One of the great highlights of my journey to London, my time as a martial artist, and as a history nerd is today's visit to The Budokwai. The Budokwai is the longest running dojo in the whole of Europe, founded in 1918 by one of my historical heroes, Gunji Koizumi. The first head jujutsu instructor was Yukio Tani (who I mentioned in my Oxford Street post yesterday). The Budokwai saw visits from the founder of Judo, Master Jigoro Kano himself. In fact, at one point he pushed hard to have the Budokwai officially become "Kodokan London." For a variety of reasons, it didn't happen. Nonetheless, the Budokwai holds a place that may be second only to the 講道館　Kodokan Judo Institute in Japan with respect to historical prestige. This two story building, housing two dojo, is just incredible.