It is registered with both the state of California and the U.S. government as a 501(c)(3) organization,[1] 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,[2] and provides liability/accident insurance and certificates of rank to members who meet the criteria of their particular ryū (style).
George Kirby (1944−) and William Fromm (1935–2003) established the American Ju-Jitsu Association in 1972 at the request of their sensei, Sanzo “Jack” Seki (1914–98), a student of Kanō Jigorō, the founder of judo.
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.
[12] 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).