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Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai

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DESCRIPTION		APPROXIMATE TIME IN GRADE
BJJY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS		HOW TO JOIN THE BJJY
REGULAR vs. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP		FAQ: COMMON QUESTIONS
BELT TESTING		JOIN THE BJJY NOW!
CAUTION: A WORD OF ADVICE		LOCATE BJJY MEMBERS

Description:
The Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai [BJJY] was created in 1994 to meet the demands of my black belts and inquiries by people worldwide who had purchased my Ohara Publications books, or the Panther Productions/CMA 8-DVD series, [who wanted to have some instructional guidance as they worked through the books and the videos]. Both of these groups wanted to have a "home". The BJJY was set up to meet these needs.

The BJJY uses a variety of methods to insure a top quality support program, blending the traditional standards and format of the art of Ju-Jitsu with modern technology. Both the Student Handbook and Black Belt Handbook were developed so that you will know all the requirements for every belt rank up front. This makes the instructional and testing process completely straightforward and open from the very start without any surprises for you!

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BJJY Membership Benefits:
The BJJY is the only organization to provide a modern, coordinated and comprehensive training system for the art of Budoshin Ju-Jitsu. The BJJY is able to accomplish this through an integrated program that uses the following resources that are available at various discounts in my store [click here].

Black Belt Budoshin Ju-Jitsu ©1992: Eight instructional DVDs.

Ju-Jitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art - EXPANDED Edition ©2011 [Updates and replaces the original version published in 1983.

Ju-Jitsu: Intermediate Techniques of the Gentle Art ©1985.

Jujitsu Nerve Techniques: The Invisible Weapon of Self Defense: ©2001.

Advanced Jujitsu: The Science Behind the Gentle Art ©2006.

Student and Black Belt Handbooks

Budoshin Ju-Jitsu [6th ed. ©2002]

Numerous Seminar DVDs at various discounts [click here]

Kokoro: The "quarterly" newsletter of the BJJY [averages 8-10 or more issues/year].

Additional Benefits of BJJY membership:

Periodic individual video or on-site evaluation and rank testing at your own rate of growth
Affiliation with a traditional organization that will use modern technology to help you meet your goals of learning and mastering the art of Budoshin Ju-Jitsu.
Optional membership in the American Ju-Jitsu Association [required for Sankyu & higher grades], a nationally internationally recognized governing body of Ju-Jitsu in the U.S & receive the AJA newsletter
Easier "fast-track" official recognition by the AJA once you secure your Shodan in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu and open your own dojo.
Your own forwarding e-mail address ending with @budoshin.com

Continually meeting the needs of our membership through improved service:

2004: Associate membership class created
2005: Student Handbook revised & updated to cross reference techniques in books & videos with belt-rank requirements
2006: Audio evaluations can now be sent to you immediately [upon evaluation of your video - in any format listed below] as an attachment to an e-mail to you.
2006: Schools who wish to be official Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Dojo can now affiliate with the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Dojo, Inc [BJJD] for these benefits. Click here to contact G. Kirby.
2007: 3rd edition of the Black Belt Handbook is released with with specific criteria up through Godan [5th degree] and more guidance on 6th-10th degree promotional criteria.
2008: Kokoro can now be sent to members online as pdf files, resulting in a reduction in membership fees.
2008: All back issues of Kokoro [since 1994], the Student Handbook, Black Belt Handbook, and Budoshin Ju-Jitsu [the "Big Book"] are now all single pdf files which can be sent as email attachments. Yes, you still have to pay for them, but it's a lot less & there's no "shipping & handling" charge any longer.
2009: Kokoro [newsletter] now sent to members as a .pdf file. [Acrobat Reader is available as a free download if you don't have a program that opens pdf files.]
2009: New members will receive all membership materials as pdf files through the internet; almost instant gratification and it saves trees!
2009: Black Belt Handbook is updated to include honorary titles for higher ranked yudansha as well as appropriate kanji for belts plus other small corrections. Kanji information also appears on its own page in this website.
2009: Nidan through Godan kata requirements available on DVD at the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Store.
2009: BJJY Executive Board created to provide future guidance and leadership for the BJJY.
2010: "Budoshin Online" emails, sent to BJJYmembers, AJA sensei, and the general martial arts community, is reformatted to look more professional. The purpose of this periodic email is to keep you up to date on a variety of events that may affect you as a BJJY member - or simply as a martial artist.
2010: Google Maps provides members with a map of Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai members and schools where Budoshin Ju-Jitsu is taught* by BJJY members are located. This helps BJJY members get together. Click here to go to this periodically updated map.
2011: Student Handbook updated to cross-reference with Jujitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art -- Expanded edition.
2011: Technique fixes [and fine points] start appearing on YouTUBE as an available resource to the entire martial arts community.
2011: BJJY Executive Board creates Mission and Vision statements as guides for their purpose & operation. To see the statements and Executive Board members click here.
2012: 9th edition of the Student Handbook is updated to properly cross-reference with all of my published books as applicable as well as the "Big Book" and the 8-dvd Black Belt Home Study The Mudansha Syllabus now includes all techniques presented in the 8-dvd series, not just the required techniques for belt promotions. Sections of the handbook are also in color to increase ease of learning and reference.

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Locate BJJY Members:
To see an up to date map showing the location of BJJY members please click here.

Regular vs. Associate Membership:

Benefits	Regular BJJY Membership*	Associate BJJY Membership**
Membership Certificate:	yes	yes
Student Handbook:	yes	yes
Black Belt Handbook:	at 2nd kyu	no
Electronic Medium Evaluations:	3 free evaluations/year [$25 each thereafter]	1 free evaluation/year [$25 each thereafter]
Formal Testing*:	yes: sankyu & higher grades [$25 testing fee if you're using "free" evaluations above - $45 otherwise]	no
Certificate of Rank:	yes	yes
Technical Support:	yes	yes
Kokoro newsletter & other announcements:	via email	via email
BJJY patch/crest for new members:	yes	yes
E-mail address ending with @budoshin.com:	yes	yes
Select product discounts in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Store:	yes	yes
Membership Fee [U.S.] [for calendar year]:	$38/year $125/5-year membership	$22/year [no multiple year memberships]
Membership Fee [foreign - for calendar year]: [It's the postage]	$48/year $135/5-year	$33/year [no multiple year memberships]
Other Restriction[s]:	*Starting in 2006, continuous BJJY membership is required of all yudansha who wish to be considered for promotion to any higher yudansha grade. Yudansha also expected to wear the BJJY Black Belt patch/crest on the left shoulder of their gi.	** Associate membership is available ONLY to those directly associated with a regular member. Associate membership is NOT available for sankyu or higher brown belt grades or for yudansha [black belt] grades

Remember: the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai is the ONLY yudanshakai authorized to assist you in earning your black belt in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu!

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Belt Testing:
If you are a BJJY member you may informally test for rank below the grade of 3rd kyu [3rd brown belt] by submitting a DVD of you following the appropriate Mat Test sequence in the Student Handbook. I will do an audio evaluation [e-mail attachment to you for immediate feedback of your progress, indicating strengths, weaknesses, and areas that require particular attention. A certificate of rank will be issued if you meet the belt rank criteria and you request a certificate. As a BJJY member, you may submit up to three video evaluation per year for free as part of your membership package. There is a minimal charge for additional video evaluations. On site evaluations can also be arranged at seminars or at my dojo.

The BJJY requires that you engage in formal testing, starting with Sankyu, to make sure that you are progressing in the art a competent manner. This involves sending a pre-evaluation tape [which may be waived] and answering questions on a short-answer written test. If the pre-evaluation and written test are satisfactory then you will be sent the formal testing procedure. On site testing can also be arranged at seminars or at my dojo. There is a minimal charge for testing. Formal testing is absolutely required for all Black Belt candidates! You must also satisfactorily complete a written essay response to a series of open-ended questions [and possible oral questions in response to your written comments] as a prerequisite for all dan grades prior to the mat testing. There is a minimal charge for testing. Complete testing details are available in the Black Belt Handbook. Certificates of rank are issued for all grades when the candidate meets the requirements, successfully passes all written, oral, & performance portions, and has a current BJJY and AJA membership.

AJA membership is a prerequisite for all Sankyu & higher testing as rank-certification will be issued by the BJJY [no charge] and the AJA [charge]. In addition, all dan grades will also be recognized by the European Ju-Jitsu Union/Intercontinental Jujitsu Federation and other organization through mutual recognition agreements. International certificates will be issued for Rokudan [6th dan] and higher only. Starting in 2006 continuous BJJY membership is required of all yudansha who wish to be considered for promotion to any higher yudansha grade.

Please be aware that there may be other sensei fraudulently claiming to hold yudansha grades in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu and there may be other organizations fraudulently issuing yudansha grades in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of an instructor or promoting organization, please e-mail the BJJY. You will receive a prompt reply.

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Caution: A Word of Advice
If you think you can submit a single video showing you executing all the techniques demonstrated on my 8-DVD series and that I will then award you your shodan grade certification, I can assure you that that will not happen. Earning a yudansha grade at any level in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu, or any other reputable ryu of the art, requires a great deal more than the rote, memorized presentation of required kata & waza. Students who work through the belt ranks have no problems with these requirements as it's been a simple progression of acquired skills for them. These requirements are presented in greater detail in the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Student and Black Belt Handbooks.

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Approximate Time In Grade:
The guide that follows will give you an approximate timeline for progressing to each belt in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu. The timeline is based upon 2-4 hours of class instruction & workout per week. Please be aware that your time in grade may be modified by such factors as your age, physical condition, coordination, workout time schedule, rapid learning ability and previous martial arts experience, among other factors. I was able to put in 6-8 hours of instruction plus another 4-6 hours of training per week as a student & thus progressed much faster. [It’s amazing how much time you have when you’re young.]

To 7th kyu - Yellow Belt [optional] - 15-30 hours instruction plus practice time
To 6th kyu - Green Belt - 15-30 hours instruction plus practice time
To 5th kyu - Blue Belt [color change 6/06] - 25-50 hours instruction plus practice time
To 4th kyu - Purple Belt - 25-50 hours instruction plus practice time
To 3rd kyu - Brown Belt with Green Stripe - 50-75 hours instruction plus practice time
To 2nd kyu - Brown Belt with Black Stripe - 50-75 hours instruction plus practice time
To 1st kyu - Brown Belt with Blue Stripe - 50-75 hours instruction plus practice time

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How to Join the BJJY:
Membership in the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai is open to anyone interested in studying the art of Budoshin Ju-Jitsu. Review the previous chart of this page Regular vs. Associate Membership for benefits and membership fees. If you would like to join the BJJY & pay by check or use PayPal, please click here to got to the Budoshin Ju-jitsu Store. Also check out the Store for great membership & combination packages that combine books, DVDs & BJJY membership

As a new regular member you will receive a Certificate of Membership, BJJY patch, Student Handbook, personalized guidance, any and all questions answered by e-mail, and your free three video evaluations per year.

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FAQ: Common Questions:
1. How do I get my Shodan [1st degree black belt] in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu?

Secure membership in the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai [BJJY].
Complete all the requirements for mudansha grades [below black belt] as specified in the Student Handbook, with the emphasis on technical proficiency. Belt testing is available starting at the Rokyu [6th kyuGreen Belt] level for $25 per evaluation once you get beyond the three free video evaluations per year if you have a regular membership. Contact the BJJY for testing details before you send a belt test video.
Request the Black Belt Handbook when you reach the 2nd kyu Brown Belt level. Review it & make sure you can fulfill all of the requirements. The Black Belt mat exams are based upon the Brown Belt requirements in the Student Handbook. It may take some time to meet all the criteria, depending upon your technical proficiency in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu, experience in other martial arts & other factors.
Send me a detailed autobiography of yourself when you're ready to test for Shodan [so I can get to know you as a person] as well as the required reference letters. Also, request information on the specific testing process and testing/evaluation fees.
Submit a DVD for evaluation. For Sankyu & higher grades the video should have a freestyle kata portion followed by a demonstration of all the kata & waza appropriate to the belt level you plan to secure. [Keep the original video & send me a copy.] This comprehensive video requirement may be waived in certain circumstances. I will send you an audio evaluation for immediate feedback.
If I feel you have a good chance of passing the Brown or Black Belt examination I will inform you how to proceed. Although testing in person is preferred, mat testing can be done by video. Keep in mind that there also is a written exam for all brown and black belt grades that must be satisfactorily completed prior to mat testing. The testing fee is $20 for brown belt and $25 for black belt grades.

2. Approximately how many techniques are there in the system to shodan level?

You must be able to demonstrate 54 different kata [techniques] plus responses for 52 different street attacks. At the time of testing you will be asked to demonstrate 5-10 of those kata and respond to 5-10 street situations without any forewarning and must be able to demonstrate those kata and street responses instantaneously.
You also have to demonstrate the ability to defend against continuous random street attacks by uke. You must also be able to demonstrate effective use of a martial arts "tool". You may submit a valid gun-safety course certificate in lieu of the defensive tool demonstration.
If you submit evaluation videos at each of the lower belt levels so you can be assured that you are progressing correctly, your acquired skill level will make the actual black belt mat test relatively easy.

3. What is the difference between a "kata" [technique] and response to a "street attack"?

A kata is a specific technique, such as koshi nage [hip throw] or tekubi shimi waza [wristlock technique].
A waza [response to street attack] would be to use any kata you have learned to defend yourself agsint a specified street attack, such as a headlock, choke, hit, kick, club attak, knife thrust, etc.

4. How long will it take me to get to Shodan?

That depends entirely upon you, your martial arts experience, ability & willingness to learn, and the amount of time you're willing to dedicate to practice.
In a normal dojo situation, with two 2-hour classes per week, it usually takes a student with no experience 4-7 years to achieve the competence necessary to test for Shodan.

5. Will the BJJY test for grades below Sankyu?

Yes. While the BJJY will evaluate & review videos submitted by lower grade yudansha for the purpose of indicating growth and progress, there is no formal testing for grades below Sankyu beyond submitting an evaluation video based upon belt requirements specified in the Student Handbook. If your skill level is adequate for promotion then a BJJY Certificate of Promotion will be issued to you at no charge at your request below sankyu. At sankyu & higher grades you will automatically be issued a certificate if you pass.
You are strongly encouraged to submit evaluation videos at each of the lower belt levels so you can be assured that you are progressing correctly. If errors in the execution of techniques are being made, it is easier to correct problems at lower ranks. Your acquired skill level will then make the black belt mat test relatively easy.
The major reason for no formal testing below Sankyu is that most major Ju-Jitsu organizations aren't concerned with your rank below Sankyu. No one will ask for a certificate of rank because these are lower level learning grades. However, if you claim a Sankyu or higher grade a legitimate & responsible sensei will have the right to see a certificate of promotion to that grade or higher as well as know what the requirements for your promotion were.
As a result testing for Sankyu and higher grades is a more formal process. If you have not been evaluated for lower kyu grades by the BJJY an evaluation tape prior to the formal testing for sankyu will be required. There is also a short answer test for Sankyu-Ikkyu grades and an open-ended essay test for all dan grade testing.

6. How high in rank can I go with the video DVDs?

While the DVDs formally go up to Shodan, careful review of them, combined with practicing variations and putting together other combinations can easily bring you up to a level sufficient for Nidan testing.
Higher grades require additional training & seminars.
Nidan-Godan kata are now available on DVD for those who want to go beyond shodan.

7. What aspect of the art is emphasized in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu?

As a Budoshin Ju-Jitsu student you will learn the gentle art of self-defense. This is a two-pronged approach. First, you learn effective self-defense techniques from the very beginning. Second, you are also taught the art by being exposed to the theory & mechanics behind each move. Budoshin Ju-Jitsu is a combination of Judo, Karate, and Aikido.
Because of such a wide ranging ability to cause pain and or injury at the practitioners discretion, you are also expected to accept a very strong philosophy of non-violence: that a physical confrontation should be avoided whenever possible and that Ju-Jitsu techniques should be used only to the extent necessary to remove yourself from the immediate situation and protect yourself from further harm.

8. Do I need a training partner?

Yes you do. You need a partner to get a "feel" for the techniques so that they work properly. Hopefully your partner will learn the art as you do.
Your partner can secure his/her own BJJY membership or secure an "associate" membership if he/she is also interested in being tested and securing promotions in the art.

9. Can martial arts schools or clubs join the BJJY?

Due to liability issues schools & clubs may not join the BJJY directly. However, individuals within a school or club may become members of the BJJY as individuals and can publicize their individual affiliation. Also, if the head instructor of the school is a BJJY black belt he'll have easy access to securing American Ju-Jitsu Association recognition of his dojo.
Starting in 2006, schools & clubs with a Budoshin Ju-Jitsu sensei, may also affiliate with the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Dojo, Inc [BJJD]. This will allow those schools to officially say they are teaching Budoshin Ju-Jitsu officially, use BJJD instructional &testing materials, and officially display the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu logo indicating their dojo is officially affiliated with the BJJD. There is a minimal annual calendar-year fee for affiliation, which also includes the affiliated dojo's AJA dojo fee. Contact George Kirby for additional information.

10. Where can I find answers to other questions?

E-mail me. I'll answer most general questions & an occasional technical question dealing with the DVDs, even if you aren't a BJJY member. BJJY members' questions [whether technical or general] are ALWAYS answered in a timely manner [usually within a couple of days].
All questions [unless private] are published in Kokoro, our periodic newsletter.
Current BJJY members and non-members can purchase all the past issues of Kokoro as a single .pdf file. It contains all the questions asked of me since the BJJY began in 1994 and answers to those questions. Go to the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Store [click here] to purchase this item.

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Click here to go to the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Store
and get your BJJY membership NOW!