Trevor Leggett

Trevor Leggett (1914-2000) was a prominent British figure known for his extensive involvement in judo, Japanese culture, and Eastern philosophy. He was among the first Europeans to train in martial arts in Japan, achieving a 6th dan rank from the Kodokan and the title of Shihan. Leggett served in the Ministry of Information during World War II and later became a key figure at the BBC's Japanese Service for over two decades. His efforts in bridging Japanese and British cultures were recognized by the Japanese government with the Order of the Sacred Treasure. Leggett also authored numerous books on judo, Zen Buddhism, and Eastern philosophy, and translated significant philosophical texts.

Leggett's early life was marked by a secret passion for judo, which he pursued due to being bullied at school. He trained extensively at the Budokwai in London under Yukio Tani and later studied under Hari Prasad Shastri, a teacher of Adhyatma Yoga, who profoundly influenced his philosophical outlook. His wartime experiences included internment in Japan and subsequent work in the Ministry of Information. Post-war, he continued teaching judo, establishing the Renshuden dojo for competitive training, and mentoring many key figures in British judo. He eventually shifted his focus to writing and lecturing on philosophy, particularly Zen and Adhyatma Yoga, in his later years.

Trevor Leggett was a highly accomplished judo practitioner, holding the rank of 6th dan from the Kodokan and the title of Shihan. He was instrumental in introducing Japanese martial arts and culture to the United Kingdom. Leggett trained under influential figures like Yukio Tani at the Budokwai and later studied Adhyatma Yoga with Hari Prasad Shastri, which deeply shaped his philosophical understanding. His dedication to judo led him to help numerous British practitioners train in Japan and facilitated visits by Japanese masters to the UK. For his contributions to cultural exchange, he was honored with Japan's Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1984.

Beyond his martial arts achievements, Leggett was a prolific author and translator, publishing over 30 books. His writings spanned judo, budo, Zen Buddhism, and Eastern philosophy. Notable works include 'A first Zen reader,' 'Samurai Zen: The warrior koans,' and 'Three ages of Zen.' His most significant literary undertaking, according to biographers, was a 17-year project translating a rare Sanskrit commentary dating from around AD 700. In his later years, Leggett focused increasingly on philosophy, lecturing at institutions like the Buddhist Society and the Theosophy Society, though he expressed dismay at the competitive direction judo had taken.

Leggett's life took a significant turn during World War II. Attached to the British Embassy in Tokyo, he was interned when Japan entered the war. During his internment, he maintained his judo training and studied philosophy at a Buddhist monastery. Following his exchange and return to Britain, he joined the Ministry of Information, specializing in Japanese language. He later served in the BBC's Japanese Service for 24 years, eventually heading the service, and continued his judo teaching post-war before retiring in 1969. His colleagues remembered him as a knowledgeable and respected figure.

“Trevor was a tall, rather gangling figure. He told me he had been outsize at school and bullied. He had taken up judo to work out the resentment which had built up inside him”

“Well, you know, I thought I'd give the training a miss tonight. I'm a bit off colour and a rest will do me good.' 'Now, Leggett San, if a man with evil intent rushes up to you in the street with a hammer, what are you going to say? I'm sorry but I don't feel too good. Can you attack me next week?'”

“Virtually all the key figures of British judo graduated from this class.”

“It is no exaggeration to say that one of the great figures of world judo has passed away.”