BUTL Fest is a distinctive week-long experience combining high-quality training, meaningful social interaction, and exceptional memory-making. Created for university students from across the country, the event integrates specialised martial arts training with a vibrant programme of social activities to deliver a truly outstanding experience.
Throughout the week, attendees engage in dynamic training sessions and interactive workshops led by distinguished guest instructors from around the world. Whether you aim to refine your skills, build confidence, or discover new opportunities, BUTL Fest provides the environment and momentum to elevate your development.
Complementing the training schedule is a diverse range of social events — including themed evenings, beach gatherings, water park excursions, and activities designed to foster lasting friendships.
Striking the ideal balance between structured training and leisure, BUTL Fest offers a refreshing blend of growth, relaxation, and connection.
More than a holiday, BUTL Fest is a community, an experience, and a unique opportunity to celebrate the end of the academic year with friends.
2025 – BUTL Fest: 10th Anniversary Edition
A Decade of Excellence. A Week to Remember.
BUTL Fest 2025 marked a major milestone — the 10th Anniversary of our festival — and it truly lived up to the hype. Expanded to a full 7-day experience, this record-breaking edition welcomed 240 attendees from 32 universities, making it the biggest and boldest BUTL Fest to date.
Participants took part in six intensive and diverse training sessions throughout the week, blending tradition and innovation with expert-led classes across Taekwon-Do, Olympic Taekwondo, and Kickboxing. The social scene was nothing short of legendary, with highlights including a sun-soaked beach party, a wild water park day, and celebratory nightlife to mark the anniversary in style.
Special Guest Instructors:
- Master Hwang Su Il VII Dan – the motion capture legend behind Hwoarang in Tekken, direct from Japan
- Ms Lauren Williams – Olympic Silver Medallist from Wales
- Master Tony Vella VIII Dan from Wales
- Master Richard Auciello VIII Dan from Italy
- Master Jonathan Barker VII Dan from England
- Ms Gina Koutsoupolou IV Dan from Greece
BUTL Fest 2025 was not just an event – it was a celebration of a decade of martial arts, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
2024 – BUTL Fest: Levelled Up
Stronger, sunnier, and even more spectacular.
In 2024, BUTL Fest returned with a renewed sense of energy and momentum. Spanning 6 packed days, the event welcomed 180 martial artists from 30 universities, ready to train, relax, and connect.
The week featured three high-impact training sessions led by a world-class lineup of instructors, offering something for everyone — from high-level technical work to inspiring seminars. Outside of training, attendees soaked up the Spanish sunshine with a vibrant beach party, adrenaline-filled water park adventure, and laid-back evenings with friends, old and new.
Special Guest Instructors:
- Master Richard Auciello VIII Dan from Italy
- Master Jonathan Barker VII Dan from England
- Ms Gina Koutsoupolou IV Dan from Greece
BUTL Fest 2024 delivered the perfect balance of training and celebration, continuing to grow the legend of BUTL.
2023 – BUTL Fest: The Beginning
Where it all began – and what a beginning it was!
The inaugural BUTL Fest launched in 2023 with a 5-day adventure that set the tone for everything to come. 150 attendees from 28 universities joined us for a groundbreaking festival that mixed elite martial arts with summer holiday vibes.
The training schedule featured three focused sessions, allowing attendees to learn from pioneering figures in the martial arts world, while also soaking up the fun of a legendary beach party and a thrilling day at the water park. For many, it was the perfect end-of-year escape — and the start of a new tradition.
Special Guest Instructors:
- Master Johann De Silva VII Dan from England
- Ms Sarah Stevenson MBE – GB’s first-ever Taekwondo Olympian from England
BUTL Fest 2023 was the spark that lit the fire — blending martial arts, sun, and celebration into something unforgettable.