Please find the full list of accepted entries below:

BUCS Karate - Accepted Entries (v2 released 06.02.26 with changes) 

If you have any questions, please reach out to BUCS Events.

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. If you are unable to make any of these registration times, please email BUCS Events.

All coaches must fill out the disclaimer and information form here prior to or on the day of the competition, in order to coach at the Karate mat.

Once you have done this, coaches will then be able to obtain accreditation at the morning briefing, allowing them to approach the Karate mat. Accreditation will be generic, per university, up to a maximum of 4 per institution (Allowing for one coach to be present at each mat simultaneously if necessary). Coaches must be wearing the correct attire (Tracksuit bottoms and a university/neutral top).

Whilst accreditations are designed to be able to be passed around coaches, any coach who is at the mat MUST have filled out the disclaimer above to hold an accreditation. Spot checks may be carried out through the competition and if an institution is found to have a coach who has not completed the disclaimer, they risk all accreditations being removed for the rest of the competition. You do not need an accreditation to attend and/or coach outside of the mats, only to approach and/or coach at the Karate mat.

Competitors will get two attempts to weigh-in. Competitors will not be allowed to strip down to underwear and should wear as a minimum Gi bottoms/tracksuit bottoms (Shorts are not permitted) and a t-shirt/sports top. Men will be given a total allowance of 0.7kg, and women 1kg to reflect this (Including the standard WKF allowances).

Competitors can register and 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: 8:30-9:30am (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)

SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND/OR LAST-MINUTE ALTERATIONS

Friday

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

Saturday

08:15 – 09:15 Registration

09:15 Coaches/ Captains/ Team Rep meeting. Compulsory for ALL INSTITUTIONS. Coaches to collect accreditations, 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 and Weigh In

09:30 Coaches/ Captains/ Team Rep meeting

09:45: All Novice Individual Kumite - lightest weights first, followed by all Senior Individual Kumite – lightest weights first

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

18:30: 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 lady’s chest protectors are compulsory.

•            Groin guards are advised.

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. Brand logos will be acceptable as long as they are small, and at the bottom of the jacket/trouser leg only.

The rules and regulations for the event can be found here.

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

Changes to weight category are not permitted after event entry closing date (22 January 2026 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 (22 January 2026 at 23:59pm) will still be charged the entry fee.

Withdrawals after 17:00 on Tuesday 10 February 2026 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.

Anyone wishing to take photos or video at this event must complete the Nationals Media Accreditation Form prior to the event. 

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. 

If you wish to take photos or videos at this event, please contact the BUCS Event Lead.  

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 15% 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.

If you are bringing a larger vehicle, then the following car parks have no height restrictions and are within a 15 minute walk of Ponds Forge: 

- Sidney Street (S1 4RG)

- Matilda Street (S1 4QW) 

Please note that Sheffield have introduced a Clean Air Zone in the city centre and therefore charges may apply when driving to and around Sheffield over the course of the weekend. 

Male, female and gender-neutral changing facilities will be available and signposted, 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, serving a range of hot and cold food as well as a range of hot and soft drinks, open from 08:30-19:00. There are also various facilities within a 5–10-minute walk of the venue in the city centre.

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

Spectators are permitted, however must only spectate from the bleacher seating. Spectators should not approach the competition mats, or watch from the floor. The only people who should be on the competition floor are spectators, coaches with a valid accreditation, and event staff.

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 15 February 2026. Please stay to celebrate fellow competitors’ successes if you are able. If you are a medal winner but cannot stay till the end of the event, please alert a member of BUCS staff who will be able to present you with your medal and make a note of you absence from the medal presentations on Sunday.

BUCS are delighted to announce Milk Every Moment and Subway as the supporting partners of Nationals 2026.

Milk Every Moment is a campaign showcasing milk, the timeless classic in your fridge; it’s more than just a beverage, it's a nutritional powerhouse. Loaded with essential nutrients, it's a top-notch source of high-quality protein and has 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. You will find Milk Every Moment ambassadors located across the venues during the event, where they'll be offering the opportunity to win some exclusive giveaways. 

Subway joins Nationals 2026 as a supporting partner through its wider BUCS collaboration, encouraging students to get active as part of its ‘Fresh Moves’ initiative. During the event, Subway will be present across venues with fun activations, games, and more opportunities to win exclusive giveaways. 

Our Nationals 2026 partners are excited to be supporting you as you take on a thrilling weekend of sport. You can also find further information about our partners on the official event webpage. 

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 tracking our carbon footprint across BUCS events.

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 to, from and around our BUCS Nationals venues
• Go paperless - use your phone for all event information!

SAFEGUARDING AT BUCS EVENTS

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.

As you step onto the national stage at BUCS Nationals, remember that performing at your best means competing clean. You are responsible for every substance that enters your body, so take a moment to protect yourself: check any medication you plan to use on Global DRO, think carefully before using supplements, and ensure you know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to anti-doping testing.

UK Anti-Doping’s 100% me principles are here to support you—helping you make confident, informed choices so nothing gets in the way of your performance. 

If something doesn’t feel right, or you have concerns, speak up and Protect Your Sport. Competing clean isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about respecting yourself, your competitors, and the sport you love.