The American Ju-JitsuàAssociation (AJA) is a national,ànon-profit amateur athletic association founded in 1972 to support the martial art of traditional Japanese ju-jitsu. It is registered with both the state of California and the U.S. government as a 501(c)(3) organization, and is the only martial arts body in the U.S. classified as an amateur athletic association. The AJA promotes a variety of safe competitive formats, recognizes outstanding instructors with national awards, and provides liability/accident insurance and certificates of rank to members who meet the criteria of their particular ryà « (style).
The American Ju-JitsuàAssociationàbrings together different ryà « of the art in an atmosphere of cooperation and respect. Among the styles currently represented in the AJA are , Budoshin Ju-Jitsu,àDaità Â-ryà « Aiki-jà «jutsu, Danzan-ryà «, Hakkà Â-ryà « Jujutsu, Small Circle JuJitsu, and Taiho-jutsu.
George Kirby (1944âÂÂ) and William Fromm (1935âÂÂ2003) established the American Ju-JitsuàAssociationàin 1972 at the request of their sensei, Sanzo âÂÂJackâ Seki (1914âÂÂ98), a student of Kanà  Jigorà Â, the founder of judo. Since its inception, the AJA has grown from two dojo (schools) to over thirty, in addition to international affiliates, and currently serves over 500 registered or affiliated members. Ledàforàmany years by co-founder George KirbyâÂÂprolific author of instructional publications and Black Belt magazine's âÂÂInstructor of the Yearâ in 2007âÂÂthe AJA works closely with other major ju-jitsu organizations in the United States and abroad in areas of mutual concern. Over the decades, martial artists with international reputations have served on the AJA's board of directors, including Tony Maynard, founder of American Combat Jujitsu.
The American Ju-Jitsu Association has partnered with the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, the European Ju-Jitsu Union (EJJU), and the Intercontinental Ju-Jitsu Organization (IJJO). The AJA is also an honorary affiliate of Seibukan Renmei USA, which promotes the spirit of friendship, cooperation, continual education, and development of Japanese martial arts and ways (bujutsu and budo).