World Championships

The University Taekwon-Do World Championships stand as one of the most prestigious and inspiring events in the global Taekwon-Do calendar, uniting the world’s brightest student-athletes in a celebration of excellence, discipline, and international friendship. More than just a competition, it embodies the spirit of Taekwon-Do — perseverance, integrity, and indomitable spirit — while showcasing the future leaders of the art. Competitors represent not only their universities but also the values of academic achievement and athletic mastery, demonstrating that true champions excel both in mind and body. Each championship serves as a powerful reminder that Taekwon-Do is more than sport; it is a lifelong pursuit of self-improvement, cultural exchange, and global unity.

The University Taekwon-Do World Championships was developed by the vision and hard work of the British University Taekwon-Do League (BUTL). What began as a national effort to strengthen and connect university clubs in the UK has grown into an international platform that welcomes students from every corner of the world. Through dedication, collaboration, and a shared love of the art, BUTL has helped create opportunities for Taekwon-Do students to test their skills, share their cultures, and form lasting friendships. The international commitment to inclusivity and development has been instrumental in bringing this event to life, ensuring that the Championships remain a true celebration of student achievement and the unifying spirit of Taekwon-Do.

2026 – 3rd University Taekwon-Do World Championships, De Montfort University

The 3rd University Taekwon-Do World Championships took place in February 2026 at De Montfort University in Leicester. This edition marked the largest University World Championships to date, welcoming an impressive 1,077 competitors from 101 clubs across 70 countries, surpassing the records set in both 2022 and 2024.

The championships were held over two days. WT Poomsae and Kyorugi events took place on the first day, followed by ITF Patterns and Sparring on the second. Competitors progressed through multiple rounds across their respective divisions, with athletes demonstrating an exceptionally high standard of performance throughout the event. The overall level of competition highlighted the continued growth and significance of student Taekwon-Do on the international stage’

2024 – 2nd University Taekwon-Do World Championships, Nottingham Trent University

In March 2024, Nottingham Trent University proudly hosted the 2nd University Taekwon-Do World Championships — a landmark event in the global university martial arts calendar. The championship welcomed athletes from an impressive 90 universities across 53 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse editions to date.

Spanning three dynamic days of high-level competition, the event showcased exceptional skill, spirit, and sportsmanship from student martial artists around the world. For the first time in the event’s history, separate days were dedicated to ITF and WT Taekwon-Do, allowing each discipline to shine in its own right and providing a clearer platform for athletes and spectators alike. The energy throughout the competition was electric, as world-class performances and vibrant cultural exchange came together in celebration of Taekwon-Do and university sport.

2022 – Inaugural University Taekwon-Do World Championships, Manchester Metropolitan University

The 1st ever University Taekwon-Do World Championships were held at Manchester Metropolitan University in March 2022, after a two-year delay due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. As the debut of this pioneering event, the championships made a powerful statement about the resilience and passion of the university Taekwon-Do community.

Athletes from 72 universities and 47 countries gathered for a thrilling two-day competition, preceded by a special team seminar led by legendary UK Taekwon-Do Master Tony Vella VIII Dan. This seminar set the tone for what would become a historic and memorable weekend — not only celebrating world-class talent but also building a new global platform for university-level Taekwon-Do. The inaugural championships laid the foundation for future events, helping to establish a strong, united, and growing international network of student martial artists.