Europe's Oldest & Most Prestigious Judo and Martial Arts Club
Established 1918 

Opened in 1918 by the, ‘Father of British Judo,’ Gunji Koizumi Sensei, the Budokwai offers a range of classes for children and adults. Nurture your physical and mental wellbeing at Europe’s oldest and most prestigious Judo and Martial Arts Club. Our two dojos in the heart of Chelsea are home to Judo, translated as, ‘the gentle way,’ from 6 months old, Shotokan Karate from 6 years, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Hontai Yoshin Ryu Ju-Jitsu, Yoga and Pilates from 16 years. Our Martial Arts instructors are all highly qualified, experienced and able to offer a range of coaching and instruction for the complete novice through to Olympic standard. Beginners are carefully taught techniques most suited to their ability and proceed up the grades towards the much-coveted Dan grade and Black Belt (discipline specific). We look forward to welcoming you at GK House.

  • Easter Activities at The Budokwai

    Budokwai Babies & Toddlers JudoGym and Art

    Walking - 5 years

    Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th & Friday 5th

    Art 09:30-10:20 JudoGym 10:30-11.30

     Junior Judo Camp

    6-14 years

    Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th  

    12:30-16:30

    Secure your place with our Reception team.

  • Dates for your diary 


    Spring Term 2024

    Tuesday 2nd January - Thursday 28th March


    Club Closed Easter - Good Friday 29th March - Easter Mon 1st April

    Summer Term 2024

    Monday 15th April - Saturday 20th July 2024

    Half - Term Monday 27th May - Saturday 1st June 2024

    Summer 2024 Judo ABC

    Course 1 with David Mesa Rey Tuesday 30th April – Tuesday 2nd July 2024. 18:30

    Course 2 with Jacqui Lloyd Saturday 4th May – Saturday 6th July 2024. 14:00

  • Shohei Ono at the Budokwai

    ono bdk

    Read the article from Thea Cowen on the European Judo Union website here.

  • The Budokwai mourns Alfie Gayle

    Alf Gayle

     

    Read the obituary written by John Goodbody, here.

  • NHS and British Military discount on Judo and Karate classes 

    Please show your respective (NHS/Military) ID cards when applying for this discount rate of £5.50 per Judo & Karate classes.

  • Aikido with Sensei Rinaldo Rustico

    Mondays 20:00-21:30

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  • ABC in Judo 

    ABC

    The Absolute Beginners Course in Judo is held three times a year. 

     

    Summer 2024 Judo ABC

    Course 1 with David Mesa Rey Tuesday 30th April – Tuesday 2nd July 2024. 18:30

    Course 2 with Jacqui Lloyd Saturday 4th May – Saturday 6th July 2024. 14:00

  • 106 years of The Budokwai 

     

    On Saturday 26 January 1918 with 12 members, The Budokwai was founded by Gunji Koizumi at Lower Grosvenor Place. 

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    Thank you for all your support over the years! 

  • BJJ/Judo class

    with Ray Stevens. Black Belt 3rd degree, Olympic Silver Medalist, 

    Fridays 13:00-14:20

    This exciting new class will see the best of both disciplines meet. Running alongside each other, this BJJ and Judo class will take place in the main dojo. 

    All levels welcome, Judo and BJJ gis welcome as well as no gi. 

    We look forward to seeing you in the dojo!

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  • PB_copy

    Peter Blewett retires from the British Judo Board

    https://www.ijf.org/news/show/peter-blewett-retires-from-british-judo-board


  • Cyd Child


    Chris was the first woman to be allowed to train with elite male judoka at the Budokwai and became European Champion twice and won six gold medals at the British Open Championships. Known as Cyd Child in the film industry, she was a celebrated and immensely successful stunt performer.

    Her book is available to buy from the Reception. 

     

  • Judo Gradings

    Held on the last Sunday of every month except August and December. 

    Book in from 11:30, first contest at 12:00. 1st kyu and above. 

    Good luck to all Judoka! 

    Dan grades are advised to email in advance to peter@budokwai.co.uk to ensure there are sufficient attendees. 

    Budokwai Judo

    Gradings for 2024, last Sunday of every month except August and December. 

     

     

  • Judo Technique

     

    Iurie Burazer will be running the Judo Technique classes on Wednesdays from 18:30-19:30.

    We look forward to seeing you there!

     

     

     

     

Directed by Lucy Charles 
Produced by Jamie Partridge and Dean White.