Judo Black Belt Association
WHAT THE JUDO BLACK BELT ASSOCIATION IS
The Judo Black Belt Association is a national organization of Judo coaches, educators, athletes, referees and supporters founded to advance and promote a total approach to Kodokan Judo through; 1-judo education, 2-networking using special events such as our JudoCon, local, regional and national clinics, seminars and training camps and 3-video and print resources. The JBBA is truly a Yudanshakai, that is an organization of black belts and other interested Judoka wishing to preserve and promote the totality of Kodokan Judo. Our focus is to be a network of professionals. You don't have to be a professional judo coach to be a member, just have a professional attitude. The JBBA issues judo ranks with the emphasis on black belts, but the primary focus of the JBBA is not belt rank. We welcome all coaches, students and athletes from Judo, BJJ, Sambo, Jujitsu or any grappling sport to join our organization. Every discipline, field of education, science or any specialty activity has a professional organization. That is the role of the JBBA.
We are a service organization and strive to provide the best services and products to our members. We do not strive to be the largest or most powerful Judo organization.
YOU CAN BE A MEMBER OF THE JBBA IN ADDITION TO YOUR CURRENT JUDO OR MARTIAL ARTS ORGANIZATION
The JBBA is not in competition with any other Judo organization in gaining a political power base, increasing membership or attempting to control Judo in the United States. Many JBBA members are also active members of other Judo or martial arts organizations. The JBBA has members from the United States and other countries and regions that are members of their national Judo organizations. You can be a member of the USJA, USJF, USA Judo, Inc. or any other organization and also be a member of the JBBA. The Judo Black Belt Association is a professional organization that provides products and services to its members. The JBBA's mission is to be a positive addition to the Judo community.
OUR DEDICATION
The Judo Black Belt Association (JBBA) is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Kodokan Judo as founded by Prof. Jigoro Kano in 1882. Prof. Kano formed his "three-culture principle" of Rentai-ho (the development of a sound and healthy body, in other words Judo as a method of physical education), Shushin-ho (the development of a sound moral character and mental acuity) and Shobu-ho (the development of functional and effective skill in contests or self-defense).
Judo is more than simply a sport. While the sport aspect of Judo makes the activity all the more interesting and enjoyable, Judo is, at its heart, one of the best forms of physical education ever devised. As part of the educational process, a Judoka should become a better person and be a benefit to society.
The JBBA supports both the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Judo program and the International Freestyle Judo Alliance (IFJA) for the promotion and development of Judo as a sport.
The JBBA endorses the rules of AAU Freestyle Judo as a method of providing fair, safe and enjoyable competition for the sport of Judo.
ABOUT THE JUDO BLACK BELT ASSOCIATION'S RANK PROGRAM
The JBBA is based on the Yudanshakai system established initially by Professor Kano for the advancement of Judo knowledge and for mutual welfare and benefit for its members. The term "Yudanshakai" translates to mean "Black Belt Association" and the JBBA is exactly that; an association of black belts on the national level with affiliated coaches, educators, athletes and others. In other words, we are a network of Judo professionals working together in the spirit of Jita Kyoei (Mutual Welfare and Benefit). While we are an association of black belts, the primary purpose of our organization is not the issuing of Judo rank.
The JBBA views earning belt rank in Judo similar to earning an educational credential. A useful analogy is to think of earning a Shodan (Initial or 1st Grade Black Belt) in the same way of earning a college degree. Professor Kano was an educator and the JBBA retains an educational perspective in the issuing of belt rank.
Earning a black belt is a serious undertaking that requires hard study, effort, time and patience. The JBBA takes a strict and conservative approach to the issuing of black belt rank and uses some of the most stringent standards available. While we assign no blame to any specific group or individual, there have been abuses in the past in the issuing of Judo belt rank. It is the JBBA's position that rank should be earned on the mat through earnest and honest study and practice. The JBBA is independent of other Judo organizations and as a result of this, the belt ranks issued by us are not recognized by any other Judo organization or governing body. But honestly, in the competitive world of Martial Arts, the quality of the person's skills wearing the belt is far more important than who issued the belt that person is wearing. Someone once remarked that a belt simply holds the Judogi together, and it's the person wearing that belt that is the true measure of what he or she is capable of doing. It's the person who does the Judo, not the belt.
If you are happy with your current Judo organization, by all means, stay with that group; the JBBA is not for everyone. The JBBA does not wish to take members from other organizations or groups or supplant, replace or copy any other organization. In fact, the JBBA encourages everyone in Judo to participate in as many organizations and their clinics, tournaments and other events as possible. Many JBBA members are also members of other Judo organizations as well as other Martial Arts organizations. The JBBA offers an "old school" approach to the issuing of Judo rank. Our emphasis is on the total development of a person who does Judo using a conservative approach to the awarding of Judo belt rank. If you currently possess a high Dan grade, you most likely are happy with your current organization and there is absolutely no need for you to affiliate with the JBBA. Our ranks are not recognized by any other Judo organizations. However, if you want an honest assessment of what your belt rank should be, contact us. We don't guarantee a promotion or grant recognition of Judo ranks issued by other Judo (or Martial Arts) organizations (in fact, if you place more emphasis on your belt rank than you do the quality of your Judo, then the JBBA is definitely not for you), but we do provide an opportunity for deserving Judoka to advance in both knowledge and rank, especially for those black belts who are ranked below Sandan or lower. If a person's intention is to join the JBBA in order to get another certificate from another organization, we ask that they not consider us.
For information on joining the JBBA, scroll to the top of this page. For more information, contact Steve Scott at stevescottjudo@yahoo.com.
Founded in 2004 as an ancillary Judo organization for the Shingitai Jujitsu Association, the Judo Black Belt Association has its national headquarters in Perrysville, Ohio (with the Shingitai Jujitsu Association headquarters). John Saylor serves as the overall SJA Director with Steve Scott of Kansas City, Missouri as the JBBA Director. The JBBA has grown since that time and has expanded its focus to being a network of Judo professionals that is open to anyone in the Martial Arts.
JBBA MEMBERSHIP
To join the JBBA, click on the pdf logo, download and print the Membership Application. This is for membership only and not for rank application (for rank application, scroll to the bottom on the page).
Click on the IFJA logo to the right to go to the Freestyle Judo web site.
JBBA MEMBER RONDA ROUSEY IS PROMOTED TO ROKUDAN AS PART OF HER INDUCTION INTO THE INTERNATIONAL SPORTS HALL OF FAME ON MARCH 3, 2018. STEVE SCOTT WAS ON HAND TO MAKE THE PRESENTATION.
To view or download our JBBA Handbook & Freestyle Judo rulebook, click on the pdf.
To join the Judo Black Belt Association, download and print the membership application form below and mail it in with your membership fee. For rank promotion or recognition, scroll down to the bottom of this page and download and print the rank application form.
JUDO IS FOR EVERYONE
The JBBA's Innovative Approach to Judo Education
The JBBA is at the forefront in using the Internet and social medial in bringing Judo education to its members (as well as the judo community at large). No other group has produced and presented as many videos as the JBBA, and makes available to the public. The Facebook groups and YouTube channels listed to your left are our connection to JBBA members and the overall Judo community. Our videos cover a variety of topics, from technical skills, training information, Judo history and other subjects. Additionally, the JBBA is aggressive in offering printed material such as books, training booklets and essays on a variety of topics of interest to the Judo public.
The JBBA also offers our Renjuku Academy as well as other online Judo education and leadership learning programs. The JBBA's approach to coach education is to continually offer a variety of videos and other information online through our JBBA Members Facebook Group and YouTube channels.
JBBA MEMBER SERVICES
The JBBA's purpose is Judo education.
OUTREACH WITH SOCIAL MEDIA: The JBBA uses social media to promote and teach Kodokan Judo. We have a large collection of judo videos available. No other Judo organization uses social media to teach Kodokan Judo to the Judo community and general public like we do.
JUDOCON: The JBBA has its yearly JUDOCON that is a convention of coaches, educators, athletes and supporters. We are the only judo organization that has a national convention like this.
TRAINING CAMPS PROGRAM: The JBBA has national and regional training camps, clinics & seminars across the United States.
RENJUKU ACADEMY: The JBBA's Renjuku Academy is a judo education and leadership program at an advanced level. It's an online academic program focusing on the biomechanics of judo, kata, judo as physical education and coach education, judo history and philosophy and using Japanese judo terminology. Renjuku Academy is a required course for those applying for the rank of Godan or higher.
KIHON ACADEMY: The JBBA's Kihon Academy is a judo education and leadership program at the basic level and is a preparatory course for Renjuku Academy. Kihon Academy is a required course for those applying for Yondan or higher.
SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL SCHOOLS: The JBBA offers on-mat specialized schools on specific technical skills such as Juji Gatame School, O Soto Gari School and Uchi Mata School (and others). These are day-long seminars focused on one specific skill or set of skills.
STRINGENT, FAIR & AFFORDABLE RANK PROGRAM: The JBBA looks at judo rank from an educational perspective. In the same way a person earns educational credentials, a person earns judo rank. Rank promotion is not the JBBA's primary function but is available to members as a service.
"Create Opportunities, Raise Expectations, Help Improve Lives Through Judo."
This video gives you a glimpse of what we did at JudoCon 2019 and what we are about in the Judo Black Belt Association. This video was produced and created by Kathy Hubble. Many thanks to Kathy for this great video.
"Judo has a tradition of innovation." Steve Scott
Facebook Groups
International Freestyle Judo Alliance
Judo Black Belt Association
Freestyle Judo
AAU Judo
Steve Scott Training Group
JBBA Members
(Exclusively for members of the Judo Black Belt Association.)
JUDO BLACK BELT ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP FEES
Charter Membership costs $50.00. This is a one-time fee. No annual fees or hidden charges. When joining, each new JBBA member receives a membership packet that includes the JBBA Handbook, an embroidered patch, a membership certificate and a JBBA window sticker.
Members are also entitled to join the JBBA Members Facebook group. The JBBA is totally funded by our members. Every cent is spent on Judo educational programs.
"About a month ago, I completed the Renjuku Academy. In the strongest possible terms, I recommend this course."
Jon Semetko, Sandan
Providence, Utah
JudoCon 2023
The JBBA National Judo Conference
Scheduled for Jefferson City, Missouri
For information, visit our Facebook groups or email stevescottjudo@yahoo.com.
As a professional and judo education organization, the Judo Black Belt Association is not in the "rank business." The JBBA issues ranks in Judo, but it must be stressed that this is only one of the several services the JBBA provides to its members. Please scroll down to read the JBBA statement on its rank program that is listed below.
You can join the JBBA and support our work in bringing Judo to more people even without being part of our JBBA rank program. To join without accessing the JBBA rank program, simply download the pdf JBBA Membership application located immediately below.
USE THIS JBBA RANK PROMOTION APPLICATION FORM. BEFORE YOU GO FURTHER IN APPLYING FOR RANK, MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE FIRST A MEMBER OF THE JBBA. TO JOIN, GO TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE, DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE JBBA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION.
HOW TO APPLY FOR JBBA RANK PROMOTION OR RECOGNITION
1-JOIN THE JBBA. Follow the directions on joining the JBBA listed at the top of this page. Remember, the JBBA membership fee of $50.00 is for your membership and not for rank promotions. The rank promotion application fee of $50.00 is separate from your membership.
2-JOIN THE AMATEUR ATHLETIC UNION (AAU). This is a requirement for all black belts. To join the AAU, go to the AAU web site at www.aausports.org
3-DOWNLOAD & PRINT THE JBBA RANK APPLICATION FORM (to the left on this page.) Please read the conditions for rank application carefully, complete the form and sign it. If you are applying for a rank promotion, the rank application form must be signed by a JBBA member who is qualified to test you for the rank.
BEFORE YOU GO FURTHER, BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD AND READ THE JBBA HANDBOOK AND CAREFULLY READ THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED FOR THE RANK YOU ARE APPLYING.
4-INCLUDE PHOTO COPIES OF THE FOLLOWING:
Include a photo copy of your current AAU membership card (required for all black belts).
Include a photo copy of your current CPR accreditation (required for all black belts).
Include a complete resume of your judo career including all athletic, coaching and referee activities.
Include a photo copy of your current rank certificate issued by a national judo organization.
5-MAIL ALL OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTATION AND CHECK (FOR MEMBERSHIP AND FOR RANK APPLICATION, REMEMBER THAT ONE-TIME MEMBERSHIP FEE IS $50.00 AND THE RANK APPLICATION FEE IS ANOTHER $50.00) TO THE ADDRESS LISTED ON THE APPLICATION FORM.
IMPORTANT RANK INFORMATION, PLEASE READ. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 10, 2023, ANYONE APPLYING FOR JUDO RANK RECOGNITION OR JUDO RANK PROMOTION MUST BE A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE JUDO BLACK BELT ASSOCIATION (JBBA) AND MUST HAVE BEEN A MEMBER FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE (1) YEAR PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR RANK RECOGNITION OR RANK PROMOTION.
HOW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEE IS SPENT: The JBBA is an independent organization dedicated to Judo education. All membership dues and promotion fees go directly to producing videos, printing and publishing books and other printed material and promoting clinics and seminars.
THE JBBA STAYS IN TOUCH WITH ITS MEMBERS
The Judo Black Belt Association uses social media to stay in contact with our many members. We have Facebook groups, YouTube channels and use email to bring our online education and training programs to our members. We have a Facebook group dedicated exclusively to JBBA Members where they have access to more videos, pdf files and other information. The JBBA is the most innovative judo organization in the United States in using social media to provide services to its members.
FOR A $50.00 ONE-TIME MEMBERSHIP FEE, MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO SOME OF THE BEST JUDO EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION AVAILABLE ANYWHERE.
JBBA Coach Education YouTube Channel
Use the link listed below to go to our JBBA Coach Education YouTube Channel. The JBBA has an active and ongoing coach education program using social media to reach more of our coaches. These videos are examples of the content that our program provides.
RECOMMENDED READING FROM JBBA MEMBERS
As an organization promoting judo education, the JBBA encourages all members to read and develop a judo and martial arts library. Here are some books written by JBBA members that we recommend. These books are available on Amazon, directly from the publisher or other vendors.
The JBBA logo represents two judoka practicing. It was developed by JBBA member Jorge Aldovar Garcia, a professional artist and Shodan in judo.
"The purpose of Kodokan Judo is physical education."
Jigoro Kano
"TRADITIONAL" OR "MODERN" JUDO
By Steve Scott
Recently, someone contacted me asking if we are a "traditional" judo group or a "modern" judo group.
The answer is simple. We are neither. We promote judo, all of judo. We respect both the traditions of the past and the innovations that have taken place (and continue to take place) in Kodokan Judo's 139-year history.
Segregating ourselves into "traditional" and "modern" groups is counter-productive to the promotion and development of judo. Judo is an ideal form of physical education, method of positive character development and an exciting and technically innovative and diverse method of sport. From a "traditional" point of view, this directly reflects Professor Jigoro Kano's Three-Culture Principle of Rentai-ho, Shushin-ho and Shobu-ho. From a "modern" point of view, this Three-Culture Principle embodies a clearly-defined and practical approach to the teaching, practice, technical growth and promotion of judo.
This guiding principle also clearly opens the door to the development and addition of new technical innovations. One of judo's most enduring strengths is its ability to absorb different things from a variety of different sources. The technical innovation that was started by Professor Kano himself in 1882 continues to this day.
So, with this in mind, it's appropriate to say: "Judo has a tradition of innovation."
As the debate (often heated) continues between the "traditional" judo people and the "modern" judo people, the best approach from my perspective is to respect the traditions of the past, build on them, and continue to be innovative. As stated earlier in this message, this is the direction Jigoro Kano took in the founding and development of Kodokan Judo in 1882. This is the direction we are taking as well.
RENJUKU ACADEMY
A Unique Experience in Judo Education
Renjuku Academy is an intensive online judo and leadership education course focusing on five areas of judo education:
1-Biomechanics of Judo. 2-Judo as Physical Education. 3-Kata. 4-Judo History & Philosophy. 5-Judo Terminology.
Renjuku Academy is comparable to a 5-hour university course and there are no other education or training programs like it anywhere in the world of judo. It is an online, home-study course. For more information on how to enroll, scroll down to the bottom of the page.
JUJI GATAME SCHOOL
A Unique Specialized School Focused Entirely on Juji Gatame
Juji Gatame School is a day-long seminar exclusively focused on all aspects of Juji Gatame, the Cross-body Armlock, from basic skills to advanced applications of Juji Gatame.
For information, contact Steve Scott at stevescottjudo@yahoo.com.
JUJI GATAME SCHOOL
Our Juji Gatame School is one of several specialized "schools" that we offer to our members and the judo public. This is an intensive day-long workshop focused entirely on Juji Gatame
IMPORTANT: Effective March 21, 2023, everyone who applies for promotions to all ranks of Yondan or above must have successfully completed and be a graduate of Kihon Academy and everyone who applies for promotion to the ranks of Godan or above must be a graduate of Renjuku Academy. This also applies to anyone who wishes to have his or her existing rank recognized by the Judo Black Belt Association.
Effective January 10, 2023, everyone who applies for rank recognition or rank promotion must have been a member of the JBBA for a minimum of one (1) year prior to application for recognition or promotion.
JBBA COACH EDUCATION CHANNEL
HOW TO JOIN THE JBBA
JUDOCON 2022 WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
Olathe, Kansas August 6 and 7, 2022
Patrick Burris, 9th Dan teaching during an on-mat session.
Coaches, athletes and judo supporters from 15 states attended JudoCon 2022!
IF YOU ARE SEEKING RANK RECOGNITION OR RANK PROMOTION BY THE JBBA, PLEASE READ
Membership in the JBBA for a minimum of one (1) year is required for everyone prior to seeking belt rank recognition or belt rank promotion by the JBBA. No rank recognition or promotion applications will be accepted from anyone who has not been a member of the JBBA for at least one (1) year.
In other words, do not apply for JBBA membership and rank recognition or promotion at the same time.
A person must be a JBBA member for at least one (1) year before applying for rank recognition or promotion.
For those who seek rank recognition or promotion from the JBBA, please refer to our Handbook that is available on this web site as a pdf attachment to see if you meet the JBBA requirements for the rank that is being sought.
KIHON ACADEMY
Kihon Academy is an introductory online judo and leadership education course designed to prepare the student for the more advanced Renjuku Academy. Kihon Academy is comparable to a 3-hour university course. It is an online, home-study course.
