Extraordinary General Assembly in Bangkok

The agenda includes the following points:

•         Reform or re-establish JJIF on the basis of clear status of Full National Federation Members who officially hold recognition either by their National Olympic Committee or the highest sports authority (certificate of recognition should be presented at the EGA roll call);

•         Restructure the JJIF: a) Executive (Acting) Board, b) Management department operating and based on professional structure, c) Extended Board (Ju-Jitsu World Council);

•         Move the JJIF Headquarters to Abu Dhabi with the financial support of UAE and guarantee extensive independence in the operational management of JJIF President and JJIF Executive Board including the necessary marketing and media department. Guarantee regular Board meetings with all JJIF Board members from all continents assuring that all decisions will be discussed and approved by the JJIF Board;

•         Review and correct actual JJIF Statutes, Rules and Regulations in order to be adapted to IOC guidelines and to the needs of our members.

In his circular, the JJIF President praises the role played by the OCA President, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, in the growing profile and popularity of the sport in Asia, and hopes that Ju-Jitsu will join other continental multi-sport games.

“Thanks to HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, President of OCA and President of ANOC, and thanks to HE Abdulmunem Alsayed M. Al Hashmi, President of JJAU and his UAE team, Ju-Jitsu has developed very fast and become a great sport in Asia,” said Mr Theodoropoulos, JJIF President since 2008. “Ju-Jitsu is included in the Asian Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and the Asian Beach Games, which will give new horizons to our sport.

“The European JJ Union, Pan-American JJ Union and African JJ Union, with the help of JJIF and especially of JJAU, should apply to their Continental Olympic Councils to be recognised and participate in the corresponding Olympic Continental Games.” The EGA will be held on November 19, on the eve of the three-day Ju-Jitsu World Championship running from November 20-22 in Bangkok.