Shodai Soke Adriano Busà: The way of the knight at the Heart of modern Ju-Jitsu
Charisma, discipline, and vision. These three words aptly describe the extraordinary journey of Shodai Soke Adriano Busà, 9th Dan, founder and international technical director of the World Ju-Jitsu Corporation (WJJC), as well as the creator of the style known as “Kishidō” (騎士道) The Way of the Knight: a modern, effective synthesis of Ju-Jitsu rooted in the deepest values of Budo.
His passion for martial arts emerged at a very young age. Fascinated by kung fu movies of the 1970s, he would spend his afternoons after finishing his homework kicking and punching around the house, imitating his cinematic heroes. His first real martial arts experience came in 1976, when an elderly family friend introduced him to the basic principles of Judo through playful instruction. In 1977, he built his first homemade Nunchaku using two pieces of wood and a few nails found in his father’s workshop accidentally breaking a window in the process, much to his mother's delight.
Despite his mother's objections, Adriano never abandoned his “odd” passion. In 1981, he entered a real Dojo for the first time, practicing Judo under the guidance of a Sensei. He finally wore the long-desired Jūdōgi, earned his blue belt, and even competed at regional tournaments. Still, something was missing: Judo alone could not fulfill his deeper inner drive.
In 1985, he made a bold change and took up boxing, thinking it better suited his temperament. But even the boxing ring couldn't fully satisfy his martial spirit. After brief experiences in other disciplines, a turning point came by chance when he witnessed a Ju-Jitsu class at the gym where he trained. It was love at first sight.
He discovered that Ju-Jitsu was a complete martial art, one that brought together all his past experiences into a single, powerful system. He threw himself into intense study with passion and humility. His dedication quickly led to major achievements within the federation of the time, and he became a respected figure and mentor to many students who chose to follow him.
Around this time, he also connected with a Special Forces instructor and deepened his training in professional self-defense. He went on to establish a training agency for law enforcement and military personnel the first in Italy to receive UNI EN ISO 9001 certification and official accreditation from the Tuscany Region.
A new era began in 2014 with the founding of the World Ju-Jitsu Corporation in London. Within just a few years, it attracted practitioners and organizations from all over the world. Soke Busà’s vision was clear: to create a global community rooted in shared values, where each person grows by helping others to grow as well. The guiding motto of WJJC is inspired by Dumas’ famous line: “All for one, and one for all.”
Kishidō, the style he codified, strikes a perfect balance between technique, speed, precision, and ethics. It is a modern approach that remains firmly connected to traditional roots, preparing students for real-world challenges urban and professional without losing the true martial spirit.
Soke Busà is not just a teacher he is a guide. Always present, especially for the youngest students, he builds authentic relationships based on mutual respect and heartfelt communication. For many, he is not only a martial reference but also a personal one.
Highly respected internationally for his technical skills and innovative vision, Adriano Busà continues today to share his style with unwavering passion, offering those who share his values the chance to become professionals in Ju-Jitsu and members of a great modern, solid, and ever-evolving international organization.
Wjjc, Proud to be different!