JA Constitution

The name of the corporation is Jujitsu America (J.A.)

The location of the principal office of Jujitsu America shall be at 2055 Eagle Avenue, Alameda, California 94501. Any change in location of Jujitsu America shall be authorized in accordance with the by-laws of Jujitsu America, as set forth herein.

The objects and purposes of Jujitsu America shall be to promote and foster the development and cultivation of a better understanding of the art and science of Jujitsu among its members; and to promote and propagate the teachings and philosophies of the recognized and established systems of Jujitsu in America and affiliate International Unions of Jujitsu.

It is further the intent and purpose of Jujitsu America to encourage a systematic practice of modern Kodenkan Jujitsu and related arts, in honor of the founder of Kodenkan Jujitsu, Professor Henry Okazaki.

It is further the intent of Jujitsu America to establish a set of standards for qualifications as instructors, rank holders, and students of the arts of Kodenkan Jujitsu and other systems of Jujitsu and for the promotion through the different ranks; and to further promote and improve the physical and mental health and character of its members and to promote congenial association among its members; to foster goodwill, harmony, and interest among its members; to strengthen community unity, promote social understanding, and through cooperative effort improve the social, educational and spiritual condition of the people of the community and to encourage participation by its members in the advancement of civic, business and social life of the community and to promote a mutual interchange on information, opinion and relations among its members and among the members of the community; to promote, encourage and aid in the advancement of physical and cultural aspects of the lives of its members and the members of the community; and to do whatever may be necessary and proper for the promotion and advancement of the interests of the people within the community.

The completion of the organization of Jujitsu America shall be made within sixty (60) days after the granting of the charter of Incorporation by causing the necessary filings with the Secretary of State and Counties within which this organization shall operate.

A) Membership in Jujitsu America shall be without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, or national origin and shall be open to all individuals, groups or organizations, including public or private schools engaged in any phase of the teachings or the practice of Jujitsu or affiliated phases of such work with adults, intermediates, or juniors, either amateur or professional, providing such aforementioned groups conform to the rules, standards and ethics of Jujitsu America as set down in the constitution or by the Board of Directors, by way of resolution or addition to the by-laws and constitution of Jujitsu America.

B) The members of said corporation shall be members in good standing of the present Jujitsu America at the date of the incorporation, and such other members as may be selected to the membership by a vote of the majority of the Board of Directors and proposed and recommended by the members in accordance with the by-laws of Jujitsu America. Members may be expelled upon charges filed by a member of Jujitsu America, of conduct likely to bring disgrace upon Jujitsu America or its members, and expulsion may result after hearing had wherein all complaints and defenses have been brought fourth. Further a member of Jujitsu America may be suspended for failure to pay such dues and fees as may be provided for in the by-laws. That in addition, the by-laws may provide for classes of members and regulate and prescribe the rights and obligations of the members including their qualifications admission, suspension, expulsion, and discipline.

C) The Founding Fathers of Jujitsu America shall be known by their presence as herein listed alphabetically and endorsed on the last page of the by-laws and charter of this corporation.

Jujitsu America may exercise certain inherent powers as may be granted to corporations of the State of California including but not limited to:

1) To have succession by its corporate name perpetually with all the rights, privileges, powers and immunities which are now or may hereafter be secured by corporations organized for charitable purposes and,

2) To sue and be sued in any and all courts, and,

3) To make and use a common and corporate seal, and alter the same as provided by the State of California, and,

4) To own, hold, purchase, sell, and convey real and personal property and to mortgage or otherwise encumber the same to secure any debt of the corporation; and,

5) To appoint subordinate officers and agents as the business of the corporation shall require, and to allow and pay suitable compensation to such officers or agents; and,

6) To make rules and regulations not inconsistent with any existing law for the management of its property, the election and removal of its officers, and the regulation of its affairs, and,

7) To do any and all things necessary, suitable or proper for the accomplishment of any of the purposes or for the attainment of any of the objects or for the exercise of any of the powers herein set forth.

The by-laws of Jujitsu America shall be approved and adopted by a majority of the registered Black Belt members at the time of incorporation and may be changed or amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Representatives in the manner provided by the by-laws.

The constitution of Jujitsu America shall be approved and adopted by a two-thirds vote of the registered Black Belt members at the time of the incorporation and may be changed or amended by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Board of Representatives in the manner provided by the by-laws.

Jujitsu America is not intended nor organized for profit; no stock shall be issued, and no part of its assets, income or earnings shall be used for dividends or otherwise distributed to any of its members except upon liquidation of its property in case of corporate dissolution, except that assets or earnings may be used for expenses incurred toward the furtherance of Jujitsu America.

The officers of Jujitsu America shall be a President, Vice-President, a Second Vice-President, Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers, who shall be elected or appointed in such manner as may be prescribed in the by-laws.

There shall always be a President and a Secretary of said corporation, and legal process on either officer shall be deemed legal service in the Corporation.

The assets of the Corporation shall alone be liable for payment of its debts and liabilities.

That this charter and corporation hereby created shall be subject to all existing laws of the State of California as they presently exist of hereafter may be modified or separated.