About USJA

The governance of US Judo started in 1952, through the efforts of Dr. Henry A. Stone, Major Donn Draeger (USMC), and others. At that time there was no national authority to give guidance to local judo communities and insure the logical and orderly development of judo as a sport. The Amateur Judo Association (AJA) was a first attempt at establishing a national governing structure in conjunction with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Dr. Stone served as the first president. Authority to grant the most coveted Kodokan Judo ranks was assumed by the national organization.

The objective of the United States Judo Association is the advancement of the amateur athletic competition in the sport of Judo in the United States, in international competition, and in general, the advancement of recreation and physical fitness through the sport of Judo. The United States Judo Association grants the privilege of membership to individuals and organizations committed to that objective. The privilege of membership may, therefore, be withdrawn by the United States Judo Association whenever it determines the conduct of a member is inconsistent with the objective of the organization, or the best interest of the sport and those who participate in the sport.