Prof. George Kirby [1944---], Black Belt magazine's "Instructor of the Year" for 2007, holds the rank of Judan, and is an internationally recognized martial arts instructor and author. He has been teaching Ju-Jitsu since 1967. He was the head instructor at the Burbank YMCA from 1968-75 and the Burbank Parks Dept. from 1974-96. He is currently teaching Budoshin Ju-Jitsu classes through the Santa Clarita Parks Recreation Dept., Santa Clarita, CA, [about 35 miles north of Los Angeles], and at College of the Canyons, also in Santa Clarita.

George Kirby was born in Los Angeles, CA, in 1944. He grew up in Burbank, CA, graduating from John Burroughs High School in 1962. He earned his BA in Social Science [1966], clear lifetime teaching credential [1967] and MA in Social Science [1969], all from California State University, Los Angeles. He also holds an administrative services credential from the state of California.

Prof. Kirby was awarded the title of Hanshi in 1997 and his Judan grade in 2000. He taught Ju-Jitsu at Olive Vista Jr. High School, Sylmar, from 1976-83, as an elective and alternative to regular physical education classes as a fully credentialed school teacher. He has taught seminars throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Israel.

Using his skills as an experienced professional high-school teacher, Prof. Kirby has had the opportunity to write a number of books, magazines, and even an 8-DVD instructional series. His published books include:
      Ju-Jitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art [Ohara Publications 1983]
      Ju-Jitsu: Intermediate Techniques of the Gentle Art [Ohara 1985]
      Jutte: Power of Ten Hands Weapon [Ohara 1987]
      Budoshin Ju-Jitsu; The Big Book 6th ed [2002]
      Jujitsu Nerve Techniques: The Invisible Weapon of Self-Defense [Ohara 2001]
      Advanced Jujitsu: The Science Behind the Gentle Art [Black Belt Communications 2006]
      Jujitsu Figure-4 Locks: Submission Holds of the Gentle Art [Black Belt Communications 2009]
In 1992 Panther Productions released the 8-DVD instructional series, entitled Black Belt Ju-Jitsu. Prof. Kirby has also written numerous articles for Black Belt, Inside Karate and other martial arts magazines.

In addition to his instructional responsibilities, Prof. Kirby is very involved in the governance of Ju-Jitsu, serving chairman, board of directors for both the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Dojo Inc. [a non-profit educational foundation] and the American Ju-Jitsu Association [an amateur athletic association and governing body for Ju-Jitsu and amateur competition in the U.S. as recognized by the U.S. government] He is also the founder of the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai, an educational foundation.

Prof. Kirby is also active in a number of other martial arts organizations. He is affiliated with the Shorinji Ryu JuJitsu Association, World Head of Family Sokeship Council, Budo Centre International, and International Federation of JuJutsuans. He is also the primary liaison between the American Ju-Jitsu Association and it's international affiliates.

As a strong believer in community service, Prof. Kirby was selected to serve as a a Defensive Tactics Consultant for the Los Angeles Police Dept. in 1994, serving on their Civilian Martial Arts Advisory Panel, and and continues to serve in that capacity. He also developed a Defensive Tactics program for the state of Nevada in the 1980's and has taught arrest control techniques to private security firms and a variety of local and national law-enforcement personnel. In 2006 Prof. Kirby became a certified POST [Police Officer Standards Training] instructor. In 2007 Prof. Kirby was selected to be a member of FLEOA [Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association] and ILEETA [International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association].

Prof. Kirby was a public school teacher for 39 years, since 1967 until his retirement in 2006. He has a MA degree in Social Science/Political Science, Standard Secondary Teaching Credential, Standard Jr. College Teaching Credential, and Administrative Services Credential from the state of California. He was the chairman of the Social Science Dept., U.S. Grant High School, Van Nuys, from 1992-2006, where he taught Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Honors Economics.

While Prof. Kirby may have retired from teaching for the Los Angeles Unified School District, he strongly believes that "retirement" is relative thus has not retired from teaching. As of in August, 2007, Prof. Kirby is teaching Budoshin Ju-Jitsu at College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA. Students will be able to take his class up to four semesters [state maximum] of this Physical Education Course, and earn CSU/UC transfer credit for each semester completed.