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.