At the martial art’s spiritual home, athletes seize what may be their only chance to compete at the Games
Tucked away in the heart of Kitanomaru park, built on ancient Edo period castle grounds and a leisurely walk from the Imperial Palace, the Nippon Budokan sits handsomely. The Budokan, as it is known, has had so many uses over the years, from Led Zeppelin concerts to Muhammad Ali’s hybrid rules fight with Antonio Inoki, that it is often difficult to keep track.
But in a world of failed Olympic legacies and discarded stadiums, its initial reason for existence remains as relevant as ever. The arena was built just in time for the 1964 Olympics, when it was the first site of judo’s enduring presence in the Games. It has become a notable venue for martial arts. On Wednesday it assumed a similar role to 1964 by welcoming karate into the Olympic Games.
