Dear Fellow Martial Artists, Competitors, and Spectators,

On behalf of my father, Soke Michael DePasquale, Sr., the International Federation of Jujutsuans, and myself, I am pleased to invite all of you to the Atlantic City Grand Internationals Championship. Master Hsu has been working diligently to ensure this event will be one of the top events of the 2006 competitive year.

My father gave birth to the Federation of Practicing Jujutsuans in 1969, which has since changed its name to the International Federation of Jujutsuans. The IFOJJ is a brotherhood of martial artists—not only practicing jujutsuans; which is all the more reason for me to be so excited about this event. A plethora of styles coming together under one roof as a brotherhood.

The IFOJJ East Coast Self-Defense Championship is open to all styles, and for the first time will include a special division for Law Enforcement Officers and Defensive Tactics Instructors. To the best of knowledge, this unique division has never before been included in this type of competition. Each competitor will have three minutes to complete his / her routine. Team divisions will have five minutes. Each subdivision will have a 1st , 2nd , and 3rd place winner and each division will have a Grand Champion. The Grand Champions of the Law Enforcement / Defensive Tactics Divisions will receive a very special award created by my father many years ago, the Gold Shield Award, and a certificate of induction into the Order of the Gold Shield.

This will be quite a busy weekend for me. The Living Legends organization will be roasting me at the banquet on Saturday evening which should prove to be quite interesting. There is limited space, so register early if you are interested in attending the banquet and roast.

Also, Saturday afternoon, I will be teaching a two hour workshop highlighting Combat Yoshitsune Jujutsu for the first hour and my Immobilize, Neutralize, Finalize ( INF ) Defensive Tactics system for the second hour.

I look forward to seeing all of you there. Be sure to stop my booth if you have the time.

GOOD LUCK!! and GOD BLESS!!

Michael DePasquale, Jr.

The IFOJJ East Coast Self-Defense Championship

Competition Description:
Open to all styles and organizations.
Pre-arranged self-defense scenario against up to four armed and/or unarmed attackers.

RULES

1. All competitors (tori) and their attacker(s) (ukes) must know the rules and be ready to compete when called to do so.
2. All competitors must compete at the highest belt level they have attained in the martial arts.
3. Each competitor must present him/herself to the judges properly attired, and physically prepared to compete.
4. All competitors must wear a complete top and bottom uniform(dogi) in a good state of repair or an appropriate uniform for their school. Also, the appropriate color belt must be worn.
5. Three minute time limit. Five minutes for teams & two officer divisions.
6. Mats will be provided and the performance MUST REMAIN on the mats.
7. NO music, breaking, real weapons, explosives, pyrotechnics, dangerous objects or substances permitted!!
8. Failure to comply with any rule invokes the following actions:
   a) First Infraction: Warning from the center judges to the competitor or spectator
   b) Second Infraction: If committed by either a competitor or spectator, the action will result in the immediate disqualification of the competitor.
9. TEAMS must be a minimum of TWO people; up to a maximum of FIVE people. Each person on the team MUST perform as both Tori (defender)and Uke (attacker). For example each member of the team could rotate through the role of Tori until all members have played the role of Tori for at least one minute each. As stated in the competition Rules, teams are permitted up to five minutes to complete their demonstration. All other rules remain in effect.

Judges

Ideally, each competition area (ring) shall have four Side Judges and a Center Judge, all of whom shall evaluate each competitor. Minimally, there will be two Side Judges and a Center Judge. The center judge will be responsible for coordinating the competition and calling for evaluations at the end of each demonstration. Each side judge and the center judge will then display a score of 5 to 9.9 points based on the scoring criteria below. The center judge has complete control over all actions within the ring.

In the event of a tie first the high score will be averaged into each of the scores for the tied competitors. If this does not result in a winner, the low score will be averaged into the scores for each of the tied competitors. If neither of the above break the tie, both competitors will be asked to perform again. The center judge will be responsible for coordinating the competition and calling for evaluations at the end of each demonstration. Each side judge and the center judge will then display a score of 5 to 9.9 points based on the scoring criteria below.

Scoring

Each ring will have an official scorekeeper who receives instructions from the center judge. The scorekeeper will record all five (or three) scores for each competitor. The lowest score and the highest score of the five will be discarded and the average of the remaining three computed. These average scores will determine the first, second, and third place winners for each division.

Timekeeper

Each ring will have an official timekeeper. The timekeeper will receive instructions from the center judge. It is the duty of the timekeeper to inform the center judge when time has expired.

Scoring Criteria

Realism: Intensity of attack
Effectiveness: Logical Combinations / Feasibility /
Difficulty: Difficulty of Attack / Sophistication of Techniques
Variety: Variation of Strategy / Techniques
Speed and Fluidity: Rhythm / Continuity / Tai Sabaki (Body Mechanics)
Demeanor: Breathing / Determination / Zanshin (Focus/Connection)

Rules and competition structure are subject to change without notice.

COMPETITION DESCRIPTION:

TEAMS must be a minimum of TWO people; up to a maximum of FIVE people.

Each person on the team MUST perform as both Tori (defender)and Uke (attacker). For example each member of the team could rotate through the role of Tori until all members have played the role of Tori for at least one minute each.

As stated in the competition Rules, teams are permitted up to five minutes to complete their demonstration.

All other rules remain in effect.

IFOJJ SELF-DEFENSE COMPETITION

DIVISIONS

NOVICE: 10th kyu through 6th kyu or white through green belt
INTERMEDIATE: 5th kyu through 1st kyu or blue through brown belt
ADVANCED: Shodan through Sandan
MASTERS: Yondan and above

SUBDIVISIONS