USMAF News

Team Dover Airman to represent US in World Championship

7/6/2010 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- In ancient Japan, the samurai developed a special martial art that allowed them to fight their armed and armored opponents if they happened to become unarmed. This ancient art, known as Jujitsu, was passed down from generation to generation, until eventually it made its way around the world.

This art is now practiced by everyone, from the most venerable master to children as young as five years old. All across the world, the ancient secrets of the samurai are being taught to all, but some do not have the skill and dedication it takes to master the art.

However, one Airman on Dover Air Force Base not only has the dedication but the skill to represent the US in several world championships. That Airman is Airman 1st Class Geanny Hernandez Quiala of the 436th Aerial Port Squadron.

Airman Hernandez Quiala has been given the unique opportunity to represent the US in the Pan American Ju-Jitsu Championships, the Ju-Jitsu World Cup and World Championship. He is also the first military member to ever be selected for the United States Ju-Jitsu National Team.

"Airman Hernandez Quiala will definitely be missed here at APS," said Lt. Col. William Peterson, 436th APS commander. "He's an inspirational Airman and has an infectious work ethic that will be sorely missed here at APS."

Airman Hernandez Quiala was born in Cuba, and lived there for most of his life. He fled Cuba in 2005 with nine other refugees. After a long and harrowing journey, he made it to America to be with his wife, his childhood sweetheart who fled Cuba when she was 14.

"I feel very, very proud, to represent the Air Force and the United States as part of the US team," said Airman Hernandez Quiala. "I was known as the 'Air Force Guy' when I went to the qualifier; I wear my Air Force fitness gear when I train, so people know I am a member of the Air Force. It is an honor to be able to represent the Air Force and the U.S. in these upcoming championships."

Airman Hernandez Quiala began training in Jujitsu when he was seven, and has been training for 24 years and is now a 3rd degree black belt in Jujitsu - or 3rd Dan. Even at his current age of 31, his physical prowess is nothing short of amazing, said Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Walls, 436th APS ground terminal manager.

"The fact Airman Hernandez Quiala had a unique physical prowess was evident from the moment I met him," said Chief Walls. "He can go from a sit up all the way to standing without pushing off the ground with anything but his legs. When he does chin-ups, he lifts his entire body up over the bar and then goes all the way back down again. It's amazing to see."

It was no easy task for Airman Hernandez Quiala to become a member of the U.S. National Ju-Jitsu Team. First came regional and state competitions, where he placed top and qualified for the North-Eastern and Midwestern Championships. Placing in those, he qualified for the national competition and earned the gold medal there, winning him the coveted spot on the U.S. National Ju-Jitsu Team.

"It was very difficult to make the U.S. team, we have thousands of great athletes in the United States," said Airman Hernandez Quiala. "But just being the best in the U.S. isn't enough, I want to be the world champion, and place the United States as the best in the world. To me, that is the best way to show the world, that the U.S. and our military can be serious competitors in any sport ... that we have a respect for sport in the United States and are able to compete at high levels."

The training required for the upcoming tournaments require Airman Hernandez Quiala to travel to Miami and train in the dojo there. So he asked for permission to be allowed to travel and represent his nation in the championships.

"Airman Hernandez is not shy by any means," said Chief Walls. "He runs everything through his chain of command, and we were more than happy to get him what he needed in order to compete in this competition and represent not only the United States, but the Air Force as well. When he first arrived here, he asked if he could compete in one of the local Jujitsu competitions and he was told that he must complete his CDCs before he could enter. He completed in two months, what normally takes a year, and scored a 96 percent on his end of course exam, one of the highest scores this squadron has seen."

The competitive drive he has sown in his CDC completion is only a fraction of what he has shown in Jujitsu.

Airman Hernandez Quiala has several medals from his many competitions, some from his time as a competitor in Cuba. However, he said, for him, the greatest reward is being able to represent his country, the United States.

"I started as a child in Cuba, I competed there, then I came to America and I had to start over from the beginning," said Airman Hernandez Quiala. "To have made it all the way to the top to be a part of the U.S. team, it is amazing. I could not have done it without my wife believing in me, the U.S. Air Force for giving me the opportunity to represent the United States and my leadership, for helping me to train and supporting me in this endeavor."

• The USMAF News
  (News and Photos from around the USMAF!)
  
  

  Dr. Llyr Jones visits USMAF / USJJF Headquarters

  During this past summer, Dr. Llyr Jones from Great Britain visited the USJJF Headquarters and Hombu Dojo in Arlington, Virginia.
  
  Dr. Jones is the author of several "very significant articles" on Kodokan Judo in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts.
  
  He is also a Senior Yudansha Member of the Executive Standards Committee for the International Traditional Kodokan Judo Program of the Martial Arts International Federation (MAIF). DDr. Jones was in Washington DC for business purposes. He was kind enough to also visit the USMAF / USJJF National HQs and President & CEO Bethers. After an enjoyable workout, Dr. Jones and President Bethers conducted an intense meeting to plan future developments for MAIF's Traditional Kodokan Judo Program. After promising to return to D.C. and inviting President Bethers to visit Great Britain, Dr. Jones flew back to London.
  
  P.S. Best part of the Martial Arts is making Great Friends!"

• May 30, 2008:
  

  UNITED STATES JU-JITSU FEDERATION

  Newly elected USJJF Officers and Re-Structured Board of Directors

  Over weekend of May 30- June 1, 2008, The UNITED STATES JU-JITSU National Championships for 2008 were conducted in Akron Ohio. During this same weekend, the USJJF elected new officers and the USJJF Board of Directors re-structured itself to be in accordance with the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) guidelines for National Governing Bodies.  Newly elected USJJF Officers will serve for the next 5 years.  The term-of-office for these officers is from June 1, 2008 thru May 31, 2013.

  The Newly Elected USJJF Officers are as follows:

  President - Bruce R. Bethers, Washington D.C.
  Vice President - George E. Anderson, Ohio
  General Secretary - James A. Caldwell, Nebraska
  Treasurer - Donna K. Cosper, Oklahoma

  Per USOC’s guidelines, effective June 1, 2008, The United States Ju-Jitsu Federation’s (USJJF) Board of Directors consist of the following Ten (10) positions:

  President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Director, Referee Director, Coaching Director, Director-At-Large, Male Athlete Director and Female Athlete Director. 

  The Board of Directors for UNITED STATES JU-JITSU now consists of the following persons:

  1.  President and Board Chairman: Bruce R. Bethers, Washington D.C.
  2.  Vice President and Chairman, Central Technical Committee: George E. Anderson, Ohio
  3.  General Secretary: James A. Caldwell, Nebraska
  4.  Treasurer: Donna K. Cosper, Oklahoma
  5.  Membership Director: Ernest G. McPeek, New York
  6.  Referee Director and Chairman, National Referee Committee: Michael Piaser, Ohio
  7.  Coaching Director: Benjamin A. DeLeon, Sr., Wisconsin
  8.  Director-At-Large: Jim Harrison, Montana
  9.  Male Athlete Director: Edward Shultz, Wisconsin
  10. Female Athlete Director: Corinne Housley, Florida

  Note:  USJJF Members that have previous served on the UNITED STATES JU-JITSU Board of Directors are invited to continue to serve and participate as members of the United States Ju-Jitsu Masters Caucus.

  March 27, 2008:
  
  

  On March 8, 2008, Samurai Judo and Jujitsu of Melbourne, the fastest growing Judo school in Florida, sent several competitors to the USJA Florida State Judo Championships in Boca Raton.

  The team of David J. Ellis and Peter McMahan took the gold medal for Kime-no-Kata.  Ellis was the Head Referee for this event, and after the Kata competition Ellis and McMahan worked the mats as referees for the Shiai portion of the tournament.

  Adrian Pozo, a Samurai Judo and Jujitsu student, took the silver medal in the men's 81 kg division from a field of seven tough competitors.
  
  Ellis and McMahan, instructors at Samurai Judo and Jujitsu in Melbourne, Florida, were honored in 2005 as the USJA Florida State Outstanding Senior Kata Competitors. 

  
  From left to right: Peter McMahan, head sensei David Parritt, and David J. Ellis
  
  
  
  
  • November 13, 2007: Report from Serbian Budo Council - Visit to USA
    
    
    
    
  • October 8, 2007: Announcing USMAF New Affiliate "Tiffin Mat, Inc"
    
    
    
    
    
    
  • October 8, 2007: FALL 2007 USMAF "The American Eagle" NEWSLETTER
    
    
    
    
  • Announcing USMAF's NEW National Program of "USMAF Kendo". Dr. Shiro Kinmoku has been appointed National Program Director for KENDO!
    
    
    
    
  • August 4, 2007: PRESS RELEASE
    Official International Olympic Committee press release:
    IOC adopts Consensus Statement on sexual harassment and abuse in sport
    8 February 2007
    The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today adopted a Consensus Statement on “Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport” (see full document below).
    
    This unique document defines the problems, identifies the risk factors and provides guidelines for prevention and resolution. The aim of the Consensus is to improve the health and protection of athletes through the promotion of effective preventive policy as well as to increase the awareness of these problems among the people in the entourage of the athletes.
    
    Research indicates that sexual harassment and abuse happen in all sports and at all levels, with a greater prevalence in elite sport.  Members of the athlete’s entourage who are in positions of power and authority appear to be the primary perpetrators.  Research also demonstrates that sexual harassment and abuse in sport seriously and negatively impact athletes’ physical and psychological health.  They can damage performance and lead to athlete drop-out. 
    
    Based on this information and in its role of promoting and protecting the health of athletes, the IOC Medical Commission (MC) held a conference on “Sexual Harassment & Abuse in Sport” in October 2006 in Lausanne. This meeting was chaired by Professor Arne Ljungqvist, IOC Member and Chairman of the IOC MC, and coordinated by Margo Mountjoy M.D., Member of the IOC MC.
    
    Programme consultants included sports sociologist and former national coach Celia Brackenridge of the UK, and former athlete and President of Women’s Sport International, Professor Kari Fasting of Norway. 
    
    A panel of participants composed of leading sports psychologists, sociologists, psychiatrists and policy experts from around the world and an elite athlete advocate attended to review the scientific literature and to produce safe guidelines for the prevention of and early intervention in cases of Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport.
    
    The Role of the IOC Medical Commission
    With the establishment of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the IOC Medical Commission’s role has moved from primarily handling anti-doping activities in the world of sport to taking an active role in the promotion of the health of athletes. To this end, a series of consensus meetings have been scheduled covering the following issues: ·         Sex Reassignment in Sport 2003
    ·         Nutrition in Sport 2003
    ·         Sudden Cardiovascular Death in Sport 2004
    ·         Female Athlete Triad 2005
    ·         Training the Elite Child Athlete 2005
    ·         Sexual Harassment & Abuse in Sport 2006
    
    Download Consensus Statement :
    Consensus Statement: Sexual harassment and abuse in sport -
    http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1125.pdf
    
    For more information please contact the IOC Communications Department, Tel: +41 2..., email: pressoffice@olympic.org
    
    
    
  • July 26, 2007: SUMMER 2007 US JU-JITSU JOURNAL
    
    
    
    
  • April 16, 2007: Announcing the Promotion of Sensei David E. Parritt (Florida) to the rank of Shichidan (7th Dan) in US Ju-Jitsu, Nihon Ju-Jitsu and Traditional Kodokan Judo.
    
    
    
    
  • April 13, 2007: Gene Lebell and Gokor Chivichyan’s Hayastan Grappling School
    
    

    I had the opportunity to visit Gene and Gokor’s Grappling school when I was in California on business.  I called Gokor and asked if I could come by and he treated me like I was a dignitary.  Gokor did not know me and had never spoken to me before, but from talking with him I felt as if we had been friends for years. 

    I went to the N. Hollywood School and was greeted by Dana Charvet, one of Gokor and Gene’s students who owns and teaches at his own school.  Dana introduced me to Gene Lebell.  Gene was a childhood hero and I was starstruck just standing there talking to him.  Gene spoke with me and sat me in the best seat in the house.  Gene never bragged about his accomplishments but instead asked me about my teachers and experience.  Gene was very kind (don’t tell him I told you), and he was amazing to see in action.  Gene spent about an hour with me and I was humbled by the experience. 

    Gokor was on the mat teaching and running the class; Gokor tapped everyone he rolled with including the editor of Black Belt magazine (sorry Steve), and a few Ultimate Fighter hopefuls.  Gokor kept taking his time coming over to check on me and make sure that my experience at his school was a good one. Gokor also asked one of his students to bring me back on another night.  Gokor showed a few leg locks that I had never seen before and walked me through his new web site. 

    Dana Charvet and his wife Jackie saved me when my camera would not work and took a picture of me with Gene and Gokor.  They were some of the nicest people I have met and Jackie e-mailed me the picture this week.  If you are in the N. Hollywood area, I suggest that you take the time to visit Gene and Gokor’s school.  You will not be disappointed.
    Both Gene and Gokor are members of the USJJF and USA-TKJ and I am proud to say that I had a chance to train with two living legends. 

    Earl DelValle
    Sarasota Judo and Ju-Jitsu Institute
    www.sarasotajudo.com
    

  • March 16, 2007: We are pleased to announce USMAF's Support and Official Recommendation of the Exceptional Martial Arts Publication:
    Classical Fighting Arts!
    
    
    
    
    
  • February 16, 2007: Great-Grandmaster Chull Hee Park Awards Ninth Dan to Taekwondo/Ju-Jitsu Legend George E. Anderson
    At the Kwanmukan International Symposium, George E. Anderson from Akron, Ohio, received his ninth Dan certification from the Kukkiwon. Great-Grandmaster Chull Hee Park, founder of the Kang Duk Won in Korea, was in attendance and personally presented the certification to Grandmaster Anderson. The certification is believed to be the first ninth Dan issued to anyone outside of Korea.
    
    This historic occasion took place at the Kwanmukan International Banquet held annually in Akron, Ohio. In attendance this year were over 250 guests, mostly martial artists, from more than four countries and ten states. World-class instruction at the seminar was provided by those recognized as Shihan ("Grandmaster") under Grandmaster Anderson's Kwanmukan organization.
    
    Grandmaster Anderson, who is now 75 years old, has a martial arts resume that spans over 55 years. First involved with Taekwondo in the early 60’s, he has been active in the international sports arena, serving as Referee Council Chairman and as the first Vice-President of the World Union of Karate-Do Organizations (now known as the World Karate Federation, a member of the United States Olympic Committee), and also as an International Representative for the Ju-Jitsu International Federation.
    
    The Kukkiwon, also known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters, serves as the issuing body for Taekwondo Dan (black belt degrees) promotion and certification. The Kukkiwon is the only Taekwondo institute's Dan that is recognized by World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) which governs the competition aspects of Taekwondo as the International Federation of Taekwondo with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
    
    
    
    
  • February 6, 2007 :
    Announcing Our Newest Sponsor for "Training Resources" - HATASHITA SPORTS! 
    
    
    
    
  • Results and Photos from the 2006 World Ju-Jitsu Championships
    
    
  • Report, results and photos from the 2006 National Championships
    
    
  • USJJF/Police Activities League Seminar, Fountain, Colorado
    
    
  • The Ju-Jitsu International Federation is pleased to announce the foundation of the Asian Ju-Jitsu Union and the African Ju-Jitsu Union.
    
    
  • Sensei James R. Webb, USJJF - USA-TKJ Regional Representative for Texas was elected to serve as President of the United States Judo Association (USJA) effective 2006.
    
    
  • January 8, 2006:
    Kodokan Judo Institute, Tokyo, Japan, during the (Sun) Kagami Biraki Ceremony (New Year's rice-cake cutting ceremony), the performance of several Kata, some Randori with members of the national team, then the Judo Dan Grade awards ceremony with 3 Judans awarded.
    
    Toshiro Daigo (80 years old), Ichiro Abe (83 years old) and Yoshimi Osawa (79 years old) - were promoted to 10th Dan.
    
    There has been no "Kodokan Judo Institute" 10th Dan holders for 15 years since Sumiyuki Kotani died in 1991 - he was promoted to 10th Dan in 1984.
    It is first time 3 men have been promoted at the same time.
    
    (Source - JudoInfo Site)
    
    
    
  • Dallas Competition Orientation Seminar and Vince Tamura Sensei
    
    
  • Fall Camp 2005 Report
    
    
  • 2005 National Championships Report and Results
    
    
  • 2005 Florida Seminar
    
    
  • February 13, 2005:
    As of May 22, 2005 - at the recommendation of the USJJF (USMAF & USYA) Risk Management Committee and the Board of Directors decision, the USJJF (USMAF & USYA) will no longer make available Medical (Accident) Insurance Coverage to its Members. After approximately five (5) years of providing this medical (accident) insurance coverage, the simple fact is that most clubs and members have not been supporting this insurance program. This insurance policy was costing much more than it generated in revenue to justify its continuation. Both instructors and individual members have been reporting to the National Office that most folks have their own medical (accident) insurance coverage through their jobs or families. Note, while the medical (accident) insurance policy will not be re-newed after May 21, 2005, the USJJF (& USMAF) will continue to provide insurance coverage for its major tournaments.
    
  • January 17, 2005: KAMIKAZE USA IS OVERSTOCKED ON SIZES 3 AND 4 DOUBLE WEAVE JUDO UNIFORMS. They are putting them on Sale!!
    Click here to visit their website.
    
  • December 5, 2004: USMAF would like to Welcome our New Affiliate Martial Arts Organizations:
    Bulgarian Ju-Jitsu Federation - Iran Judo & Ju-Jitsu Federation - Iraq Ju-Jitsu & Korash Central Committee- Brazil Jiu-Jitsu Association - Nepal Ju-Jitsu Federation
    
  • December 5, 2004: 2004 World Ju-Jitsu Championships Results
    
  • USJJF Coaches' Perspective 
  • The First Issue of the USMAF Newsletter is now online! 
  • Information on the 2003 North American Ju-Jitsu Summer Camp 
  • Report on the 2002 US Ju-Jitsu National Championships 
  • Photos from the 2002 US Ju-Jitsu National Championship
  • USJJF Winter Camp 2001, January 19-21, 2001 in New Orleans, LA 
  • JJIF 2000 World Ju-Jitsu Championships Results
  • USJJF Summer Camp & Summer Open Championships
  • US Ju-Jitsu National Championships 2000 & North American Continental Championships Special Edition Results and Photos 
  • Winter Camp 2000 Special Edition
  • Winter Camp 2000 Special Edition, Part II
  • October 1999