What is Karate?
Contrary to what many may think, Karate has a relatively short history in comparison to many other martial arts. However, that's not to say that the history of Karate is any less rich than others. Karate has gone through many changes throughout its history, but it was popularised in Japan, hence it is considered by many to be a Japanese martial art.
At UCL Karate Club, we train all aspects of our being. We train in both traditional (Ko-ryū) and modern competition sport Karate. Whether you aim to increase your physical capability, learn self-defence, understand more about traditional karate, compete for your university at a national level, or all of the above - we have something for you.
Why UCL Karate?
UCL Karate Club is a fast growing club, and is a member of the Association 'Kofukan England' and part of 'Kofukan International'. Members of UCL Karate compete at all levels, some even at elite and international level. We were also the highest ranked University Karate Club in the South of England 2022 - 2023.
We share a direct lineage to the founders of 2 mainstream karate styles, Master Kenwa Mabuni (Shitō-ryū) and Master Chōjun Miyagi (Gōjū-ryū). Our instructor is a Shitō-ryū practitioner and has experience in various other styles. He is also an international medalist and an English Karate Federation accredited competition coach. Nevertheless, we welcome people from all backgrounds and levels, and encourage everyone, experienced or not, to try it out.
There are plenty of opportunities to progress with UCL Karate, as we hold regular gradings and partake in many national and international competitions, including the annual British University & College Sport Championships (BUCS) and many more. Additionally, we have frequent joint training sessions with other martial disciplines and other universities.
Are we ‘all work and no fun’? Absolutely not. We have a robust support system both at a group and an individual level. We also hold regular socials to not only train hard, but also play hard.
What do we offer?
We currently offer multiple memberships:
- Competitive Membership (£95)
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Whether you have previous experience in martial arts, want to compete, or are a beginner looking to climb the ranks - This membership is for you.
This full membership includes everything listed in the Novice membership, but also the opportunity to grade, progress and compete. This also gives you the opportunity to attend our competition squad sessions to refine your skills, all at no extra cost (bringing the value down to way below 30p a session.)
- Beginner Membership (£50)
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If you are just starting out, thinking about picking up a new skill or maybe even improving your fitness while learning self-defence? This is for you.
This membership allows you to attend ALL regular sessions and social events. We host regular socials and our sessions are coached. We also have senior grade led sessions to complement the coached sessions, allowing you to practice more! We train outside of the term time as well to maximise your progress! All with no extra charge. (This works out to 32p a session!)
Additionally, if you start to like the training and feel like grading or competing is for you, you can upgrade to competitive at any time, you only have to pay the difference. - Alumni membership (£70)
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We are more than just a university club. We think that the martial journey should be lifelong! If you are an alumni, we welcome you to join us with all the same benefits as the advanced membership.
- Taster membership, FREE.
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This membership allows you to attend the initial freshers taster sessions in Term 1 and the later held re-freshers sessions in Term 2 and beyond. Curious about karate? Come try it out! We have something for everyone, advanced or entirely new.
When are our sessions?
Tuesday - 19:00-20:30 (Multi-purpose Studio, Bloomsbury Fitness)
Tuesday - 20:30 - 22:00 (Mandela Studio, Bloomsbury Fitness)
Thursday - 20:30-22:00 (Multi-Purpose Studio, Bloomsbury Fitness)
Friday - 20:30 - 22:00 (Mandela Studio, Bloomsbury Fitness)
Want to get in touch?
Come and join our WhatsApp group! All of our club info and announcements are centralised here.
Alternatively, why not follow us on Instagram? You can also Email us here.
Looking forward to meeting you all! じゃあ、また!
This Club is Pride in Sport Accredited
UCL Karate Club have signed the Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment Pledge.
