History of the National Karate Jiujitsu Union (NKJU)
Credit: Hanshi James Herndon, Kuniba Historian
Master Richard P. Baillargeon, 8th Dan, was a pivotal figure in the National Karate and Jiu Jitsu Union, which he founded in 1974 after resigning from the Seishin-Kai Karate Union (SKKU). His martial arts journey began in Irumagawa, Japan, in 1956 under the guidance of Sensei Kyoshin Kayo, a 4th Dan in Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do. Kayo was a student of the late Shogo (Kosho) Kuniba, who became Soke (Family Head) of Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu. Master Baillargeon also trained with Kuniba Soke until 1964, achieving the rank of 3rd Dan during that period.
In 1964, Mr. Baillargeon returned to the United States and took on the role of U.S. representative for Seishin-Kai, serving in that position for a decade. By 1974, he had attained the rank of 6th Dan from Kayo Sensei but decided to create his own organization, the National Karate and Jiu Jitsu Federation, shortly after resigning from Seishin-Kai. In July 1986, he was awarded the 8th Dan in Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do by Kuniba Soke. Notably, Master Baillargeon was one of only two individuals outside of Pakistan to hold a master rank in Indo-Pakistani weapons, alongside his 6th Dan in Goshin Budo Jiu Jitsu.
Richard Baillargeon is especially remembered for his significant contributions to the spread of Seishin-Kai and Motobu-ha Shito-ryu Karate-Do in the U.S. As a returning Air Force Technical Sergeant, he was stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA, after spending nearly eight years in Japan, primarily at Johnson Air Base near Sayama, Saitama.
While at Johnson AB, Baillargeon trained primarily with Kyoshin Kayo and met Shogo Kuniba through him. At that time, Teruo Hayashi served as Kaicho (President) of Seishin-Kai.
Upon leaving Japan with his Japanese wife, Kani, Mr. Baillargeon was appointed as the U.S. Representative for the Seishin-Kai Karate Union and established a USA Hombu (Headquarters) in Valdosta. Under his leadership, the SKKU-USA branch thrived for ten years, boasting a membership of approximately 4,000 to 5,000. He developed a Head Instructor’s Guide, organized annual tournaments, camps, clinics, and seminars, and published a regular Bulletin. Interestingly, he authored a book titled Karate Katas Simplified around 1965, which is now extremely rare.
Although there are common misconceptions about Mr. Baillargeon, particularly regarding his use of the title Soke, which generally goes unchallenged, this article aims to clarify those points. After establishing the National Karate Jujitsu Federation, he informally adopted the Soke title, which is traditionally reserved for the founder or headmaster of a Budo style and is not typically self-assumed. The correct title for him should have been Kaicho, as the head founder of his organization. Many individuals, including other Americans, have misinterpreted Japanese Budo titles; nonetheless, to his contemporaries, Kaicho Baillargeon will always be affectionately remembered as 'Soke.'
During his decade-long tenure as USA Honbucho, Mr. B. built SKKU-USA into a robust organization. However, some aspects of his business model raised concerns with Kuniba Soke. Notably, SKKU-USA had become an eclectic organization with members training in various styles, including Goju-ryu and Shotokan, with a significant percentage practicing Shorin-ryu. This open-door policy, while effective for recruitment, did not align with Kuniba Soke's vision for a pure Motobu-ha Shito-ryu. Additionally, there were concerns regarding promotion fees and the funding of Kuniba Soke's travel expenses. These issues ultimately led to a parting of ways between Baillargeon and Kuniba in 1974. Despite their differences, both men maintained respect for each other until Soke Baillargeon's passing in 1989, after which Soke Kuniba continued to advise those wishing to pursue the Motobu-Ha Shito-ryu Karate-Do path. Kaicho (Soke) Baillargeon was cremated, and his ashes were scattered at sea off the coast of New Jersey.
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From NKJU to NKJF, USA-International
There are many stories and points of view regarding Seishin-Kai, the National Karate Jiu Jitsu Union, the NKJU-I, the NKJF and various representatives. What truly matters is, the respect and quality of the instructors, the depthness of instruction, the development of one's character, and commitment to one another.
What NKJF, USA-International promises, is transparency, high-quality instructors, no politics, no egos, on-the-mat training, and each member who is eligible for testing will EARN their promotion.
Click the Find Out More button to read about the transition from NKJU to NKJF.
From NKJU to NKJF, USA-International
"In a nutshell..."
As recorded in our martial arts history, the late Shodai (1st) Kaicho (President/Director) Richard Peter Baillargeon (right) was the Founder of the National Karate Jujitsu Federation (NKJU). Prior to his passing, he recognized and appointed the late Hanshi, Tola E. Lewis Jr. as his successor, making 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, as they simply did not see a need to do so.
In 2016, Sensei (teacher) Lewis appointed Hanshi Steven Johnson, in writing, as his successor, making him the Sandai (3rd) Director of the NKJU and the Nidai Kaicho of NKJU-I, which was Sensei's creation for business purposes needed to support the National Karate Jujitsu Federation.
After Hanshi Johnson's successorship appointment, he decided to trademark the NKJU/NKJU-I names and logo. During the trademark research, he discovered that the names had been trademarked by an individual not affiliated with our organization. After due consideration, Johnson 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.
Then, on October 1, 2024, Hanshi Johnson appointed, in writing and in person on video (in November 2024), Hanshi Richard Dixon as Sandai Kaicho of the NKJF. Hanshi Dixon continues to embrace the traditions of Budo and excellence as set forth by Soke Baillargeon.
The late Soke Shogo Kuniba performing a tobi yoko geri to the head of the late Founder of the NKJU