What is the British Taekwondo International Open Manchester 2026?
The British Taekwondo International Open 2026 is an official World Taekwondo (WT) sanctioned tournament taking place in Manchester, United Kingdom. The event brings together athletes from clubs and national teams worldwide to compete in a structured Olympic-style Taekwondo format.
This is not just a local competition, it’s part of the global WT circuit, contributing to international rankings and athlete development.
Who is competing at the Manchester Open?
The event is open to:
- Senior athletes (17+)
- Junior athletes (15–17)
- Cadet athletes (12–14)
Participation is capped at 360 senior athletes and 360 combined junior and cadet athletes, ensuring a competitive but controlled tournament environment.
Athletes must meet rank requirements, including:
- Seniors: 1st Dan and above
- Juniors: 2nd Kup and above
- Cadets: 4th Kup and above
What events and divisions are included?
The competition will follow official World Taekwondo rules and feature:
- Olympic-style sparring (Kyorugi)
- Standard WT weight divisions across all age groups
Matches will be held in a single-elimination format, with:
- Seniors: 3 rounds × 2 minutes
- Juniors/Cadets: 3 rounds × 1.5 minutes
When is the British Taekwondo Open 2026?
- Event Dates: April 25–26, 2026
- Senior Competition: Saturday, April 25
- Junior & Cadet Competition: Sunday, April 26
Additional key dates:
- Weigh-in (Seniors): April 24
- Weigh-in (Junior/Cadet): April 25
- Coaches Meeting: April 22 (online)
Where is the event taking place?
The event will be held at:
National Cycling Centre
Stuart Street, Manchester, M11 4DQ
United Kingdom
The venue is part of Manchester’s Etihad Campus, known for hosting high-level sporting events.
How do athletes register?
Registration is completed online via SimplyCompete.
- Early Registration: January 12 – February 28, 2026
- Final Deadline: April 10, 2026
Entry fees:
- Early Bird: £120
- Standard: £135
All payments must be made in advance—no payments are accepted at the venue.
What is at stake at the Manchester Open?
The event carries World Taekwondo ranking points:
- Seniors: G1 ranking event
- Juniors & Cadets: E1 ranking event
This makes it a key opportunity for athletes to:
- Improve global rankings
- Gain international experience
- Compete against diverse styles
How will the competition play out?
The tournament follows a structured competitive format:
- Single elimination brackets
- Electronic scoring systems (KPNP K2)
- Random weigh-ins on competition days
Performance will depend on:
- Tactical awareness
- Speed and timing
- Ability to manage multiple rounds
Why is this event important?
The British Taekwondo International Open has been hosted for nearly 15 years, making it one of the most consistent and recognized events in Europe.
It serves as:
- A development platform for emerging athletes
- A ranking opportunity for elite competitors
- A global meeting point for the Taekwondo community
What happens after the event?
- Medals awarded to top 4 in each division
- Team awards for overall performance
- Results published through official WT platforms
Athletes can track results via the World Taekwondo website or official competition app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a ranking event?
Yes. Seniors earn G1 points, while juniors and cadets earn E1 points.
Can athletes change weight categories?
Yes, before the registration deadline. Changes after may incur a fee.
Is equipment provided?
Some equipment like hogu and headgear are provided, but athletes must bring personal protective gear.
