After a two year wait, with the last championships taking place in February 2020, university students are finally returning to Sheffield to compete in the 2022 BUCS Karate Championships.
There is a lot of anticipation in the air, with expectations high for a competition full of quality. For those travelling to Sheffield, this article will contain all you need to know ahead of the Championships.
Combined with insight from university students competing in the Karate Championships, Freshered has put together to comprehensive guide ahead of the eagerly-awaited return of BUCS Karate.
Location and Date
BUCS returns to the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield, the location of the majority of the BUCS Nationals events, which took place last month. It is not long now until the action ensues, with the event taking place this weekend, on Saturday March 12, and Sunday 13.
In order to compete, according to the event guide, all competitors must provide photographic student ID. Moreover, all competitors must hold a valid karate licence in order to compete, with spot checks being carried out throughout the day. Failure to provide the correct licence ‘may be denied entry.’
Weigh in for competitors is taking place on Saturday afternoon, with the event guide asking competitors to ‘listen out for announcements.’
What Events are Taking Place during the Championships?
There are a lot of different events that the fighters will be competing in over the course of the weekend. Competitors will have the opportunity to compete in one of three categories: Novice, Intermediate, or Senior. Over the weekend, there will be a wide variety of two different disciplines competitors will be judged on, varying between team and individual events: Kata, and Kumite.
What is Kata and Kumite?
I have to confess that I was also confused when I read those terms for the first time as well. However, my confusion was quickly put to to bed during my two interviews with Ada and Rasmus, two university students who will be competing in these championships.
When asked to describe Kumite, Ada described the style of karate as ‘sparring, but not to the extent of boxing, as you don’t come out with a bloody nose.’ Rasmus added that Kumite contains ‘semi-contact,’ with the emphasis on ‘control.’ This allows ‘multiple matches a day, instead of just one, like MMA for instance.’
Kata was described by Ada as ‘the showing of movement, a sequence you learn, which we demonstrate to our own beat.’ Rasmus adds to this that ‘Kata allows you to demonstrate your technique as explosively, and sharply as possible.’
What facilities are there at the venue?
Those competing are responsible for bringing their own food and drink, and there is an on-site cafe. Competitors are reminded to keep the venue clean, using the bins provided.
Changing rooms are available, but competitors are asked to not leave their clothes in there, as other people not involved in the championships also will have access to them throughout the day.
There is on-site parking, charged at £10 a day.
Good luck to all those competing in Sheffield this weekend.