October is going to finish with one of the biggest weekends of the year at Widnes Martial Arts HQ.
On Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October, we have a full weekend of training, fundraising and testing as we begin the final run towards the 2026 UK Kuk Sool Won Championships in Liverpool.
There is quite a lot happening, so this post is the main place to find out what is going on and what you need to know.
Saturday 24th October: Tournament preparation begins
The UK Championships take place in Liverpool on 27th and 28th November, and Saturday marks the beginning of our dedicated tournament preparation.
Over the following weeks we will spend additional time working specifically on the areas students will need for competition, including forms, techniques, falling partnerships, presentation and, where appropriate, sparring and weapons.
Tournament training is not just about chasing medals. Preparing for competition gives students a very clear target to work towards and encourages them to sharpen their technique, perform under pressure and raise their overall standard.
We have a fantastic record at these events, but that record has always been built on the same thing: good preparation before we ever arrive at the tournament.
A full schedule of the dedicated tournament training sessions will be published separately.
If this will be your first Kuk Sool Won tournament, or you simply need a refresher on how everything works, we have completely updated our tournament information page for 2026.
2026 UK Tournament Information
It covers competition format, clothing and equipment, entry fees, sparring, techniques, Grand Champion competition and what to expect over the weekend.
Saturday 24th October: The Charity Bake-Off
Tournament training also coincides with one of our favourite annual events: the Widnes Martial Arts Charity Bake-Off.
Students, parents, instructors and families are invited to bring along their best homemade cakes, biscuits, brownies or other creations for our judging team to sample.
There is no charge to enter. Instead, we ask everyone taking part to make a donation to Halton Cancer Support Centre when they arrive. Please bring cash on the day if possible.
We will also donate the entry fees from the tournament training sessions taking place that weekend, so the day helps us raise money for an important local charity while getting the team ready for Liverpool.
As always, the judging will be taken extremely seriously, even if the judges themselves may not be.
More information about entries and timings will follow nearer the weekend.
Sunday 25th October: Test Day
Sunday will be our next Kuk Sool Won testing day.
Testing in Kuk Sool Won is not simply a case of reaching the end of a section of syllabus. Students are selected when we believe they have reached the required technical standard and are ready for the expectations of the next stage of their training.
Testing invitations will be sent by email approximately two weeks before the test.
If you receive an invitation, it means the instructor team believes you are ready to be tested. Until then, everyone should simply keep training, improving and working towards their next goal.
We have also completely updated our testing information page, including the requirements for coloured belt testing, fitness expectations and an introduction to the longer Black Belt testing process.
It is worth reading even if you are not expecting to test this time, particularly for newer students and parents who want to understand how progression works at Widnes Martial Arts.
One big weekend, then the road to Liverpool
The Big Kuk Sool Weekend marks the beginning of the final part of our year.
Saturday starts our focused preparation for Liverpool, gives us another opportunity to raise money for an important local charity and brings the whole school together.
Sunday gives those who have earned the opportunity the chance to demonstrate how far their training has progressed.
Then we have just over a month to get the Widnes team ready for the UK Championships.
There will be plenty more information over the coming weeks, including tournament training times, bake-off details, testing invitations and the final Liverpool schedule.
For now, keep Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October free and keep training.