| Entering a martial arts tournament is not a | | | | the opponent as to which moves will be used against |
| compulsory element to any particular style but it can | | | | you. Lack of concentration can be costly as most |
| be an exciting addition to the whole training process | | | | tournaments operate a points system and specific |
| and provides a great deal of benefits for the | | | | moves that connect on key areas of the body will |
| participating student. Naturally competitive students | | | | award the opponent more points. Tournaments are |
| of the style will often be keen to take part | | | | challenging, intense and incredibly demanding on the |
| irrespective of technique or experience whilst those | | | | mind, body and spirit and it is important that training |
| students who are a little more reserved may be | | | | incorporates all three elements to give a fighting |
| reluctant to participate until they have witnessed the | | | | chance in each sparring session. Remaining centred, |
| events themselves. Entering a martial arts | | | | focussed and feeling fit and healthy will enable the |
| tournament for the first time can be a little daunting | | | | student to participate fully relying on technique and |
| for the novice but it provides a fantastic learning | | | | not brute force to overcome the opponent. |
| curve and the opportunity to be able to see some | | | | Most tournaments rules are semi-contact and the |
| first class demonstrations of the style by | | | | judges will be looking for clean technique and not an |
| experienced students. | | | | out and out brawl, so increase training on those |
| For those students who are considering entering a | | | | techniques that would be used i.e. basic kicks and |
| martial arts tournament, it is important to use the | | | | punches with some confidence. Remember that |
| time building up the event to increase training practice | | | | complex moves or exciting but difficult kicks need |
| and increase fitness as well. Even the fittest martial | | | | not be used just for effect, those are best left to |
| artists find tournaments exhausting so it makes | | | | demonstrations and not in the ring. Focus on |
| sense to use the time well and this will provide | | | | technique only and increasing confidence as those |
| additional confidence if planning to enter. Assuming | | | | techniques become second nature. |
| that sparring has been an active part of the training | | | | Because energy levels can be depleted very quickly |
| process, it makes sense to increase sparring sessions | | | | during these tournaments, a healthy and nutritious |
| if time permits or discuss with other students how to | | | | diet in the weeks prior to the event would be |
| find time for training outside of the actual club. | | | | beneficial and also learning a relaxation technique such |
| Providing that care is taken and the right protective | | | | as meditation can be useful as it can still the mind, |
| equipment used, then additional and external sparring | | | | ease the nerves and keep energy levels constant. |
| would provide many benefits and still be safe. | | | | Being overwhelmed with nerves is the main cause of |
| Increased focus during the lead-in time to the | | | | low energy levels and so a regular meditative practice |
| tournament will pay dividends for the serious | | | | session leading up to and during the tournament |
| contender as although sparring bouts are short | | | | would be beneficial.To achieve the best success |
| (usually a few minutes) it is all about staying alert, | | | | within a martial arts tournament, follow the steps |
| concentrating and intuitively picking up signals from | | | | above and rise to the challenge. |