On a special note: the USJJF was very honored to have 3 of its Nationally and Internationally Recognized KUDANs (9TH DAN) Black Belts: George E. Anderson, T.R. McClanahan and Gene LeBell share their extensive knowledge at this year's spring camp. 

In Special Observation: This year, the USJJF is Celebrating its 30th Anniversary of Serving American Ju-Jitsu! It was 1971 when the USJJF was founded! (Amazing, how time flies when you are having FUN!). Today, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation is the National Governing Body (NGB) for Ju-Jitsu in the USA with the JJIF. The USJJF is also the USA National Member of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF). JJIF is the recognized World Governing Body for Ju-Jitsu by the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), the International Sport For All Federation (FISpT), the International World Games Association (IWGA), and Ju-Jitsu is now a Member of the Olympic (IOC) Family of Sports! We have made a lot of PROGRESS in the "first" 30 years! CONGRATULATIONS to all that have made it happen for Ju-Jitsu. 

NOTE: This summer, the Olympic Flag will be flying at the WORLD GAMES in Akita, Japan!

Getting back to our Spring Camp: This year's spring camp was especially a "Good Experience" because the USJJF National Headquarters has recently received its first shipment of "Tatami Mats" from one of its national sponsors, "Zebra Mats"! These are outstanding tatami mats and many commented on the quality of the new mats and how well the camp was organized! We THANK YOU for the COMPLIMENT! Most importantly, we hope everyone had a Great Experience!

As usual, a USJJF / NAJJU Gathering would not be complete without a social activity! Again this year, the President's Reception was held at my home in Reno, Nevada! "Mother Nature" even got into the act by providing a light covering of snow to help decorate! A Very Special THANKS goes to Board Members - Donna Cosper, Delva Mandrell, Larry Emmons and Angel Garcia for all their work in preparing the food, decorations and providing the transportation (to & from the hotel) for all the attendees!

Several of USJJF National Committees met to work on many projects to include; the Executive Committee, the Central Technical Committee, and the Coaching Committee. In addition, a few of the Regional Ju-Jitsu Organizations, such as "USJJ of Colorado", "USJJ of Nevada" and "USJJ of Ohio" held their own meetings during the 3 day event in Reno. As mentioned earlier, the USJJF held its Annual Board Meeting on Saturday, March 10th. Again this year, many accomplishments for US JU-JITSU were recognized and plans for further developments were announced. The "detailed" Board Minutes will soon be posted on the USJJF official website at www.usjjf.org. 

In summary, Everyone had a Great Time! Considerable PROGRESS was made in furthering the development of Ju-Jitsu in America and we are now working on future programs and events as far out as 2005.

Respectfully,

Lt. Col. Bruce R. Bethers, President
United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF)
North American Ju-Jitsu Union (NAJJU)