This important chapter of history is explored in ‘Masutaro Otani: Life of a Judo Master,’ a book written by Rio Finlay, Otani’s great-grandson. Finlay has dedicated his work to researching and preserving the early history of judo in Britain, ensuring that the stories of its pioneers are recorded and accessible.
A Master Arrives in Britain
Masutaro Otani was born in 1896 in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. A highly skilled judoka who would later be awarded 8th dan, he left Japan independently as a teenager and arrived in Britain in 1919. This was a significant moment in judo history, as it preceded the official visit of Jigoro Kano to the United Kingdom in 1920, when Kodokan judo was formally introduced.
Otani became involved with the Budokwai in London, one of the earliest and most influential judo institutions in Europe. There, he quickly established himself as an instructor and emerged as the leading disciple of Yukio Tani, another central figure in the development of judo in the country. Otani’s speed, technical precision and teaching ability distinguished him among his contemporaries.
Through his work in these academic environments, judo began to take root among students and educators, further strengthening its presence in British society.
Alongside Yukio Tani, Masutaro Otani played a key role in popularising judo across the country. They gave numerous public demonstrations, explaining the principles and philosophy of Kodokan judo to audiences encountering the discipline for the first time.
Otani also travelled extensively to newly established clubs throughout the territory, providing instruction and demonstrations that helped structure local practice. His influence grew steadily, and a large following developed around him. In recognition of his impact, his students formed an organisation named the Masutaro Otani Society of Judo, reflecting both their respect for his technical mastery and his role as a teacher.
Historical Organisations and Context
In the 1950s, another Japanese master, Kenshiro Abbe, arrived in Britain and founded the British Judo Council (BJC). Otani later partnered with Abbe and the two organisations were amalgamated. Through this process, Otani chose to set aside his own society’s name, and the unified organisation retained the name ‘British Judo Council.’
Masutaro Otani served as President of the BJC until his death in 1977. This period should be understood within its historical context. British judo at the time was characterised by multiple organisations and developmental pathways, long before the establishment of the unified Olympic framework represented today by the British Judo Association, the body recognised by the International Judo Federation. Otani’s significance lies in the formative years of judo’s establishment and growth in Britain, rather than in contemporary governance structures.
A Lasting Legacy
Otani’s legacy is both technical and human. Historically, he is remembered as a pioneer who helped establish judo in Britain at a time when the art was still largely unknown. Those who witnessed him in his prime described him as one of the fastest and most dynamic throwing exponents of his era. For his long-term students, however, his legacy went far beyond technique. He was remembered as a humble man, a patient and generous teacher and a judoka who embodied the values of respect and self-control that lie at the heart of judo.
Preserving Judo History
For Rio Finlay, the motivation to write Masutaro Otani: Life of a Judo Master was driven by a desire to preserve an important chapter of judo history. While the family connection is significant, the primary aim of the book is historical documentation. “The story of how judo left Japan and spread across the world is extraordinarily fascinating,” Finlay explains. “It is important to curate and archive as much of this history as possible.”
Through this work, Masutaro Otani’s contribution to British judo is placed firmly within its historical context, ensuring that the efforts of early pioneers continue to be recognised and remembered.
The book is available on Amazon and Etsy through the following links: