British Judo Council - Founded 1958
The British Judo Council (BJC) was founded by Kenshiro Abbe in 1958, a renowned and influential Japanese budo master, he established councils for Kendo, Aikido, as well as Judo, for which he appointed Masutaro Otani as master. Otani sensei had been highly active in British judo since his arrival in 1919, an inspirational Judoka with many followers in the Masutaro Otani Society of Judo (MOSJ). Both men had a mutual respect and worked closely together, tirelessly promoting Judo throughout the UK. When Abbe sensei left the UK in 1969, he made Otani sensei President of the BJC, and the MOSJ was amalgamated forming the BJC we recognise today.
When Otani Sensei died in 1977, His son Robin Otani succeeded him as President and continues to lead the BJC, promoting the traditional Japanese judo practice and values that define the BJC and its members. Not only developing high-level competitive judoka. But with a wider view to providing a means for individuals to improve themselves physically, mentally, and morally. Encouraging participation Judo for mutual benefit and welfare.
