BJC Awards Evening 2025

BJC Awards Evening 2025

This years awards evening was a little different from prior years.

Though the set up of the evening remained the same  due to Bernard Richmond working away the evening was compared by Annette Shaw and Roger Harris.

The menu included , Tomato soup with Basil oil, slow cooked pressed beef, creamed potatoes and vegetables followed by Salted caramel Profiteroles with chocolate sauce and honeycomb.

This years charity raffle was' MACMILLIAN CANCER SUPPORT' which raised an amazing £465.

The New President Stuart Otani awarded both the Outstanding contribution award and the Lifetime achievement award. 

He then gave the following speech;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 Thank you for welcoming me here as President of the British Judo Council. It is a genuine pleasure, and I am proud to follow my grandfather and father in this special and important role. I stand before you committed to serving the best interests of the BJC, to preserve the ethos and spirit of traditional Judo, just as those before have done.

My father sends his regards. Although his health continues to decline, our family is enjoying every moment together. I’m very pleased to say he still retains his wonderful sense of humour and always makes me laugh — and much to my mother’s dismay, he still remembers the names of most people in this room.

Towards the end of last year, when it became necessary to re-register my father as a director of the BJC, we came together as a family to consider the future. We agreed that he should no longer carry the burden of formal responsibility. The subsequent decision to continue the Otani lineage, was made with care, respect, and with the long-term strength of the organisation in mind.

 I would like to sincerely thank you all for the many kind messages of support — they mean a great deal to us.

 Taking on this role has been both a challenge and a privilege. I know I have much to do to earn the respect and trust of the membership, and I am determined to do so. I follow in the footsteps of giants, and I am inspired by the legacy they have left behind.

The workload is considerable - but every part of it is an opportunity to contribute to something that truly matters. Like many of you, I balance this alongside work and family life, and I have an even greater appreciation now for the selfless contributions made by so many in this room. Whenever I feel the weight of responsibility, I think back to the moment I asked my father what he thought about being President. His face lit up with a huge smile and he said: “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.” And burst out laughing!

Over the past six years, we have experienced a period of significant change. The absence of key figures such as Mr Mealing and my father has been felt, and they are sorely missed . However their legacy continues to guide us, and their influence remainsat the heart of everything we do.

Becoming more involved has filled me with a real sense of admiration for the organisation.

We may not look like a conventional business — and perhaps we are not meant to. Because what we are is far more powerful. We are a community built on devotion, commitment, selflessness, cooperation, and mutual respect. We have people who give their time, energy, and passion not for reward, but because they believe in Judo and in each other.

That is our strength. That is what makes the BJC special. And that is what will carry us forward. Head Office — and particularly Annette — are the beating heart of this organisation.

 Around that heart are countless individuals, each contributing in their own way, each playing an important part in what we achieve together.

 Our role in leadership is to bring those efforts together, to support one another, and to ensure we continue moving forward with purpose and unity.

I am fortunate to have some exceptional people standing alongside me — individuals who have put aside personal ambition and who work tirelessly for the good of the organisation. People who understand the bigger picture and who uphold the values and ethos of the BJC in everything they do.

 I would like to ask Simon and Beryl to join me.

Thank you both. Your support — both to me and to my father — has meant more than I can properly express. You have helped guide me through this transition, and I am incredibly grateful.

Simon has given many years of dedicated service to the BJC, contributing across numerous roles. As Chair of the NTC and leader of the FPJ programme, he plays a vital role in shaping our standards and developing the future of our organisation. His integrity, experience, and reliability make him a cornerstone of our technical team.

Beryl has also made an outstanding contribution. Her expertise in Judo — particularly in Kata and grading — combined with her exceptional attention to detail, places her among the very best in our organisation. She has been instrumental in maintaining high standards, ensuring fairness and consistency in grading, and supporting events at all levels.

It is therefore my great pleasure to announce that Simon and Beryl are appointed as Deputy Vice Presidents, alongside John Cole, Paul Laskey, and Bernard Richmond — all individuals whose commitment and integrity I trust completely.

I am especially delighted to appoint Beryl as our first female Deputy Vice President — a significant and well-deserved milestone. In addition, she will also serve as Deputy Chief Examiner, recognising the invaluable work she has already been carrying out. Thank you both for accepting these roles and for your continued commitment.

And finally — thank you to everyone here tonight. Your dedication, your passion, and your contribution are what makes this organisation what it is. Every one of you plays a part in its success, and together we ensure that the spirit of the BJC continues.

Thank you to Annette and Roger for organising such a fantastic and enjoyable evening.

I look forward to seeing you all soon on the mat — continuing to learn, to support one another, and moving forward together.