Shikanosuke KOJIMA mentioned before the formation of Shinsengumi (in July 1862) that Okita 'is someone who will definitely reach the level of a master of the sword later in his life' ("Kojima Nikki") and Kanefumi NISHIMURA, although critical of the Shinsengumi, called him 'Kondo's most cherished follower and the best swordsman in his unit' and 'a genius with the sword' ("Mibu Roshi Shimatsuki").
小島鹿之助は新選組結成前（文久2年（1862年）7月）に「この人剣術は、晩年必ず名人に至るべき人なり」（『小島日記』）と述べているし、新選組に批判的な西村兼文は「近藤秘蔵の部下にして、隊中第一等の剣客なり」「天才的剣法者」（『壬生浪士始末記』）と述べている。