Jujitsu America Officers and Representatives

(ALL are Volunteers!)

Board of Representatives:

The Board of Representatives is the governing body of Jujitsu America. It is made up of one or more representative from each JA member Dojo or Affiliate Group. The number of representatives depends on the dojo/affiliate group registration volume with Jujitsu America.

Board of Directors:

The Board of Directors manages the organization as directed by the Board of Representatives. Elected Directors include President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Registration Chairman, and three Directors at large. Also included on the Board of Directors are the immediate past president of JA and the Technical Director.

See below for list of the Board of Directors

Council of Professors:

The Council of Professors are an elected body and may elect new members to the council as needed. The Council provides overall guidance to the organization of Jujitsu America and any other leadership and assignments as requested by the Board of Representatives.

See below for list of the Council of Professors

Standards Board:

The Standards Board consist of five (5) instructors appointed by the Council of Professors who are members in good standing graded Rokudan or higher. They are responsible for coordination of Black Belt examinations and promotions.

See below for list of the Standards Board

Jujitsu America Committees:

There are a number of standing committees. The chairman of each committee is appointed by the President. The President may appoint other such committees and chairmen thereof as deemed necessary and serves as an official member of all committees. All committees so appointed shall be dissolved upon election of a new President.

See below for list of the Committees

Regional Directors:

Regional Directors function much like a committee chair serving at the discretion of the President. They manage the meetings, events, and membership in the various national regions. They are not elected by the Board of Representatives. These positions are created and appointed appointed by the President. All representatives so appointed shall be dissolved upon election of a new President.

See below for list of the Regional Directors

Non-elected Directors:

Non-elected Directors function much like a committee chair serving at the discretion of the President. They fill various roles needed at the direction of the President. They are not elected by the Board of Representatives. These positions are created and appointed appointed by the President. All representatives so appointed shall be dissolved upon election of a new President.

See below for list of the Non-elected Directors

Non-elected Representatives:

There are a number of other representatives in Jujitsu America who are not elected by the Board of Representatives. These positions are created and appointed appointed by the President. All representatives so appointed shall be dissolved upon election of a new President.

There are a number of standing positions including: Webmaster, Newsletter Editor, Social Media Manager.

See below for a list of the Non-elected Representatives

PRESIDENT
Professor Richard Bunch (E-MAIL)

1st VICE PRESIDENT
Professor Laura Welch (E-MAIL)

2nd VICE PRESIDENT
Professor Rudy Aguilar (E-MAIL)

SECRETARY
Carla Bunch (E-MAIL)

TREASURER
Judie Kasper (E-MAIL)

REGISTRATION CHAIRMAN
Professor Joe Souza (E-MAIL)

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Professor Willy Cahill (E-MAIL)

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Professor Eric Renner (E-MAIL)

DIRECTORS AT-LARGE
Professor Joe DeBattista (E-MAIL)
Daniel Ruocco (E-MAIL)
Benjamin Rothrock (E-MAIL)

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Council of Professors

Professor Willy Cahill (E-MAIL)

Professor Joe Souza (E-MAIL)

Professor David Jennings (E-MAIL)

Professor Joe DeBattista (E-MAIL)

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Chairperson
Professor Joe Souza (E-MAIL)

Vice Chairperson
Professor David Jennings (E-MAIL)

Technical director
Professor Willy Cahill (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Professor Richard Bunch (E-MAIL)
Professor Chris Peterson (E-MAIL)

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Oversight

Chairperson
Professor Joe Souza (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Professor Dave Jennings, Professor Duwane McCraney, Mike Martin

Chairperson
Professor Joe Souza (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Professor Willy Cahill, Professor Richard Bunch, Professor Chris Peterson, Professor Laura Welch, Judie Kasper, Carla Bunch, Rob Gale  

Chairperson
Professor Chris Peterson (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Professor Joe Souza (E-MAIL)

Sport Jujitsu Competition

Chairperson
Professor Willy Cahill (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Professor Richard Bunch
Professor Joe Souza
Professor Duwane McCraney
Professor David Jennings
Professor Chris Peterson
Rob Gale
Mike Martin
Daniel Ruocco
Todd Birdseye 

Kata / Freestyle Self Defense / Sumo Competition

Chairperson
Professor Joe Souza (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Professor Richard Bunch

Weapons

Purpose. The Jujitsu America Weapons Committee (JAWC) is responsible to coordinate the continuing education and integration of weapons training within the scope of Jujitsu America’s role in support of Danzan Ryu training and affiliated dojos.

Members. The JAWC is comprised of varied weapons experts and includes the following members:

Chairperson
Mike Replogle (E-MAIL)

Committee Members

Rowdy Hall - Danzan Ryu, Japanese Sword

Mike Replogle - American Arnis (Committee Chair)

Russ Rhodes - Danzan Ryu, Japanese Sword, Eskrima

Jon Ward - Inayan Eskrima

Massage

Chairperson
Professor Rudy Aguilar (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Bob Hodge

Scholarships

Chairperson
Professor Richard Bunch (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Professor Joe Souza (E-MAIL)

Marketing / Public Relations

Chairperson
Rob Gale (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Professor Joe Souza, Mike Replogle

Merchandise

Chairperson
Professor Joe Souza (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
TBD

Chairperson
Rob Gale (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Professor Joe Souza, Mike French, Mike Replogle

Video

Chairperson
Rob Gale (E-MAIL)

Committee Members
Mike French

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Pacific Northwest
Bob Parksion (E-Mail)

Northeast
Prof. Dave Castoldi (E-MAIL)

Southeast
Prof. Tony Maynard (E-MAIL)

Florida/Gulf Coast
Prof. Dave Castoldi (E-MAIL)
Jamie Dyson (E-MAIL)

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Webmaster
Rob Gale (E-Mail)

Newsletter Editor
Not appointed at this time

Social Media Manager
Derek Baure

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Duties of Jujitsu America elected officers and the rank requirements for office

Jujitsu America : President

Responsibilities

• The President is responsible for the organization of Jujitsu America , the assignment of committees, running the Board of Representatives and Board of Directors Meetings, and the overall function of the organization.
• When authorized, the President will execute all agreements on behalf of the organization and perform other such duties as may be assigned by the Board of Representatives and the Board of Directors.
• The President establishes dialogues and relationships with other key martial arts organizations, in order to foster better relations, develop new opportunities for Jujitsu America members to train and learn, and for those organizations to participate in Jujitsu America events.
• The President must be a diplomat. The President must represent all Jujitsu America members and their views, not just the President's own views.
• The President must be a leader. The President must make decisions, especially with an open mind.
• The President must be ready to accept feedback and criticism, and deal with that constructively.
• The President must have compassion and the ability to deal with both sides of every issue.
• The President is responsible for coming up with new ideas to help develop the organization and to continue to deliver exceptional value to the members of Jujitsu America .
• The President must be available to speak and correspond with all the members of the organization as well as prospective members, to address their questions and concerns, and to respond to their input.

Time Commitment
At least 6 hours per week, sometimes much more.

Jujitsu America : First Vice President

Responsibilities

1. Serve as a Board of Directors member for JA to assist the President with setting goals and planned meetings for the board members.

2. Take over the duties of the President during the absence of the President.

3. Set a leadership example and be of any support to all JA members.

4. Promote JA to all martial artists and encourage membership.

5. Work with other board members and committees on revising and updating policy to improve JA as a whole.

6. Interact with all the board members and give support to help them in their board position.                                             

Time Commitment

The duties of Vice President involve significant interaction with other Board Members and JA members. The Vice President position can take a great deal of time, especially with communication. Plan for at least 2 - 3 hours per week up to 15 - 20 hours per week on the high side.

Jujitsu America : Second Vice President

Responsibilities

1. Serve as a Board of Directors member for JA to assist the President with setting goals and planned meetings for the board members.

2. Take over the duties of the President during the absence of both the President and the First Vice President.

3. Set a leadership example and be of any support to all JA members.

4. Promote JA to all martial artists and encourage membership.

5. Work with other board members and committees on revising and updating policy to improve JA as a whole.

6. Interact with all the board members and give support to help them in their board position.                         
Time Commitment

The duties of Vice President involve significant interaction with other Board Members and JA members. The Vice President position can take a great deal of time, especially with communication. Plan for at least 2 - 3 hours per week up to 15 - 20 hours per week on the high side.

Jujitsu America: Treasurer

Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, and pay invoices submitted to Jujitsu America.
• Collect and deposit fees in an expeditious manner.
• Balance monthly bank statements.
• Create monthly Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement. Provide status report for each meeting.
• Arrange for an annual audit, to be submitted to the Board of Representatives.
• File annual Federal Income Tax Statement.
• Budgeting has been suggested, but not mandated. When it takes effect, we will add the responsibility to maintain a running balanced budget by area.

Time Commitment
Typically 2 - 3 hours per week.

Jujitsu America: Secretary

Responsibilities

As stated in the Jujitsu America By-Laws, one of the duties of the Secretary is to take the minutes of the Board of Representatives Meetings and to send the minutes to all listed, including all Dojo Members, Officers, Committee Heads, and Professors of Jujitsu America.

• The By-Laws state that the Board Meeting minutes should be sent out within 15 days of the meeting.
• The By-Laws state that the Secretary is to take minutes during the Board of Directors Meetings.
• An agenda is to be prepared, approved by the President, and distributed for each meeting.
• The By-Laws state that the Secretary holds the Jujitsu America corporate seal.
• The Secretary may be involved in correspondence for the President and have records of correspondence being done by other committees and officers that is related to business of Jujitsu America. This helps to maintain accurate and complete records for Jujitsu America.

Time Commitment
Writing the Board Meeting minutes and preparing for mailing (copies, filling envelopes, mailing) typically takes about 16 hours (Board Meetings are typically conducted once every two months). Other time needed is updating the mailing list for active dojo members, life members, and individual members as supplied by the Registration Chairman and special communications and mailings as requested by the President, other officers, or other members of the Board of Representatives.

Jujitsu America : Registration Chairman

Responsibilities

1. Create and maintain forms for Dojo Membership, Individual Membership, Life Membership, and Ohana Awards.

2. Create and maintain list of membership benefits.

3. Respond to inquiries regarding membership, promotion/recognition of existing rank, organization, and miscellaneous other inquiries from current members and prospective new members. This position requires diplomacy and ambassadorship on behalf of Jujitsu America.

4. Identify prospective new dojo members and individual members, develop contact, and explore potential membership.

5. Send electronic and hard-copy mail to register new and continuing members' annual membership. Follow-up as needed in order to ensure that all membership renewals are sent in on time.

6. Process new and continuing members' annual registration and Ohana Awards.

7. Present new dojo member applications, new individual member applications, and life membership applications to the Board of Representatives for review and approval.

8. Print all membership cards, dojo membership certificates, individual membership certificates, life membership certificates, and Ohana Awards. Secure all appropriate signatures. Mail all materials to recipients.

9. Maintain lists of Dojo Members, Individual Members, and Life Members.

10. Provide regularly updated lists of Dojo Members, Individual Members, and Life Members to Webmaster, Clinic Committee Chairman, Secretary, Vice Presidents, and President.

11. Receive fees for membership, verify correct fees paid, process bank deposits, maintain deposit records, and provide regular reports to Treasurer.

12. This position requires good computer skills, particularly in e-mail, database/spreadsheets, and printing.

13. Review all Dan Grade Promotion Applications and Instructor Certificate Applications, verify current membership and time in grade, and present appropriate promotion applications to the Standards Board.

14. Process all applications and print all Dan Certificates and Instructor Certificates. Secure all appropriate signatures for certificates. Mail all materials to recipients.

15. Receive fees for Dan Grade promotions and Instructor Certificates, verify correct fees paid, provide all fees submitted with summary to Treasurer on a regular basis.

16. Maintain list of Black Belt holders.

17. Provide regularly updated list of Black Belt holders to Webmaster, Registration Chairman, 2nd Vice President, President, and Standards Board Members.

18. Review all Kyu Level Applications and verify current membership.

19. Process all applications and print all Kyu Certificates. Mail all materials to recipients.

20. Receive fees for Kyu Level promotions, verify correct fees paid, provide all fees submitted with summary to Treasurer on a regular basis.

Time Commitment

Typically ~8 - 16 hours per week.

Chief Technical Director

The Chief Technical Director shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Council of Professors. This person shall advise the chairman of the National Standards Board. This person shall hold the rank of Professor.

Directors/Regional Directors

Responsibilities

• The Directors and Regional Directors participate in the function and management of various activities within Jujitsu America including temporary or ongoing assignments designated by the President or the Board of Representatives or the Board of Directors for the function of the organization.
• Regional Directors are responsible to conduct Jujitsu America meetings for dojo members and individual members in their respective regions on at least a quarterly basis. These meetings should include a training event with various instructors having the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience for the benefit of the participating members and prospective members.
• Regional Directors are responsible for reaching out to current and prospective Jujitsu America members in their region, and to act as a representative and ambassador for Jujitsu America in their region.
• Regional Directors are responsible to submit a bi-monthly regional report to the Board of Representatives identifying events and activities conducted to promote Jujitsu America and martial arts practice in their region.

Time Commitment
Typical expectation is 2 – 6 hours per week.

Webmaster

Responsibilities

• Creates, edits, and maintains the Internet web site for Jujitsu America.

Newsletter Editor

Responsibilities

• Writes, edits, publishes, and distributes the JA Quarterly Newsletter: JA TODAY

Social Media Manager

Responsibilities

• Creates, edits, and maintains online social pages on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc., for Jujitsu America.
• Manages posts to those pages
• Coordinates responds to posts/questions with other JA representatives

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