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.