The Budokwai is the oldest and most famous Japanese martial arts club in Europe. For nearly a century, the club has been both a beacon of excellence and a prime mover in their development. It played a leading role in the establishment of the European Judo Union (EJU) and the International Judo Federation (IJF).
Some of the most distinguished figures in the history of the Japanese martial arts have trained or taught at the Budokwai, including many Olympic medalists. Although primarily a judo club for much of in its early days, it now embraces Shotokan Karate, Aikido and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.