LTSI TAEKWONDO TOURNAMENTS
The UK’s premier open TKD Tournaments
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LTSI English TaeKwonDo Opens 2026
Venue Address: Hertfordshire Sports Village, DeHavilland Campus, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, AL10 9EU
Running order: 12 years and under (including BB’s) 8.30am | 13 years and over colour belts 12 noon |
13 years and over Black Belts 2pm
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Get ready for another action packed event to remember….
XIV English TKD Opens 2026
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Introduction & Standards
L.T.S.I. TaeKwonDo Tournaments are open, independent championships welcoming all I.T.F. TaeKwonDo groups and independent practitioners across the United Kingdom.
We host two annual events, including the highly regarded South East Opens, designed to provide a fair, competitive, and professionally managed environment. Our events are intentionally limited in size to maintain quality, organisation, and value for all participants.
Our mission is to uphold the core tenets of TaeKwonDo while supporting the unification of practitioners across different groups and associations.
Event Standards
- All competition areas are fully matted for safety.
- All events are fully insured.
- A full risk assessment is conducted prior to each tournament.
- Qualified first aid personnel are present at all times.
- All incidents are recorded and documented for safety and compliance purposes.
Registration & Eligibility
- All competitors must register online prior to the event.
- Competitors under 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian.
- Instructors must obtain written parental consent before registering minors.
- No registration will be accepted on the day of the event.
- Random checks on height and weight categories may be conducted. Any discrepancies may result in disqualification.
Requirements:
- Competitors must be members of a UK TaeKwonDo club.
- A valid licence and insurance policy is mandatory and may be requested as proof on the day.
- Competitors must wear a clean white uniform (dobok) where possible.
White uniforms are preferred. However, competitors representing clubs with alternative official uniforms may be permitted to compete in their club attire.
Participant Responsibilities
By registering, all participants confirm that:
- They are medically fit to compete.
- They understand and accept the risks associated with participation.
- They will adhere to all L.T.S.I. rules and regulations.
- They will not hold L.T.S.I., officials, instructors, or participants liable for injury.
Participants must report all injuries to the first aid team before leaving the venue. (Legal requirement)
Additional
- The umpire’s decision is final.
- Cameras are permitted for personal use only.
- Competitors must listen for division announcements.
- Poor sportsmanship will result in immediate disqualification.
Waiver & Data Protection
Waiver & Data Protection
All competitors must agree to the following:
- Acceptance of all tournament risks under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).
- Compliance with mandatory protective equipment requirements:
- Head guard
- Closed thinger gloves (Not boxing gloves)
- Foot guard
- Mouth guard
- Groin guard (male competitors)
- Agreement to abide by all rules and official decisions.
- Consent to photography and video recording for promotional purposes.
- Acknowledgement that personal data will be securely stored and managed in accordance with GDPR regulations.
Failure to complete the required waivers will result in disqualification from participation.
Competition Format
Event Order:
- Patterns
- Sparring
- Special Technique
Competitors must arrive at their designated time slot:
- 12 years and under: 08:30
- 13 years and over (colour belts): 12:00
- 13 years and over (black belts): 14:00
Updated event divisions
L.T.S.I. Events - Divisions
Please check your category on the following table. This will give you an understanding of where you or your child will be competing.| 9TH TO 6TH KUP | 5TH TO 1ST KUP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 to 7 years mixed | 125cms and under | 5 to 7 years mixed | 125cms and under |
| 5 to 7 years mixed | 126cms and over | 5 to 7 years mixed | 126cms and over |
| 8 to 9 years mixed | 135cms and under | 8 to 9 years mixed | 135cms and under |
| 8 to 9 years mixed | 136cms and over | 8 to 9 years mixed | 136cms and over |
| 10 to 12 years males | 150cms and under | 10 to 12 years males | 150cms and under |
| 10 to 12 years males | 151cms and over | 10 to 12 years males | 151cms and over |
| 10 to 12 years males are split | 9th to 7th Kup | 6th to 4th Kup and | 3rd to 1st Kup |
| 10 to 12 years females | 150cms and under | 10 to 12 years females | 150cms and under |
| 10 to 12 years females | 151cms and over | 10 to 12 years females | 151cms and over |
| 13 & 14 years males | 50kgs and under | 51kgs to 59kgs | 60kgs and over | 13 & 14 years females | 45kgs and under | 46kgs to 54kgs | 55kgs and over |
| 15 & 17 years males | 60kgs and under | 61kgs to 69kgs | 70kgs and over | 15 & 17 years females | 55kgs and under | 56kgs to 64kgs | 65kgs and over |
| 18 years and over males | 72kgs and under | 18 years and over males | 72kgs and under |
| 18 years and over males | 73kgs to 79kgs | 18 years and over males | 73kgs to 79kgs |
| 18 years and over males | 80kgs and over | 18 years and over males | 80kgs and over |
| 18 years and over females | 60kgs and under | 18 years and over females | 60kgs and under |
| 18 years and over females | 61kgs to 69kgs | 18 years and over females | 61kgs to 69kgs |
| 18 years and over females | 70kgs and over | 18 years and over females | 70kgs and over |
| Veteran Males (40 years and over) colour belts – 79kgs and under | 80kgs and over | Veteran Females (40 years and over) colour belts – 69kgs and under | 70kgs and over | ||
| BLACK BELTS | BLACK BELTS | ||
| 12 years and under males mixed (division will be split by height) | 12 years and under females mixed | ||
| 13 & 14 years males | 50kgs and under | 51kg to 59kg | 60kgs and over | 13 & 14 years females | 45kgs and under | 46kgs to 54kgs | 55kgs and over |
| 15 & 17 years males | 60kgs and under | 61kgs to 69kgs | 70kgs and over | 15 & 17 years females | 55kgs and under | 56kgs to 64kgs | 65kgs and over |
| 18 years and over males | 72kgs and under | 18 years and over females | 60kgs and under |
| 18 years and over males | 73kgs to 79kgs | 18 years and over females | 61kgs to 69kgs |
| 18 years and over males | 80kgs and over | 18 years and over females | 70kgs and over |
| Veteran Males (40 years and over) black belts – 79kgs and under | 80kgs and over | Veteran Females (40 years and over) black belts – 69kgs and under | 70kgs and over | ||
| PATTERNS | PATTERNS | ||
| 9TH TO 6TH KUP | 5TH TO 1ST KUP | ||
| 5 to 7 years mixed | 5 to 7 years mixed | ||
| 8 to 9 years mixed | 8 to 9 years mixed | ||
| 10 to 12 years mixed are split | 9th to 7th Kup | 6th to 4th Kup and | 3rd to 1st Kup |
| 13 to 17 years males | 13 to 17 years males | ||
| 13 to 17 years females | 13 to 17 years females | ||
| 18 years and over males | 18 years and over males | ||
| 18 years and over females | 18 years and over females | ||
| Veteran 40+ Males | Veteran 40+ females | ||
| PATTERNS | JUMP SPECIAL - 2024 | TECHNIQUE | |
| BLACK BELTS | |||
| 5 to 7 years mixed | Jump Turn | ||
| Black Belts (1st and 2nd Dan) – 12 years and under mixed | 8 and 9 years mixed (inc. Black Belts) | Jump Turn | |
| Black Belts (1st and 2nd Dan) – 13 to 17 years Males | 10 to 12 years mixed (inc. Black Belts) | Jump Turn | |
| Black Belts (1st and 2nd Dan) – 13 to 17 years Females | 13 to 17 years – male colour belts | Jump Turn | |
| Black Belts 1st & 2nd Dan – 18 years and above Males | 13 to 17 years – female colour belts | Jump Turn | |
| Black Belts 1st & 2nd Dan – 18 years and above Females | 18 years and over males – colour belts | Jump Turn | |
| Black Belts 3rd Dan and above – 18 years and above Males | 18 years and over females – colour belts | Jump Turn | |
| Black Belts 3rd Dan and above – 18 years and above Females | 13 to 17 years males – Black Belts | Jump Turn | |
| 13 to 17 years females – Black Belts | Jump Turn | ||
| 18 years and over males – Black Belts | Jump Turn | ||
| 18 years and over females – Black Belts | Jump Turn | ||
Sparring and Pattern Rules
Category & Grading Rules
- Competitors may perform one pattern below their grade (within the same category).
- Patterns from a lower category are not permitted.
- Recently promoted black belts (within 3 months) may compete in the previous category.
- Colour belts grading within 4 weeks of the event must compete at their previous grade.
Examples:
- A 3rd Degree black belt cannot perform a 2nd Degree pattern.
- A 5th Kup cannot perform a 6th Kup pattern.
- Patterns Judging
- Three judges will score each performance.
- Scoring criteria:
- 1–3: Poor
- 4–6: Good
- 7–9: Very Good to Excellent
- Sparring Rules (Semi-Contact)
This is a semi-contact competition. Excessive force will result in disqualification.
Prohibited Actions:
- Kicking to the back
- Low kicks
- Elbows or knee strikes
- Brawling or uncontrolled techniques
- Stepping off the mat
- Loss of balance
- Swinging punches
Scoring:
- Flurry of punches (max 3): 1 point
- Mid-section kick: 2 points
- High-section kick: 3 points
- Jump kick to head: 3 points
Coaches rules - must read!
Coaching Rules
Coaches are permitted for sparring only and must adhere to the following:
- Coaches must remain off the mat at all times.
- Entry to the arena is only permitted when their competitor is competing.
- Coaches must leave immediately after the match.
Conduct:
- Any physical contact with a competitor results in an immediate red card.
- Aggressive behaviour will result in penalties:
- First offence: Yellow card to competitor
- Second offence: Red card and disqualification
Additional Rules:
- Maximum of two coaches per team (if more than 10 competitors).
- Coaches must not interfere with officials or event operations.
- Abuse towards staff will result in removal and possible bans.
Rules our visitors must follow
Visitors please take note –
Spectators & Visitors
-
- No spectator fee is charged; seating is not guaranteed.
- L.T.S.I. accepts no responsibility for spectators.
- Parents/guardians are responsible for minors outside of coaching supervision.
- Spectators are not permitted on the competition floor.
- All attendees must treat officials and staff with respect.
Other Policies
Additional Policies:
- The umpire’s decision is final.
- Cameras are permitted for personal use only.
- Competitors must listen for division announcements.
- Poor sportsmanship will result in immediate disqualification.
Conduct & Discipline
L.T.S.I. maintains a strict code of conduct:
- Respect for officials is mandatory.
- Hard contact over controlled technique will be penalised.
- Any individual displaying unacceptable behaviour may be removed or banned.
Final Notes
L.T.S.I. events are designed to deliver fairness, professionalism, and value while maintaining the integrity of TaeKwonDo.
Participants, coaches, and spectators are expected to uphold these standards at all times.
Why our TaeKwonDo tournaments?
We believe that all practitioners should experience L.T.S.I. TaeKwonDo Tournaments, as they welcome all I.T.F. TaeKwonDo groups throughout the U.K. The L.T.S.I. organizes two open events annually. The first is the highly acclaimed South East Opens, which once drew 450 participants at its peak, but now we limit it to 250 competitors to ensure quality. We are certain that no other organization within a 30-mile radius can claim their events are superior, more equitable, or provide the same exceptional value for money.
Fully Matted & Insured Events
Our TaeKwonDo tournaments are comprehensively matted and insured, welcoming all I.T.F. styles and Independents from across the U.K. Many regard this event as the premier competition to triumph in. Over the years, a small number have been prohibited from our events for failing to adhere to our ethos, having dishonored themselves. We are committed to the tenets and to fulfilling the founder’s final wish of unifying all TaeKwonDo practitioners, even if it’s on a modest scale.
How we created the English T.K.D. Opens
The second event was the invitationals – this was strictly by invite only and was only open to those that attended our main event above. Due to popularity, this has been renamed to the ‘L.T.S.I. English Opens’ from September 2012 – getting 450 in it’d peak but now we only allow 250 competitors a time, it really is popular.
Both our events are held at a multi million pound sports complex in Hertfordshire University – we are confident that no other U.K. group will offer such a relaxed event with such a high class of attendees. All events are about building unity and friendships, relaxed and friendly. Those that support us are not just supporters, but seen as friends that wants all corners of the TaeKwonDo community to unite through fair play.
Be part of a NEW unified group building bridges in UK TaeKwonDo
So come try our events and see if they suit you. If you are open minded and looking to be part of something really special ie building bridges in UK TaeKwonDo this is for you, we truly believe we have the answer. Your members will love our events, but don’t just take our word for it.
We offer a first come, first served basis on both events, this means once we hit 250 we close the event registration so don’t delay and register today.
We look forward to welcoming you at one of our events very soon.
Master Chris Snow VIII
(on behalf of the organising committee)
Many Clubs & Groups in our network
L.T.S.I. has built a network groups / clubs since 2004. Our vision is simple – ego’s are not welcome at our events and we will not treat high ranks like gods.
We prefer to work with club leaders that would rather attend events that are smaller and prestigious to many being ran in the UK now. Better quality across the board means happy students.
To be frank why enter an event of 600 that is poorly organised, gives out cheap medals and full of ego and characters that you have no interest in working with. This is where L.T.S.I. excel on every level.
- Our guests agree our events are real quality 93%
- Of all clubs return yearly 89%
- Agree fairness is always in place 93%
- Agree our events are real value for money 97%
L.T.S.I. Tournaments are committed to charity – over £44,300 raised to date (below are just some we have supported)
This event is only open to all TaeKwonDo groups, not other styles.
‘L.T.S.I. Tournaments – always copied, never equaled’
L.T.S.I. Tournaments Contact US
- Only 350 allowed to enter - register NOW to guarantee entry
- Online Entry System NOW LIVE
- Fully matted event (6 rings, 7 by 7 metre), ensuring your safety always
- Best bespoke awards by far every time
- Fully insured events
- First aiders on site
- Public canteen on location
- Free meal for all officials
- 500 plus free spectator seats provided (bleachers).
Event Venue:
Venue Address: Hertfordshire Sports Village, DeHavilland Campus, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, AL10 9EU
e-mail: ltsihq@sky.com
Event Showcase:
Showcase : L.T.S.I. run events on a not for profit basis with charity at heart. Independently ran events mean no politics and no ego's.