[1][2] The symbol of the Budokwai is a stylised version of the kanji 武 in white on a blue cherry blossom, Koizumi said he chose the design as the character bu is made from the components 止, meaning stop, and 戈, meaning spear or fighting because "the aim of martial training is to stop fighting.

"[8] Gunji Koizumi created the Budokwai as a society to teach judo, kendo and other Japanese arts to members of the public.

Three Budokwai members made were part of the first British Olympic team, Brian Jacks, Syd Hoare and Tony Sweeney.

[8] In 2017 The Budokwai ran classes in Judo, Karate, Aikido, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Pilates, Hontai Yōshin-Ryū Ju-Jutsu and activities for babies and toddlers.

Judo is taught every day with separate classes held for children of different ages, adult beginners and experienced judoka.

The film, Hard Lesson The Gentle Way was produced and directed by Lucy Charles, The Sports Presentation Company and Six More Than Forty.

The Pyjama Game a book by Mark Law was described by the Observer as "A fascinating journey in which he unravels this most opaque of sports with humour, verve and style.

Mark Law has trained at the Budokwai in Chelsea, London since 1994 where he has studied under Tony Sweeney, Ray Stevens, Peter Blewett, Winston Gordon and Roger Gracie.

A portrait painting of Yukio Tani by George Lambourn, in the ownership of The Budokai, was restored by Lucia Scalisi during an August 2018 episode of the BBC Television programme The Repair Shop.

In March 1936 Sarah Mayer became the first non-Japanese woman to gain a Dan grade (black belt) in Judo.

Celebrity members have included musicians Kylie Minogue, Simon Le Bon and Mick Jagger.

[19] Sportsmen from other areas who have trained in judo at the Budokwai include Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Roger Gracie[20] and Olympic runner Sebastian Coe.

William Hague British politician and Foreign Secretary who regularly partnered Sebastian Coe for judo training at the Budokwai.