Questions & Answers

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1. Your organization has free membership. How can you function that way?

- Our system has already been tested within some countries, and also within some other combat sports and other international organizations. Our appointed National representatives do not have to pay for membership, because they already have expenses for traveling to European Championship. They must organize their own National championships and national referee seminars and exams. What they earn from their national activities is not our concern - as far as they don't ruin the reputation of ESJA. We are not issuing fancy certificates, Dan ranks or anything similar. We do not have separated management which will live from membership fees. Organizers and hosts of European Championships receive no financial help from ESJA, but are free to charge small & reasonable entrance fee which covers their costs for making medals and diplomas, and for renting sport halls. Only 20% of all fees collected on European Championships must be paid to ESJA account (minimum of 400 Euro). This money covers the expenses of BOM meetings and travels, and administrative expenses of ESJA. All national representatives act as referees on international meetings, and are not paid for that. Every nation pays its own travel expenses, accommodation and competition fees. It is same as in other organizations, which - unlike ESJA - charge huge annual fees.

2. Yes, but how do you organize meetings, seminars and other events?

- We don't. Our Sports Council, consisted of National representatives, meets only during European Championship. Seminars on behalf of ESJA are not organized - and even if someone wants to organize any event with ESJA name behind it, it has nothing to do with the organization as a whole. For example: if one ESJA appointed National representative goes to some country where we still don't have any representative and gives a seminar per invitation, it is between him and his hosts who will pay for what and how much.

3. OK, I get it. But if that is so, why then you have ESJA at all? What's the use of it if national representatives do all the job?

- ESJA is a "group name". It is an association with copyrighted name, logo and set of competition rules. By joining together we form a "group authority", which then stands behind our National representatives. ESJA simply means joint work of group of associates.  In order to prevent separate organization of many smaller "European championships", we unite together to be members of something larger. Our interests is to meet with likeminded people and to have ONE international event (competition) every year. ESJA is our cheapest and the most effective solution.

4. What happens if you already have National representative who is bringing national team from some country, and then some other group from that country also wants to participate?

- Our Sports Council will listen to all friendly people. If someone is displeased with our appointed National representative, he can attend our meeting during European Championship and will be given a chance to present his problems. Sport Council will democratically decide what is the best solution for all: ESJA, current National representative and his fellow countrymen. There will be a simple vote of hands over all issues, with simple majority required for decision-making. President of ESJA will act as a chairman of meetings. It is our firm belief that "JITA KYOEI" maxim of Jigoro Kano ("mutual benefit" or "you and I prosper together") will be our guiding principle in all our actions.

5. What if some National representative and his associates decide to participate on other international sport jujutsu events, organized by other international organizations?

- It is natural right for all ESJA members (National representatives and their countrymen) to compete wherever they want. ESJA has nothing against any other similar organizations. We are independent, and we do not claim to be any sort of international governing body for sport jujutsu or whatsoever. Our relation to other jujutsu organizations will be one of reciprocity, with mutual respect and peaceful co-existence. We are not a financial group, and we do not harm anyone's interests. If anyone feels the opposite, it is their problem. As far as ESJA members are concerned, ESJA is a legitimate organization of friendly people working together in sport jujutsu. We do not hate anyone, we do not disrespect anyone. We don't care about ranks, titles, nationality, race, political ideas or any other such things. Whoever is willing to join our events in a friendly atmosphere, is welcomed. Whoever among us is willing to join other organizations too, is also free to do so.

6. What happens if National representative does not show up with his National team on European Championship?

- Sport Council will decide about this. There are precise rules describing all situations where ESJA can replace previously appointed National representative. One of those rules also defines the obligation for National representative to organize National championship every year and to send an email report from that competition to ESJA President (so that it can be included to ESJA Archive). ESJA is very strict abut these principles: NO ONE can be our representative without readiness to organize National championship under ESJA rules, and without regularly attending our European Championships. There are many martial arts organizations whose majority of members take a passive role. In ESJA it will not be that way.

7. Are ESJA rules made only for jujutsu practitioners?

- No. Our competition rules are designed to be acceptable for many different styles: karate, judo, aikido, BJJ, kung fu, tae kwon do, etc. People from these martial arts can easily participate on our championships. Our main goals when competing are safety and simplicity. 

8. Is your organization planning any cooperation with other similar international organizations?

- Yes. ESJA has couple of parallel plans, one is working closely with Martial Arts International Federation (MAIF), second is working on organization of International Budo Games under Bushido Zazen International society (BZIS) . For the moment, however, we are focused on European Championships in the first place.

9. What about joining the Olympic Family, World Games, etc?

- No, we are not interested. Some of the most profitable sports in the world like golf, pro-boxing and Formula 1 are not in the Olympics. Karate is trying for decades to enter the Olympic Games, and is still far away from that. We respect Olympic movement, but do not think it is the most important thing for sport activities.

10. OK, final question: I am from Europe and I am interested to join. What should I do?

Check the list of our national representatives. If there is already one for your country, get in touch with him. If there is no National representative appointed for your country, you can send us your application. It should contain following:

1. One small photo of you (JPEG or GIF)

2. Your exact date of birth, your full name (with middle name or middle letter), and your current address, email and telephones.

3. Detailed info about your organization, group or a club

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