Tadao Otaki

About the Author

Tadao Otaki is a distinguished martial arts master and scholar whose lifelong dedication to judo has profoundly influenced practitioners worldwide. Born in Japan, Otaki began his training under the tutelage of legendary instructors at the Kodokan, rising to the rank of 8th dan black belt. With decades of experience as both a competitor and educator, he has committed to preserving the authentic techniques and philosophical underpinnings of judo. His seminal work, Judo Formal Techniques: A Complete Guide to Kodokan Randori no Kata, co-authored with Masahiko Hashimoto, stands as an indispensable resource for understanding the intricate forms of randori no kata. Through his writings and teachings, Otaki bridges traditional Japanese martial arts with contemporary practice, inspiring generations to pursue excellence in body, mind, and spirit.