Tournament Misconceptions

It's amusing to remember the misconceptions I had about tournament competition before I actually went to my first tournament. As a white belt, I even thought that "weapons competition" meant that people were actually fighting each other with long sticks and the other weapons I'd seen in the dojo.

Quite a few of student's tournament expectations are, it seems, based mainly on the Karate Kid movies and things they've seen or heard about ultimate fighting competitions.

The truth is that there is a wide variety among tournaments and the different tournament organizations.

I really appreciate the United States Karate Alliance, especially after my experience with an independant tournament, and my discussions with competitors from various circuits. I appreciate the emphasis on safety and fairness. I appreciate the healthy competition. I appreciate the traditional approach---the martial arts and values that my children and my students are exposed to do not contradict what we teach in the dojo. We compete with "real" martial arts: no gymnastic dance routines disguised as kata, no "flash and trash", no fantasy weapons that would never hold up in a real situation. Competitors are expected to behave respectfully and to show good sportsmanship. Sparring matches don't disintegrate into brawls. I don't fear for the safety of anyone as they step into the ring.

Sure...there are always risks. But I've realized that some parents, who worry unduly about the risks of competitive point sparring, really need to go to a USKA tournament and see how well things are run, how safe the sparring actually is.

That's not to say that ALL tournaments are like that. Some organizations are less safety conscious. Independant tournaments, without the sanction of any organization, are really a mixed bag. You really are taking a risk.

No tournament organization is perfect. I don't always agree with every rule and regulation of the USKA. But I'm extremely grateful for all they provide to me, my family, and my students. I'm so thankful that my tournament experiences have been much, much better than I imagined back when I was a white belt.