Yukio Tani

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Yukio Tani (1881 – 1950) introduced the art of Judo (originally called Kano Ryu JuJitsu) to the United Kingdom. Tani was also a student of Tenjin Shinyo-ryu Jiu-Jitsu

Beginning in late 1900, through the influence of Edward William Barton-Wright (Bartitsu), Yukio Tani appeared at music halls giving demonstrations of Jiu Jitsu and placing challenges to all comers. On stage he was known as the "pocket Hercules" and was famous throughout all levels of London society. Along with fellow Jiu Jitsu practitioner Sadekazu Uyenishi, Tani was also employed as a Jiu Jitsu instructor at Barton Wright's "Bartitsu School of Arms and Physical Culture" at 67b Shaftesbury Avenue in London's Soho district.

After breaking with Barton-Wright in 1903, Tani joined forces with veteran show business promoter William Bankier. He toured the Music Hall circuit, where he would challenge anyone willing to test his skill. With the temptation of winning £1 for lasting each minute, for a bout of up-to 5 minutes, or £5 to £100 for winning, there was never a shortage of challengers.

At 5 feet 6 inches (1.67m) Tani allegedly lost only one music hall match and that was to a fellow Japanese national (Taro Miyake in 1905). During one week at the Oxford Music Hall, Yukio Tani met and defeated thirty-three men, some of whom were well known continental wrestlers. In one six-month tour Tani defeated an average of 20 men a week, a total of over 500 challengers over the period of the tour. [1]

In 1904 Tani opened the Japanese School of JuJitsu that was located at 305, OXFORD Street W, London. This school was to remain open for a little over two years. [2]

In 1918 Tani was the first professional teacher at the Budokwai, the UK's (and Europe's) first Kodokan Judo club, with membership open to the general public. Tani was promoted to Nidan by Jigoro Kano in 1920. [3] Eventually Tani reached the rank of 4th-dan. [4]

Yukio Tani suffered a stroke in 1937 but continued to teach from the sidelines of the Budokwai mats until his death (January 24, 1950).