Budoshin Ju-Jitsu
The Gentle Art of Self-Defense
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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].
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/mp4 instructional series. His published books include:
Ju-Jitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art [Ohara 1983]
Ju-Jitsu: Intermediate Techniques of the Gentle Art [Ohara 1985]
Jutte: Power of Ten Hands Weapon [Ohara 1987]
Budoshin Ju-Jitsu: Densho; [The Big Book 7th ed] [2020]
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]
Ju-Jitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art – Expanded Edition [Black Belt Books 2011]
Jujitsu: Advanced Techniques for Redirecting an Opponent’s Energy[ Black Belt Books 2015]
Jujitsu: Toward One Technique [Black Belt Books 2019]
In 1992 Panther Productions released the 8-DVD/mp4 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, Prof. Kirby has compiled an impressive list of additional instructional videos, available as MP4 files. There are additional short instructional clips on YouTube under the heading of “Budoshin Ju-Jitsu”.
In addition to his instructional responsibilities, Prof. Kirby is very involved in the governance of Ju-Jitsu, serving as chairman, board of directors for the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Dojo Inc. [a non-profit educational foundation]. He also served as chairman of the board of directors for 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] from its inception in 1971 through 2016. He remains as their senior advisor. 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, the World Head of Family Sokeship Council and is a Senior Advisor for the Institute of Traditional Martial Arts at the University of New Mexico. He is also the primary liaison between the American Ju-Jitsu Association and it’s international affiliates, including the European JuJitsu Union [EJJU] and its Intercontinental Ju-Jitsu Organization [IJJO – founded 2010].
Although I consider Jack Seki [Jujitsu] and Harold Brosious [Ketsugo] to be my direct sensei, I would like to pay homage to the following martial artists whom I’m had the pleasure of knowing, took me under their wings, and who have influenced my thinking greatly over the years:
John Denora – Daito Ryu Jujitsu
Tony Raven – Daito Ryu Jujitsu
Ken Penland – Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu
Wally Jay – Small Circle Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Cliff Stewart – Within Arms Reach
George Anderson – Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Sam Combes – Kaisatsu Aikido
Don Cunningham – Taiho Jitsu
Vernon Bell – Samurai Jujitsu
Heribert Czerwenka-Wenkstetten – Nippon Jujitsu
No man is an island – – and neither is a sensei.