Biography

George Kirby, recipient of Black Belt Magazine’s 2007 Hall of Fame Instructor of the Year Award, holds the rank of Judan [10th degree black belt], age 72, is an internationally recognized martial arts instructor and author. He has been teaching Ju-Jitsu since 1967 and, as of 2016, will be in his 49th year of community service. He was the head instructor at the Burbank YMCA from 1968-75 and the Burbank Parks Dept. from 1974-96. He is currently teaching Budoshin Ju-Jitsu classes at the Santa Clarita Parks & Recreation Dept., Santa Clarita, CA, about 35 miles north of Los Angeles. He was awarded the title of Hanshi in 1997 and his 10th degree black belt in 2000. He has taught Budoshin Ju-Jitsu at Olive Vista Jr. High School [1976-83], at the college level, and has conducted ju-jitsu and law-enforcement seminars throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Israel.

Using his skills as an experienced professional high-school teacher, Sensei Kirby has had the opportunity to write a number of books, magazines, and an 8-DVD video series. His books include Ju-Jitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art [Ohara Publications 1983], Ju-Jitsu: Intermediate Techniques of the Gentle Art [Ohara 1985], Jutte: Power of Ten Hands Weapon [Ohara 1987], Budoshin Ju-Jitsu; "The Big Book" 6th ed [2002], Jujitsu Nerve Techniques: The Invisible Weapon of Self-Defense [Ohara 2001], Advanced Jujitsu: The Science Behind the Gentle Art [Black Belt Books 2006], JuJitsu Figure 4 Locks [Black Belt Books 2009], Jujitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art – Expanded Edition [Black Belt Books 2011] and Jujitsu: Advanced Techniques for Redirecting an Opponent’s Energy [Black Belt Books 2015]. In 1992 Panther Productions released the 8-DVD video instructional series, entitled Black Belt Ju-Jitsu, now also available in mp4 format. Sensei Kirby has also written numerous articles for Black Belt, Inside Karate and other martial arts magazines as well as numerous additional training videos, many available on YouTube.

In addition to his instructional responsibilities, Sensei Kirby serves as chairman, board of directors for both the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Dojo Inc. [a non-profit educational & charitable foundation] and the American Ju-Jitsu Association [an amateur athletic association and governing body for Ju-Jitsu and amateur competition in the U.S. as recognized by the U.S. government]. He is also the founder of the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai, an educational foundation.

Sensei Kirby is also active in a number of other martial arts organizations. He is affiliated with the Shorinji Ryu JuJitsu Association, World Head of Family Sokeship Council, Budo Centre International, Dai Nippon Seibukan Budo, and International Federation of JuJutsuans. He is also the primary liaison between the American Ju-Jitsu Association and its international affiliates.

In 1994, following the Rodney King incident, Sensei Kirby was selected to serve as a Defensive Tactics Consultant for the Los Angeles Police Dept., serving on their Civilian Martial Arts Advisory Panel through 2007, when the CMAAP was dissolved. He has received two letters of commendation from the City of Los Angeles for his services. He also developed a Defensive Tactics program for the state of Nevada in the 1980's and has taught arrest & control techniques to private security firms and a variety of local and national law-enforcement personnel. In 2006 Sensei Kirby became a certified POST [Police Officer Standards Training] instructor. In 2007 Sensei Kirby was selected to be a member of FLEOA [Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association] and ILEETA [International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association].

Sensei Kirby was a public school teacher for 39 years, from 1967 until his "retirement" in 2006. He has a MA degree in Social Science/Political Science, Standard Secondary Teaching Credential, Standard Jr. College Teaching Credential, and Administrative Services Credential from the state of California. He was the chairman of the Social Science Dept., U.S. Grant High School, Van Nuys, from 1992-2006, where he taught Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Honors Economics. He also served as a master teacher for numerous student teachers during his 39 year public school teaching career.

While Sensei Kirby may have retired from teaching for the LAUSD, he strongly believes that retirement is relative & thus has not retired from teaching jujitsu.. In addition to teaching his regular jujitsu classes, he continues to run the annual Budoshin Ju-jitsu Summer Camp [August of each year] in Santa Clarita, CA..

Instruction Seminars Consultation: 661-259-7912, P.O. Box 801854, Santa Clarita, CA 91380