Petition · Department for Education
Include Martial arts as an individual sport in the Examinable PE GCSE
Open for signatures
1,091 signatures
What the petition asks
Broaden the GCSE PE practical criteria to include martial arts. These disciplines require immense technical skill, physical fitness, and mental discipline. Including them ensures that dedicated student-athletes in these fields are not disadvantaged compared to those in traditional sports.
As a 1st Dan black belt in Taekwondo, I'm looking to take Examinable PE. I'm in my GCSE years and I would like to be able to take Taekwondo as an individual sport option as I've worked hard and long hours to become good at it.
Martial Arts require immense technical skill, physical fitness and mental discipline. Including them ensures that dedicated student-athletes in these fields are not disadvantaged compared to those in traditional sports. Many martial arts are recognised Olympic sports.
Martial Arts require immense technical skill, physical fitness and mental discipline. Including them ensures that dedicated student-athletes in these fields are not disadvantaged compared to those in traditional sports. Many martial arts are recognised Olympic sports.
Timeline
| 1 May 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
1,091
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Education
Opened
1 May 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.