MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Winter 2000

President Bruce R. Bethers, Vice-President Robert M. Carver, General Secretary Bruce G. Butler, Treasurer John F. Chatwood, Chairman, Central Technical Committee: Dr. George E. Anderson, Chairman, Medical Committee: Dr. Michael J. Dunphy, Chairman, Chairwoman, Marketing Committee: Mrs. Donna K. Cosper, Chairman, Registration Committee: Mr. Lawrence A. Emmons, Rocky Mountain Regional Director: Mr. James A. Caldwell, Regional Ju-Jitsu Organization (State Governing Bodies) Represented - USJJ of Wisconsin: Mr. Benjamin A. DeLeon, USJJ of Alabama: Mr. Mark Barlow, USJJ of Southern California: Mr. Aaron Aziz ,USJJ of Arkansas: Mr. Lyndell Moore, USJJ of Oklahoma: Mrs. Delva R. Mandrell, USJJ of Maryland: Mr. Bernard Gilbert, USJJ of Ohio: Dr. Michael J. Dunphy, USJJ of Nevada: Mr. Peter Rosendahl, USJJ of Israel: Mr. Oren Gorgov (International Affiliate), Observers: Mr. Harris Warren, Florida, Mr. Jim Venske, Arkansas, Mr. Richard Worthington, Alabama, Mr. Charles Carter, Nevada

PRESIDENT'S REPORT:

President Bethers gave an overview of the Federation's progress for this past year, highlighting the addition of approximately 20 additional Regional Ju-Jitsu Organizations (RJJOs) and one international affiliate RJJO in Israel. He stated that since the last meeting several major events have occurred, which have greatly enhanced the further development of Ju-Jitsu worldwide. He reported on the World Games' affiliation with the International Olympic Committee, the formation of the Ju-Jitsu North American Union, the new official USJJF website and the "updating" of the US JU-JITSU rank system. In reference to the USJJ rank system, President Bethers explained that the "update" has brought the USJJ rank requirements into alignment with the Ju-Jitsu International Federation's (JJIF) rank system. He further explained that the USJJF is now authorized to receive International Ju-Jitsu Rank Credentials for its members, through the USJJ rank system.

President Bethers stated that his "VISION" for the USJJF is as follows:

The United States Ju-Jitsu Federation is a world-class organization comprised of highly skilled and dedicated Ju-Jitsuka rich in tradition of excellence. We will provide our members unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, development and pride. We will always strive to exceed the expectations of our members, the Ju-Jitsu International Federation and the martial arts community.

In summary, President Bethers stated that he expected the year of 2000 to be a very dynamic year for Ju-Jitsu both in the USA and Worldwide.

TREASURER'S REPORT:

The Financial Summary Report for 1999 was accepted and approved unanimously by the Board. Major Randy Seeber, Army Auditor, provided an overview of the USJJF accounting system and answered various questions from the Board. Ms. Ann Osburn, CPA is the official accountant for the USJJF and it was noted that she will file the Federation's non-profit organization tax return for 1999 on time. As all expenses were approved by the Board, it was decided to exempt the Executive Officers from any further responsibility and to hold them harmless for the fiscal year 1999. Moved/seconded/passed unanimously

REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE:

Dr. Anderson gave a summary of the history of USJJF's role in providing leadership in the development of Ju-Jitsu in the USA and USJJF's long term relationship with the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF). He commented that he is very pleased with the Federation's past accomplishments and the present direction that USJJF is moving to further develop American Ju-Jitsu. He stated that this organization is going to continue to make many contributions to the Art and Sport of Ju-Jitsu. He emphasized now that Ju-Jitsu is also a World Games Sport, there are many wonderful opportunities ahead for the USJJF and its members.

REGIONAL JU-JITSU ORGANIZATION REPORT:

The Arkansas Ju-Jitsu Association presented a formal report to the Board on the new USJJ Midwest National Training Center. The USJJ MNTC is currently under construction in Springdale, Arkansas. He reported that this new 20,000 Sq. Ft. Facility should be completed by June 2000. He also reported that the Executive Committee has approved the plan to conduct Summer Camp 2000 and a Summer Open Ju-Jitsu Championships at the new USJJ Midwest National Training Center. A motion was made to establish a formal USJJF National Competition Program. Moved/seconded/passed unanimously

President Bethers requested that the Competition Committee submit their proposal to the National Office by April 1, 2000 for the Executive Committee to review.

US JU-JITSU NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS & JU-JITSU NORTH AMERICAN UNION CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS REPORT:

Dr. Dunphy, the Director of this year's championships provided a detailed summary. He reported that the Championships will be held on July 14 - 16 at the Canton Civic Center in Canton, Ohio. The National "DUO" and "Kumite" Free Fighting Competition will be held on Friday and Saturday July 14 & 15. The North American Continental Championships will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2000. He stated that the USJJF & USAKF Awards Banquet will be held at the Congress Lake Country Club, Hartville, Ohio. Dr. Dunphy noted that more details of these events will be posted on the USJJF website.

HALL OF FAME REPORT:

Dr. Anderson reported that the USJJF Hall of Fame Program has been in place for many years and has operated in conjunction with the USA Karate Federation. He noted that now is the proper time for the two Halls of Fame to separate and operate within their own Federations' administration. Dr. Anderson made a motion that the USJJF Leadership formally assume administrative responsibility for the USJJF HALL OF FAME. Moved/seconded/ passed unanimously

OFFICIAL USJJF WEBSITE REPORT:

Vice-President Carver, USJJF Webmaster, reported that the website is now receiving over 100,000 total "hits" per month. During this past year, he reported that every attempt has been made to keep current events on the Federation's website. The objective is to provide as much information on ju-jitsu in the USA and worldwide as possible. Many ju-jitsu clubs and groups are now linked with the USJJF website which is increasing the exposure to USJJF daily. He noted the biggest challenge is to get more information of what is happening in the many RJJOs across the country. He said, we want to post any information you have on Ju-Jitsu in your area such as promotions, seminars, tournaments, personal stories etc.. Mr. Anderson noted that this is actually the seconded website for USJJF in that he has managed the USJJ website for several years prior to Mr. Carver efforts. President Bethers acknowledged both websites have been very helpful and that everyone sincerely appreciates the efforts of both webmasters. Mr. Carver noted that in the next week, he would be expanding the website in such a way to better present both "traditional" ju-jitsu as well as "competition" ju-jitsu.

USJJF INSURANCE REPORT:

President Bethers reported that the Executive Committee has been reviewing insurance proposals for both accident and liability insurance for its members and clubs. He stated that a proposal from K & K Insurance Company for $25,000 accident medical coverage and a $1,000,000.00 liability coverage policy has been provided to USJJF. He reported that the proposed insurance premium would cost approximately $15.00 per year per member. He noted that if this policy is purchased by the Federation, the insurance coverage will be mandatory for all of its members. He stated that the Executive Committee recommends that this coverage be purchased. A motion was made that USJJF purchase the insurance policy.

Moved/ seconded/ passed unanimously

NEW BUSINESS:

Dr. Anderson explained the "good will" that could be accomplished if the Boy Scouts of America were to establish a "Merit Badge for Ju-Jitsu". He requested that the USJJF research the possibility of such a new merit badge. President Bethers accepted the challenge for the Executive Committee.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

The next Meeting of the Board of Directors will be July 12, 2000 in conjunction with the US JU-JITSU National Championships & the Ju-Jitsu North American Union Championships in Canton, Ohio in July 2000.

Respectfully submitted:

Bruce G. Butler
General Secretary

This page, and all contents Copyright � 1998 - 2010 by the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, Reno, NV.
The "United States Ju-Jitsu Federation", "USJJF", "US JU-JITSU", "USJJ", "USA Ju-Jitsu Federation",
"USAJJF", USA Traditional Kodokan Judo, "USA-TKJ" and our Logos are registered trademarks
of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, Reno, NV USA