About us

66 Years
Working
Experience

The British Judo Council (BJC) was formed in 1958 by Kenshiro Abbe 8th Dan who was bought to England by the London Judo Society as chief instruction in 1956.  In 1958 Abbe. Sensei founded several Judo councils including the BJC to which he appointed Masutaro Otani as chief instructor.  Abbe and Otani worked together, promoting Judo throughout the UK.  After their respective passing, the mantle was passed onto Otani Sensei son, Robin Otani who remains the President to this day.


The BJC promotes a traditional style of Japanese Judo with the emphasis on clean upright throwing with control and technique rather than force.  In groundwork, speed and control are emphasised in order to win quickly and decisively.  There have been many former BJC members who have made a great impact upon the world stage including Jane Bridge 8th Dan, the first women's World Champion and Neil Adams 9th Dan, Silver Olympic Medallist amongst many others.

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WHY JOIN THE BJC ?

The British Judo Council have member clubs spread throughout the country so there is almost certainly a club near you.  Our coaches are all properly trained, DBS and First Aid certified and undertake regular coaching courses in order to keep themselves up to date.
Our clubs are (almost exclusively) volunteer lead with enthusiastic coaches eager to impart their knowledge onto the next generations.  Indeed, this is the true meaning of 'Sensei' - He Who Has Gone Before.  Whichever club you attend, you can be assured of a warm welcome where the leadership team and the members will provide a warm welcome allowing all ages to train safely with enthusiasm and energy whilst they become fitter, stronger, faster and skilled in the Japanese martial art of Judo.

LATEST News

BJC AGM

06 Jun 2025

Dear BJC Member

This Years BJC Annual Gene

Dan Grade Promotions

06 Jun 2025

Congratulations on the following promotions:

Edward Trathen 1st Dan

Adam Stedmond 2nd

BJC Kata Tournament 2025 Results

06 Jun 2025

Congratulations to those that medalled at the BJC Kata tournament held on the 23rd March 2025.


More News

UPCOMING EVENTS

HQC Meeting

07 Jun 2025

Table Officials Course

08 Jun 2025

This course will teach you the basics of BJC table Officiating.


More Events

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