I participated in a tournament this weekend and it was amazing for me! I fought in full contact kick-boxing for the first time, and I loved it! I have been practicing MA’s for about fifteen years and it is very exciting that I am still discovering new aspects of it, and of myself. I feel like a white belt again!
At tournaments, I now have experience in the following:
- Forms
- Point sparring
- Continuous sparring
- Full contact kick-boxing
- Demonstration
For those who are interested in the tournament circuit, I will break down the various categories. Keep in mind that most schools will focus primarily on one aspect of a tournament
- Forms: Empty-handed or weapons. Traditional/Creative/Extreme. Musical/non-musical
- Sparring: Point, Continuous, Team
- Kick-boxing: American, International, Muy Thai
- Demo: Group performance
Of course this is just a basic break-down. Each category has its own rules and guidelines that must be followed. Additionally, each one has its own expertise and focus. Tournaments are a great teaching tool for Martial Artists. The experience of performing under pressure aids a person in overcoming their fears, much like a self-defense situation. While success in tournaments does not guarantee and ability to protect oneself, certain aspects of them can be carried over to other parts of training, and life.