American Combat Jujitsu is a system of martial arts that was developed by Professor Tony Maynard. This system is the culmination of over 50 years of his training in various martial art disciplines. Professor Maynard made a name for himself early in the martial arts world be earning the distinct name, "The Bear". This name was earned in the mid 1970's when the professor accepted the challenge of a local sideshow promoter. He was challenged to enter the ring against, "Victor the Wrestling Bear". The promoter offered a cash prize to anyone who could stay in the ring with a large black bear without being pinned by the bear. Professor Maynard took the challenge and much to everyone's surprise was able to throw the 550 plus pound bear down with a neck throw. The promoter was not happy with the result of the match and refused to pay the prize. The professor did not leave with any money that day, but has ever since carried the nickname, "The Bear".
In 1984 Professor Maynard was asked to represent the United States in the first ever international sport Jujitsu tournament in Canada, hosted by the World Council of Jujitsu organization. The professor was the only American representative and this honor would lead to him becoming a pioneer in the sport of Jujitsu. Over the next decade the professor would lead the United States Jujitsu Team as coach and director. During his tenure he led the U.S. Team to several gold medals and championships. He would also be instrumental in the development of the rules and regulations that are now utilized in both domestic and international Jujitsu competition. In 1980 Professor Maynard began to develop and teach his own system of Jujitsu that he called "Combat Jujitsu". The system was derived and influenced by the many martial art styles the professor had studied. These styles include: Goshin and Kato Ryu Jujitsu, Small Circle Jujitsu and Judo. The professor also combined the striking and kicking aspects of Chito Ryu and Isshinryu Karate into his own system. Professor Maynard drew from all of these systems some ideas and techniques that helped the development of "Combat Jujitsu". The system earned it's formal name "American Combat Jujitsu" in 1990 when one of the professor's students, H.P. Henry coined it's official name. Since that day "American Combat Jujitsu" has grown exponentially. Students and acquaintances of the professor teach it all over the world. The system is never stagnate and is constantly evolving. It now reaches into the realm of military hand to hand combat and police tactics. Through all of the systems refinement and development, the professor and the system remains true to his personal motto, "Devastation Through Simplicity".