Taekwondo and Karate Club
Originating from Korea, many people practice Taekwondo to be fitter, stronger, and learn self-defence. The sport has progressed massively and has been an Olympic sport since 2000. We practice WT patterns (poomsae) and sparring (kyorugi) within the club, but also incorporate ITF style into classes and at BUCS!
The Japanese martial art Karate, includes patterns (kata) and sparring (kumite) like Taekwondo. The club mainly focuses on Shotokan Karate, but all styles are welcome! With the coaching of a 5th Dan Sensei, we take a team to BUCS and other external competitions!
There are many physical, mental, and social benefits to joining Taekwondo and/or Karate. The sports increase self-confidence, help us push the boundaries of our comfort zones, and help improve mental health. Training with people from different backgrounds helps our club to build a sense of community - most importantly by having fun!
At Taekwondo and Karate, we welcome a range of different abilities; from complete beginners to experienced. Everyone is encouraged to give Taekwondo and/or Karate a go!
Like other clubs, we hold weekly socials with various activities ranging from Wednesday nights out to sober socials. Alongside training, this is a great way to get to know each other and have fun!
Our social media accounts can be found on Instagram and TikTok @uoptaekwondokarate and Facebook. If you’re interested or have any questions, send us a message!
Get your sports club membership
With a one-off payment for the full year.
Please note for some compete memberships you need to be selected for the team. Check with the club first as to which membership type to purchase.
Club membership - 2024/25
- Half-year Compete: £57.50
Competitive Club Membership, covering training, coaching, competition entry & equipment.
- Half-year Development: £47.50
Development Club Membership, covering training & equipment. Competition not included.
Training Sessions at Ravelin Sports Centre
- Tuesday 8.15pm - 10.30pm
- Thursday 7.00pm - 9.00pm
- Sunday 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Competitions
Regular BUCS competitions against other university athletes, hosted in Ravelin Sports Centre and at other universities.
Play Memberships
Lots of our Team UOP Sports Clubs offer Play Memberships, a more casual way to play without committing to a year membership. Most Play Memberships are £32.50 for semester 2 (with some exceptions).
The sports included are:
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Cheerleading
- Climbing
- Cricket (Women's)
- Dodgeball
- Fencing
- Rowing (Indoor)
- Sailing
- Squash
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Volleyball
LGBTQ+ sports club guidance
We welcome all students to take part in non-competitive sports and we recognise the health and wellbeing benefits of being active. Competitive sports are bound by specific policies governed by the sport's National Governing Body which may be less inclusive. Please find below inclusion guidance for our club.
| Mixed-gender Club | Trans-gender Club | Non-binary Club | Gender-queer Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Partially | Yes | Yes |
| Taekwondo: Testing and medical examinations may be required. Transgender individuals can compete in their affirmed gender groups if all conditions are met. Karate: Transgender individuals will only be denied the right to compete if deemed unsafe or unfair. An individual must declare their status in order to uphold the FairPlay objective. Students are encouraged to contact the club and TeamUOP@port.ac.uk to discuss this. |
|||
Play: Yes - anyone can take part in our Play sessions if you hold the relevant membership.
Train: Fully Inclusive
Compete: Fully inclusive - Testing and medical examinations may be required. Transgender individuals will only be denied the right to compete if deemed unsafe or unfair.
Check out the full guidance on World Taekwondo and English Karate Federation.