Europe’s Oldest & Most Prestigious Martial Arts Club


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.

Dates for your Diary 2025

Toddlers & Judo Games, Mini, Midi Autumn Term


 Monday 8th September - Saturday 6th December & Friday 5th December for Toddlers


Half Term: Monday 27th October - Saturday 1st November & Friday 31st October for Toddlers


Competition 1: (No New Children) Sunday 19th October


Competition 2: Sunday 9th November


Grading Sho/Mon: Sunday 23rd November

Judo with Kohta - revised times as of May 2025

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Mondays All Levels - 12.30 – 13.30
Thursdays Selection Session 07.00 – 08.00
Fridays All Levels – 12.30 – 13.30


Achievements

 2019 All Japan University Championships 3rd place in the -73kg category
 2019 Kodokan Cup Championships 5th place in the -73kg category

Classes are booked online via the Mindbody app.

BJJ ABC Course 

Sign up to our exciting BJJ ABC Course with Ray Stevens Academy at The Budokwai, starting Wednesday 17th September 2025, 10 90 minute classes. 

This course will run for 10 weeks and will cover the fundamentals of BJJ, how to defend yourself and learn specific attacks and escapes. 

New BJJ training jacket, trousers and belt and graduation grading of 1st stripe. 

Attendees will receive half price membership of the Budokwai on completion of the course.  

Secure your place with the Reception team. 

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ABC in Judo 

ABC

The Absolute Beginners Course in Judo is held three times a year. A fantastic introduction to Judo, this 10 week course includes a gi, British Judo Association Introductory Licence and your grading / red belt fee. 

Judo ABC Autumn 


Course 1 with David Mesa Rey - Tuesday 23rd September - Tuesday 25th November 


Course 2 Jacqui Lloyd - Saturday 27th September - Saturday 29th November

 

Secure your place with the Reception team. 

 

NHS and British Armed Forces 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.

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107 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! 

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

 

 

2025 First Aid and Safeguarding courses at Ray Stevens Academy 

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For a full list of courses click here. 

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.