About us

66 Years
Working
Experience

The British Judo Council (BJC) was formed in 1958 by Kenshiro Abbe 8th Dan who was sent to England by the Kodakan in Tokyo in order to encourage the interest of Judo in this country.  Shortly after arriving he met Masutaro Otani and formed a life long friendship.  Between the two of them they formed the BJC and after their respective passing, the mantle was passed onto Otani's 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

Dan grade promotions

05 Oct 2024

Congratulations to the following who were recently promoted:

Nicholas Hall - 1st Dan

Dan grade Promotions

05 Oct 2024

Congratulations to the following who were recently promoted.

BJA Apology for BJC suspension

05 Oct 2024

Please find below the apology from the BJA re the BJC affiliation suspensio

BJC AGM

05 Oct 2024

Following the BJC AGM on the 7th July the following persons will be the acting HQC for the year 2


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UPCOMING EVENTS

FPJ1 Coaching course - London

12 Oct 2024

This Coaching course is FPJ1 level1 course and is only open to those who hold a BJC licence and 2


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