The United States Sport Jujitsu Association (USSJA) serves as an umbrella organization
for nearly every major jujitsu group in the United States.  It is a non-profit organization in
which all monies collected support the USA Sport Jujitsu Team, and the growth of Sport
Jujitsu itself.
     The USSJA represents the United States as a member of the International Sport Jujitsu
Association, the official governing body for the World Jujitsu Championships.  The USSJA's
main objectives are to promote the growth of Sport Jujitsu, to unite all jujitsu practitioners and
to promote solidarity regardless of style, to ensure fair play and equal opportunity for all Sport
Jujitsu players and organizations, and to see Sport Jujitsu accepted as an Olympic sport.
What Is Sport Jujitsu?
     Jujitsu, one of the oldest Japanese martial arts, can trace its origins over 2000 years.
Samurai warriors used jujitsu's empty-hand techniques for combat.  Traditionally practiced
as a self-defense art, jujitsu was believed too lethal to ever become a viable sport.  Yet
today, with creative modification, jujitsu has entered a new arena.  Sport Jujitsu, although
relatively new, is quickly becoming popular throughout the world.
     Sport Jujitsu transcends other forms of martial arts competition because it encompasses
all fighting ranges.  For example, although a fighter may become a world champion in Tae
Kwon Do, Karate, Judo, or KickBoxing, unless he is versatile enough to blend techniques
from all four systems, he will not be a successful Sport Jujitsu competitor.  Sport Jujitsu
challenges fighters not only to develop hand and foot speed but also to have versatility &
skill in grappling, using takedowns and submissions.
     The art of Jujitsu consists of five major elements:  Ukemi waza (break-falling techniques),
Nage waza (throwing techniques), Katame waza (grappling techniques), Atemi waza
(striking techniques), and Katsu waza (revival techniques).  Although Karate styles (which are
primarily striking arts),  and those of  Judo and Aikido (which are primarily grappling arts) have
their roots in Jujitsu, a competition that consists only of striking is not Sport Jujitsu but rather
a point-karate tournament; and one featuring only grappling is just a submission wrestling event.
In either case, an important element of Sport Jujitsu is missing; a true Sport Jujitsu competition
represents the art's totality, and contains all of the physical elements.
What Will I Get With My Membership?
Individual Membership - As a member, you will receive a USSJA membership card that
entitles you to discount prices on USSJA sanctioned seminars & training camps, a USSJA
membership patch, a quarterly newsletter notifying you of coming events, and other Sport
Jujitsu news.  You will be placed on the USSJA mailing list and will be sent information on
upcoming activities.  You will be entitled to participate in Sport Jujitsu tournaments that are
only open to USSJA members.  You have the opportunity to represent your country in world
competition by earning points in sanctioned tournaments held throughout the United States.
School Membership - Those who register for school memberships are entitled to all of the
above, plus a certificate recognizing your school as an official member of the United States
Sport Jujitsu Association.   In order to qualify for a school membership, you must
register a minimum of 20 members.
Associate Membership - Associate memberships are reserved for those living outside of the
United States who wish to become a member of the USSJA.  You are entitled to the same
benefits as individual members, with the exception of competing for positions reserved for
residents of the U.S., such as state or national titles or a position on Team USA.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Who can compete in Sport Jujitsu tournaments?  Everyone!  The tournament format is the
most realistic way to test your skill in a safe manner.  There are divisions for children as well
as for those 45 years of age and older. Is Sport Jujitsu for jujitsu practicioners only?
Absolutely not, the rules and regulations are designed to be fair for all players, regardless of
style.   How does Sport Jujitsu differ from Brazilian Jujitsu tournaments?  Sport Jujitsu
consists of all the physical elements of jujitsu.  Brazilian jujitsu tournaments do not allow
striking, and are primarily submission wrestling events.   How often are Sport Jujitsu World
Championships held?  Every two years.  Team USA members are selected based upon their
performance in competition and the USSJA tournament rating system.

For further information on how to contact your state representative or
regional director, to promote tournaments, or how to qualify for
Team USA, contact the USSJA main office:  click-->email USSJA <--click

TO JOIN  USSJA, complete membership forms below, and mail with dues to: