From NKJU to NKJF, USA-International
"In a nutshell..."
As President and Director of the National Karate Jujitsu Federation (NKJF), USA-International®, formerly known as, National Karate Jujitsu Union (NKJU) and NKJU-International, I would like to personally thank you for choosing membership and affiliation with an historical martial arts organization that has been serving the martial arts community on a global scale for since 1974.
As recorded in our history, the late Shodai (1st) Kaicho (President/Director) Richard Peter Baillargeon (right) was the Founder of the NKJU. Prior to his passing he recognized and appointed my instructor, the late Hanshi, Tola E. Lewis Jr., as his successor, which made him the Nidai (2nd) Kaicho of NKJU.
Through the decades, both Soke Baillargeon and Hanshi Lewis worked under the name of NKJU and NKJU-I, however, they never filed a trademark. They simply never saw a need to do so.
In 2016, Sensei (teacher) Lewis appointed me, in writing, as his successor, making me the Sandai (3rd) Director of the NKJU and the Nidai Kaicho of NKJU-I, as this was Sensei's creation for business purposes needed to support NKJU.
After my successorship appointment I decided to trademark the NKJU/NKJU-I names and logo, but during my trademark research I discovered the names had been trademarked by an individual not affiliated with our organization. After due consideration I determined that changing the name to NKJF, USA-International was the most practical course of action. The NKJU/NKJU-I history, successorship, and memories will always remain in published writings, and in our hearts and minds as we carry the traditions of the Old while developing a new path forward.
I’m a firm believer in all things good, and that things happen for a reason; therefore, on March 1, 2021, I rebranded and trademarked NKJU and founded the National Karate Jujitsu Federation (NKJF), USA-International®. Trademark name #90566158, Logo Trademark #90567409.
Through the NKJF, we will continue, and build upon the rich Budo history and lineage of those who came before us.
The late Soke Shogo Kuniba performing a tobi yoko geri to the head of the late Founder of the NKJU