Our Dojo:

The Karate section of the University Sports Department of the Karslruhe Institute of Technology (formerly the University of Karlsruhe) belongs to the oldest Karate Dojos which were established in German Universities.

In 1967, the Karlsruhe students were already being initiated into the Martial Art of Karate by Fritz Reiss from Freiburg. When, in 1970, the National Team Member Eugen Müller - also from Freiburg - came to Karlsruhe occupationally, the relatively quiet Dojo got a rude awakening. From then on there was training three times a week, weights training was introduced, and it was "suggested" to everyone to go jogging. Training was, of course, also held during the semester holidays. The awards reaped from these efforts were the successes the UKD had in competitions, at State and National level, and also at diverse German Intervarstities.

Eugen Müller, renowned across borders as a trainer and international referee, attracted many cadre athletes. Some of which travelled over 100km to take part in the legendary Wednesday Training. This is why, from 1978 - 1988, the University of Karlsruhe would, in addition to Botrop and the then National Trainer Ochi, become the second National Training Centre of the German Karate Association. It would also become possible to take Karate as a subject in the local Sport Institute.

In the mid-70s, the key members of the UKD helped the local Police Sports Club to set up their own Karate section.

Under the Chairmanship of the economist Prof. Dr. Rudolf Henn, the Karate Dojo Karlsruhe would be registered as a non-profit club: the University-Karate-Dojo e.V.

The UKD practices Shotokan Karate, and is a member of the German Karate Association.

For several years, the membership of the UKD has held constant at ca. 70 Karateka, 90% of which train on a regular basis. The yearly, in the winter semester, beginners courses can - depending on space - take on a maximum of 30 students.

We also have to cope with one characteristic of all university dojos: after some years of training, and the first competition successes, studies are normally over, and professional life takes it's toll. Therefore, it will be our continuing task to bring Karate closer to the students, as a Martial Art, but also as a lifelong personal endeavour. What is left, however, is an intensively well kept contact to former UKD Karatekas.