The accepted entries can be found on the tab above.

Competitors should have their student ID present at registration and weigh-in. Registration will take place at the following times:

Friday: 5:30 – 7:30pm alongside the weigh-in.

Saturday: 08:00 – 09:00am

Sunday: 8:30 – 9:30am

Competitors only need to register once.

All coaches should fill out the disclaimer and information form here prior to or on the day of the competition. Coaches will then be able to obtain a wristband at the morning briefing, allowing them to approach the Karate mat. Any coaches who do not have a wristband will not be allowed to coach around the mat and will be asked to go to the registration desk to register before being allowed to approach the mat. A maximum of four wristbands can be claimed per institution, by filling out the form.

Competitors will get two attempts to weigh-in. Competitors will not be allowed to strip down to underwear and should wear as a minimum shorts/legging and a t-shirt/vest top. Men will be given an allowance of 0.3kg, and women 0.6kg to reflect this.

Competitors can weigh-in at the following times for this year’s Championships:

• Friday 5:30-7:30pm (Competitors can also register during this time)
• Saturday: After the Kata has finished on Saturday afternoon. Please listen for announcements.
• Sunday: 9:00-9:30am (Competitors who have not already registered can do so during this time)

ALL PLAYERS MUST BRING THEIR VALID LICENSE TO THE WEIGH IN.

Please note, all competitors must present a photographic student ID at weigh-in. Any competitor without the relevant identification will not be permitted to compete. As per BUCS regulations this event will be run in accordance with WKF rules. All competitors must hold a valid, up to date recognisable karate licence, duly completed with full and appropriate grading history. For competitors that gained grades from another association, then that licence must also be presented for scrutiny. Licence checks will be carried out on the day, and Universities and competitors are reminded that a valid licence must be presented upon request; failure to do so WILL result in entry being denied. Any digital licences should at the least have a full name matching a piece of ID (Driving Licence, Passport, etc)

Please note that this schedule can be subject to change on the day, with final decisions being taken by the Tournament Director.

Friday

17:30 – 19:30 Opportunity for Registration and Weigh-In

Saturday

08:00 – 09:00 Registration

09:00 Coaches/ Captains/ Team Rep meeting. Compulsory for ALL INSTITUTIONS. Coaches to collect wristbands, team captains to collect Kumite Team Sheets.

10:00 Kata Events (starting with team kata, concluding with individual kata. Please note for senior individual Kata the Gold Medal match will take place live on YouTube on Sunday)

14:30 All Team Kumite (concluding with team kumite finals)

14:30 Weigh in opens (Approx, please listen to PA announcements – If you have weighed in on Friday you do not need to weigh again)

18:30 (Approx) Team Kumite Finals

Sunday

08:30 – 09:30 Registration

09:00 - 09:30 Weigh In

09:30 Coaches/ Captains/ Team Rep meeting

09:45: All Novice Individual Kumite - lightest weights first

11:30: All Senior Individual Kumite – lightest weights first

17:30: Individual Senior Kumite & Senior Individual Kata Finals (Livestreamed on YouTube)

19:00: Medal Presentations (approx.)

As a reminder, the following equipment is compulsory and must be provided by the competitors themselves:

•            Belts and Mitts (None will be available around the mats on the day).

•            Gum shields, foot and shin pads and ladies chest protectors.

•            Groin guards (These are advised but not compulsory).

In addition, competitors, as well as coaches, must only wear insignia of their institutions on all clothing including the Gi. No insignia of style, nation, federation, or association will be allowed. Gi does not have to be WKF approved.

Individual Kata

8th to 4th kyu

Pinan/Heian kata only. Competitors will be expected to know a minimum of two kata, but will not be allowed to repeat a kata consecutively (including the final). They may alternate between any of the five pinan/heian kata as they wish or between the minimum two.

3rd to 1st kyu (brown belt kata)

Only the following kata may be performed, even in the final stage. Competitors may repeat any kata only once but not consecutively. The number of kata a finalist will need will depend on the entry, but a minimum two kata should be sufficient. If the entry is unusually large, we will review the situation prior to the event. To be clear, competitors entering the intermediate category may only perform kata from the following list for the whole competition:

Bassai dai (Passai)

Saifa

Seienchin (Seiyunchin)

Juroku (Seiru)

Matsukaze (Wankan)

Jion

Shio-kosokun

Tekki Shodan (Naihanchin Shodan or Naifanchin)

Gekiai dai Ichi or Ni

Heian or Pinan kata’s

All categories will be run using flags.

Team Kata

Teams will be required to have a minimum of two kata.

Teams will be required to perform a different kata to the previous kata for all medal matches. A team may perform the same kata for all elimination rounds but must perform a different kata for the final.

The BUCS Karate Rules and Regulations can be found here.

Unless otherwise stated in entry information, event guide or any other information about BUCS Karate, this event is ran using WKF rules.

Please see Appendix 1 for the BUCS Points available at this event.

Changes to weight category are not permitted after event entry closing date (23 January 2025 at 23:59pm). If a competitor fails to make weight, the event organisers will offer the competitor the chance to compete in the weight category they fall into, if there is available space in that category. If there is no space, the competitor will not be able to compete and will not be refunded their entry.

To withdraw from the event, please contact your Institution Administrator who should inform the event lead. Withdrawals after the event entry closing date (23 January 2025 at 23:59pm) will still be charged the entry fee.

Withdrawals after 17:00 on Monday 10 February 2025 or not withdrawing/not registering at the event will be classified as a ‘no-show’ and will be charged the entry fee and an additional £50 fine payable by the Athletic Union (or equivalent).

Please see REG 7.9 for our withdrawal policy.

It is recommended for competitors to park at the official event car park - Castlegate Q Park (closest to Ponds Forge) or Sheffield Station.

On the day event parking customers will receive a 25% discount on the published prices by scanning their ticket whilst in Ponds Forge.

Extremely limited parking is available at the venue, Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, for those with a disability/accessibility need (Blue badge holders – Free, although please ensure you input your car registration details at reception on arrival).

Vehicles can be left in the Ponds Forge Car Park overnight (9.00pm - 8.00am) at a cost of £5.00, but please note that the car park is locked with no access in or out when the venue is closed.

Male and female changing facilities will be available but once you have changed, please keep your possessions with you and do not leave them in the changing rooms, as the event does not have exclusive use of the facilities.

Should you need to make use of an accessible changing room, please ask the Ponds Forge reception who will be able to show you to one.

Competitors are responsible for their own food and drink. There is a cafe within the venue, however please note, that it is expected the cafe will be extremely busy throughout the day with the volume of competitors from BUCS Nationals, so it is recommended to ensure adequate time to eat prior to your competition starting. BUCS will not be responsible for competitors missing their category being called. There are various facilities within a 5–10-minute walk of the venue.

BUCS reminds competitors and spectators that we all have a responsibility to keep the venue and competition areas clean and tidy, and please use the bins provided.

Spectators are permitted however must only spectate from the bleacher seating. Spectators should not approach the competition mats. You do not need to purchase a ticket to spectate.

Presentations for all categories at the event will take place after the conclusion of the Individual Kata and Kumite Finals on Sunday 16 February 2025. Please stay to celebrate fellow competitors’ successes if possible!

Anyone wishing to take photos or video at this event must complete the BUCS Nationals Media Accreditation Form prior Sunday 9 February at 23:59. No further signups will be allowed after this point.

BUCS reserves the right to prohibit photography equipment being used at a BUCS event. BUCS reserves the right to request that the individual ceases to take photographs, deletes any images and, if considered necessary, leaves the venue.

BUCS are delighted to announce the supporting partner of Nationals 2025:   

• Milk Every Moment - a campaign showcasing the nutritional value of milk for sports students  

Milk Every Moment is a campaign showcasing milk, the timeless classic in your fridge, it is more than just a beverage, it's a nutritional powerhouse. Loaded with essential nutrients, it's a top-notch source of high-quality protein, all you need to build and repair muscles after a workout. Whether you're gearing up for your race or looking to recover post event, take a look at the website for more information and useful recipes.  

Our partner are excited to be supporting you as you take on a thrilling weekend of sport. You will find Milk Every Moment ambassadors located across all venues during the event, where they'll be offering the opportunity to win some exclusive giveaways.

We also have Ashaway as our badminton sports programme partner. Ashaway will be located at EIS, offering their restringing service to all students.

The sustainability of our event matters to us and these are the positive steps we are taking to manage our environmental impact:

• All staff and volunteers are encouraged to travel to the event via public transport
• We have used local suppliers where possible
• Event programmes are all online, minimising paper use
• We will print on demand merchandise (if applicable)
• We are beginning to track our carbon footprint across BUCS events to identify areas of improvement.

How can you help at this event? Here’s some ideas:

• Be self-sufficient by bringing your own refillable bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste
• Ensure you are disposing of waste correctly – Check around the venue for specific recycling and food waste bins.
• Travel smarter – as a team on a minibus, cycle or use public transport - utilise the Sheffield Supertram for travelling from the around our venues
• Go paperless - use your phone for all event information

BUCS’ mission is to provide exceptional student sporting experiences that inspire, develop and unite.  

Critical to our success is our commitment to always providing safe, friendly and enjoyable environments for all participants. Whether competing, coaching, officiating, volunteering, working or spectating at these events, the welfare of all is critical to our mission.  

To find out more or report a concern, please click here.