Report on the IBSSA Training Seminar and WJJF Congress 28th May 2003, Belfast / Northern Ireland

The World Ju Jitsu Federation held its yearly Congress in Belfast / Northern Ireland between 22 - 25 May 2003. The event was very high level and professional with the representation of 17 countries and approximately 12000 participants. Numerous high-ranking leaders of IBSSA and other officials honoured and supported the Congress and some of them were also teaching during the event

• Prof. George POPPER, GCKM - Executive President of IBSSA
• Dr. Paul HÖGLUND - Honorary Member of IBSSA, Chairman of Quality Control Department of IBSSA and President of IJJF (International Ju Jitsu Federation). His presence showed that a new era has started in the history of Ju Jitsu: cooperation between WJJF and IJJF
• Councillor Alan Graham - Mayor of North Down
• Councillor Alderman Paul Girvan - Mayor of Newtownabbey

During the Congress the 2 days special bodyguard training seminar held with the participation of 40 students (all experienced Ju Jitsu instructors or leaders of security organisations and companies) with the IBSSA International Master Teacher and Instructor team

• Prof. Giacomo Spartaco BERTOLETTI (ITA)
• Dr. Rony KLUGER (ISR)
• Ms. Veronique SANTAROSSA (ITA)
• Mr. Roberto GOBBI (ITA)
• Mr. Roberto DE RONZI (ITA)
• Mr. Attila FARKAS (HUN)
• Mr. Luigi SCHIFANO (ITA)

was very successful, all the participants wish to attend a higher-level course in the future, which will be organised in October this year.

The one page information about IBSSA in the 27th anniversary Ju Jitsu Congress brochure was excellent promotion for our Association.

The main programs of the event

23rd May (Friday)

• Afternoon
  • Alderman Paul Girvan - Mayor of Newtownabbey gave an official Reception to the leaders of IBSSA and WJJF
• 19.30
  • "Below Decks Shindig" on board R.M.S. Titanic

24th May (Saturday)

• 09.00
  • Valley Leisure Centre for the Ju Jitsu Course with numerous International Instructors
• 12.00
  • World Record breaking attempt by Monsieur Jean YVES-MULOT, who just set up a new world record by breaking blazing and with his bare hands 50 piles of 6 concrete blocks each 5cm thick in less than 2 minutes. He is the holder of 19 World Records in Karate breaking techniques
• 13.00
  • Junior Course Approx. 200 children - whilst waiting for the training - were listening the lecture of Mr. Attila FARKAS with great satisfaction (former bodyguard of Michael Jackson) on the bodyguard work
• 18.00
  • The "Captain‘s Cocktail Party" for the so called "Titanic Society"
• 19.00
  • “The Grand Ball” on board R.M.S. Titanic - a very elegant farewell Banquet, together with the awarding ceremony - handing over diplomas and plaques to the participants by world famous VIPs, world leading Ju Jitsu coaches and high ranking leaders of IBSSA.

Mr. Pham Xuan TONG (FRA) - Honorary Member of IBSSA and Founder of Qwan Ki Do held a professional Qwan Ki Do training seminar during the event. It was the first time for Mr. Frank PHILIPOOM (NED) and Mr. Liviu GORGONETU (ROM) to hold lectures and training seminars at this event.

Congratulations to Professor Robert CLARK - Country Representative of IBSSA in Great Britain and Mr. David TONEY - Representative of IBSSA in Northern Ireland for the very high level organisation of the 25th Congress of WJJF. They made a great job and excellent promotion for IBSSA in Great Britain.

Budapest, 29th May 2003
IBSSA HQ