Important announcement from the President
05 Jan 2026
Dear Members,
I hope you have all
enjoyed the Christmas period. I wish you a very Happy New Year and hope that
2026 brings you a successful and fulfilling year ahead in BJC Judo.
As you will be aware,
unfortunately my health continues to decline, albeit slowly. After careful
consideration and discussions with my family, I have made the decision that the
time is now right for me to step down as President.
In accordance with the constitutional
requirements, I promoted Stuart to BJC senior grade on 18 December 2025 and
formally resigned as President on 19 December 2025. Stuart is now the President
of the British Judo Council. I have accepted the honorary title of President
Emeritus and will continue to support Stuart in this new chapter.
Without the continuity
of the Otani lineage, the stability of our organisation would be diminished.
The role of President carries a heavy burden, and over the years I have made
many sacrifices to fulfil my responsibilities and serve the BJC. I have some regrets
for occasions missed with my family, my personal life, and my career, but I
have always honoured and embraced my commitment to the organisation.
Stuart understands this
responsibility only too well, and is willing to make the considerable, lifelong
commitment required to serve as President. He shares my strong belief in
maintaining and developing the British Judo Council as a traditional judo
organisation—one that not only supports sporting excellence but also promotes
judo for the mutual welfare and benefit of all (Jita Kyoei), as envisaged by
Jigoro Kano.
I thank you all for the
many years of loyal support you have given me throughout the 48 years I have
served as President. I am deeply grateful to the many friends and colleagues I
have had the pleasure of meeting and sharing experiences with through judo. It
has been a privilege to be part of so many different judo journeys and stories,
and to watch you all develop and progress as individuals through your
participation in judo.
It has been a great
honour to represent and lead the BJC, and I am truly thankful for that
privilege. I have many fond memories of you all. My sincere thanks also go to
those who have selflessly contributed their time by serving on committees,
acting as officers of the BJC, and volunteering throughout my presidency. I
would like to thank Mr Mealing, who has stood by my side for many years, your
support and contribution to the BJC have been invaluable.
The BJC is a unique
membership organisation that continues to remain strong without significant
funding, relying instead on volunteers, goodwill, and cooperation at all
levels. There are many things I would have liked to have achieved, but this has
often been extremely difficult with the limited resources available. I ask you
to bear this in mind as we move forward, and to please continue your loyalty,
contribution, and, most importantly, your enjoyment of BJC judo.
I wish Stuart every
success in his tenure and thank him for his willingness to serve the BJC. I
hope you will offer him the same full support and respect that you have shown
me, and that you will continue to contribute to and develop yourselves within
the BJC judo family.
With fond regards and
sincere appreciation,
Robin Otani.
President Emeritus
British Judo Council
