Placentia and Yorba Linda Karate Blog: The Importance of Competition Tournaments

As we approach American Martial Arts Academy’s Competition Tournament, now is a perfect time to discuss the importance of competition in the martial arts.

At AMAA, we strongly recommend competition tournaments to all of our students, regardless of level. Every student has the opportunity for success, as they are matched up with students their own age level, and rank level. In addition, we keep all of our competitions in-house, to ensure quality of the event and fairness for the students. Each student earns a trophy or medal (depending on the tournament) for each event they participate in. Most importantly, every student walks away smiling, sweating, and having learnt something!

But why is competition tournament so important?

Participating in competition helps accelerate your martial arts training, especially in kata and sparring. It’s estimated that every point sparring competition you participate in will take off 6-8 months of a learning curve in sparring.
Participating in competition helps increase your training intensity. When you have a singular event that you are training towards (especially at the higher ranks when belt promotion are typically farther apart), your intensity in training will increase. Just as a swimmer preparing for a swim meet, or a runner preparing for a marathon.
Competition Tournament helps students build confidence. By going out there and participating, even when being nervous or unsure, you have accomplished more than those who have not tried. Showing up is half the battle, and in my opinion, the most important part!
Competition also teaches students how to deal with pressure. There’s the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” That is so true with competition! Even when being nervous, or challenged by other students who may be faster, stronger, etc., by competing and giving it your all, you are improving your skills! The same pressure you face in competition, is the same pressure you’ll face before a big test, interview, or in a competitive workplace!
Competition helps a student develop poise and overcome fear of performance. It is said that most adults fear public speaking and performing in public even over death! By being outside your comfort zone, this will help students in other non-karate environments as well.