The First Tournament

My Sensei and I after a Dojo Tournament. I won the Gold for Sparring that year. 

As a Karate practitioner, you will understand that you need to show what you have learned in a controlled yet competitive environment. Tournaments take place so that a person can gain the confidence in performing in front of other people and show judges that they have prepared for this demonstration with all their might and heart.

The first tournament will not be easy, you will be nervous, you will feel like you are not prepared and you will feel like you will mess up. The best thing to do is tell yourself that you are not here to win but to show your skill and talent. Tell yourself that you will do your best and show the judges that your Sensei (Teacher in Japanese) has taught you well and that you are here to have fun.

As you participate in more tournaments it becomes easier but that first tournament will make you push yourself and make you want to conquer your fears. Always go in with the mindset of doing your best, regardless of winning or losing because after all Karate is about being humble. Proper etiquette of Karate is to be followed in these tournaments as well like bowing to the judges, bowing to the referee and bowing to your opponents.

The first tournament and all other tournaments that you will take part in are learning experiences and take them as such. You will win some and you will lose some. Make the best of both experiences. Don't lose yourself with pride if you win one and don't bring yourself down if you lose one.

My first Tournament in 2012

Dojo Tournament 2014