Fun Fact: The above photograph depicts a 'Hogu Train'. In Taekwondo, 'Hogu' is the word for the chest protector worn during sparring. A 'train' is formed as people stand behind one another to help others secure their chest protector.
About Us
Taekwondo is one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the world, renowned for its spectacular kicking techniques and acrobatics. Practitioners develop fast, powerful strikes and improve their mobility, flexibility, explosiveness, and general athletic qualities.
University first-timers, returners, people who cross-train in other martial arts, and international-level Taekwondo athletes come together to train and socialise in the same space. Our sessions are led by qualified coaches and student leaders with a modern and inclusive approach. Beyond training, we boast a regular and fun social calendar with unique activities like roller skating and ninja warrior! In the most recent Bristol Rate My Group survey, 100% of our participating members strongly agreed that “being part of my student group has helped me to feel part of a student community.”
We compete three times a year at the BUCS Taekwondo Championships, which provide a route for qualification into the EUSA Games for the highest-level athletes, and a fun weekend away for all involved! Our club has recently invested into electronic point-scoring systems that we are excited to use in our training sessions.
Wherever you may be in your Taekwondo journey, we would love to meet and welcome you into our sports club! Check out our socials:
Training Information
Timetabled sessions for 2024/25 have concluded. However, we are still meeting for training frequently over the summer in our regular training spaces. Please get in touch for information on upcoming sessions.
Training Timetable 2025/26 (Provisonal)
Membership Details 2024/25
At UoBTKD, we offer two membership plans: full membership and partial membership. A full membership gives you free access to all of the sessions we’ll host this academic year, along with the right to attend tournaments and buy gear and themed merchandise. A partial membership provides discounted ticket prices for each session, while still allowing you to attend tournaments and purchase merchandise. If you don't have a membership, you'll need to pay the full ticket price for each session.
If you have a partial membership and would like to upgrade to a full membership, you can purchase an upgraded membership by paying the difference between the price of a partial and a full membership. This will give you all the benefits of a full membership. You can upgrade to a full membership at any point in time.
If you expect to attend more than five sessions this year, we recommend getting a membership. For those planning to attend more than eight sessions, which is one month of sessions, the full membership is the best option.
We are now pleased to announce the introduction of half year memberships for those joining from Teaching Block 2 and onwards.
| Membership Type | Membership Price | Ticket Price |
| None | 0 | £7 |
| Partial | £20 | £3 |
| Half Year | £40 | 0 |
| Full | £60 | 0 |
Bristol SU recognises that the costs of participating in student groups can be prohibitively expensive for some students. The Activity Hardship Fund was created to support those students who wouldn't otherwise be able to participate in their chosen activity due to the cost.
FAQs
What do I need to bring to training?
Just some water! If you're expecting to do sparring, please bring your own protective gear if you have any. Contact us if you have any questions about your gear.
Do I need a uniform?
Absolutely not! Wear anything you feel comfortable doing sports in. Most of us wear a t-shirt and dobok trousers to training.
I have never done martial arts before, can I come?
Of course! Many of our members started learning Taekwondo at university. Also, everyone is keen to share their knowledge, just ask the person next to you if you need extra help with something!
Do I have to fight others?
We will never make you do something you're not comfortable doing! The purpose of sparring is to experiment and learn techniques that are effective against resisting opponents. Rest assured, our student leaders are experienced and know how to conduct training safely. Any behaviour deemed reckless and/or dangerous will be stopped immediately and sanctioned accordingly.
Is there contact when fighting?
Yes, but its light contact while training! Strikes delivered unto others during training are not meant to injure.
Am I flexible enough for Taekwondo?
Yes! There are exercises and progressions for all levels of mobility. Practising Taekwondo often will certainly improve your flexbility and mobility.
Contact Us
The Committee 2025/26
Gallery
