitsu rank be recognized by the AJA?

The AJA reviews all applications very carefully. Certificates of rank are verified for authenticity, regardless of the language they are written in. There’s a great deal of cooperation between the major ju-jitsu organizations in the U.S., as well as international cooperation in this area. Applicants with an unfamiliar ryu must also submit belt rank requirements for all kyu and dan grades of their ryu, as well as other data that may be required by the National Standards and Certification Board (NSCB). If everything checks out (it usually does), the AJA will grant recognition of your dojo. You may then request the AJA to issue a Certificate of Rank for your existing yudansha grades. All recognized black belt ranks are also acknowledged in the yudansha Database (AJA dojos | Directory| American Jujitsu Association)

Does the AJA test individuals for black belt grades?

The AJA does not normally become involved in the testing of yudansha-grade candidates. In certain cases, National Standards and Certification Board (NSCB) will consider candidates for promotion, but only to Nidan or higher grades. The candidates who are considered must be AJA members in good standing and active in the jujitsu community. The AJA, as an organization, will not test candidates for Shodan; that is normally left to individual schools or dojos to manage through their normal training cycle and formal testing.