Just learned of the passing of a Judo Great.

I remember Sensei Bowles throwing me at a Camp and I thought that he broke my pelvis.


Virgil Bowles Passes Away in Indianapolis
Nicole Jomantas - USA Judo April 13, 2009


(Colorado Springs, Colo.) - USA Judo is saddened to announce that Virgil Bowles (Indianapolis, Ind.) passed away on April 9 at the age of 75, following a heart attack sustained two weeks prior.

An eighth degree black belt, Bowles dedicated more than 40 years to teaching the sport of judo and was the founder of Virgil's Judo Club. Bowles was actively involved in all areas of the sport as a National-Level referee and an A-Level kata judge

"Virgil was a nice man who never let judo organizational politics taint his love of the sport or his willingness to support anything in judo, regardless of organization," said USA Judo General Secretary and Past President Dr. Ron Tripp (Norman, Okla.) "I considered him a good friend and will miss him greatly as the quiet, gentle soul he was at every event I recall."

Bowles was a Sergeant in the Army and a Veteran of the Korean Warm before working as a quality inspector for 41 years at Ford Motor Company.

Bowles is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Jean Bowles; children Virgil Bowles, Jr., Brenda Bowles-Harber and Walter Bowles; and grandchildren Joshua Bowles and Amy Bowles.

Sad news for the USJJF

George E. Anderson
Founder, United States Ju-Jitsu Federation
November 25, 1931 - August 6, 2009
It is with deep sadness that we must announce that on August 6th, 2009, the Founder of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, Hanshi George E. Anderson, passed away suddenly.

Few individuals within the Martial Arts community can claim the many accomplishments achieved by Hanshi Anderson during his lifetime. Not only was he the founder of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, he was also the Founder of the USA Karate Federation and the Central Tae Kwon Do Association. Hanshi Anderson was a past Vice President of World Union of Karate-do Organizations (WUKO) and the World Karate Federation (WKF) as well as the Pan American Karate-do Union, the Pan American Karate-do Federation and was serving at the USJJF Vice President at the time of his death. He was a major leader in the international martial arts, and was most instrumental in getting karate into the Pan American Games.

More than a martial artist, Hanshi Anderson was a scholar, statesman, and patriot that devoted his life to the betterment of the arts that he so loved. A leader to many and mentor to all, he has taught and guided the many leaders who will continue the work that he begun and ensuring a lasting legacy in the martial arts community.

We extend our most sincere condolences to Hanshi Anderson's family, friends, students and all those whose lives he has enriched. He will be forever missed.

WBJJA Instructor Camp