Introduction by Senior Instructor Barb Gessner:
While looking at some of the saved files on my computer, I came across this article by our Senior Professor, Tom Ball, written nearly 20 years ago. In it he not only clearly defines what the organization is all about, but more importantly, expresses the joy he has experienced throughout his life being part of not only the AJJF, but also the many, many people who are part of it.
The other day I was browsing through some archival materials, and I began to reminisce about my association with the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF).
I can still recall the feeling when, early on in my training, I was informed there was a national organization whose purpose was to teach the jujitsu I was learning, and that I was a part of it. I was awestruck and proud that, as a student, I had a part to play in this even though it was a very small one.
Through my almost 50 years of involvement, I have come to a fuller understanding of what the AJJF is. The first clues are in the name. American was used to differentiate it from other countries that may have similar teachings, particularly Japan, as there was still some post war sentiments in the late 40’s and early 50’s against anything Japanese. That sentiment has long since vanished, but the term remains.
The terms Judo and Jujitsu were used to identify the fact that the curriculum contained both. Today, even though for many dojo the emphasis is on Jujitsu, there are those that do practice both.
Federation was the term chosen by the founders of the AJJF. It is an organization of autonomous schools, dojo, and studios bound together by the teachings of Professor Henry S. Okazaki; DanZan Ryu (DZR) and its associated Esoteric Principles.
It is the mission of the AJJF to promote and propagate DZR wherever and whenever possible. In carrying out this mission, the AJJF provides resources to these training halls and the members therein: resources such as; continued and advanced training for and by its Sr. Instructors, rank certification and registration, international recognition, group insurance, training manuals, conventions, seminars, newsletter, internet presence, data base, funding for special events, and more.
It is the business of the AJJF to provide these resources and services through a non-profit, non-member educational corporation. The monies paid to the AJJF pay for these resources and services that support the individual schools and instructors.
So I come full circle. Though not an awestruck beginning student any longer, I am still awestruck by this organization and the people who support it. That means not only the administration who volunteer their time and hard work, but, most importantly, the sensei and the students on their mat. That is where the focus should be; it’s the training that makes all the difference.
Sincerely,
Prof. Tom Ball