Martial Arts and Competition

Where do tournaments and competition fit with the traditional characteristics of the martial arts?

Students benefit from martial arts training in many ways, depending on one's own personal goals. You may find improvements in your fitness, self-defense skills or peace of mind. Often, the focus of instructors is on the philosophical or spiritual or character building aspects of martial arts. There are times, though, when instructors encourage students to compete in tournaments. Why? Where do tournaments and competition fit with the traditional characteristics of the martial arts?

It's important to remember that the martial arts originally were developed as systems of unarmed combat. The first martial artists practiced as a means of protection and survival. Thankfully, we don't really need martial arts to survive in our day-to-day lives. In fact, we hope that we'll never have to use martial arts for protection (but it's nice to know we can!) In that regard, tournaments are a way to use some of what we learn in a safe and controlled environment.

For some, competition can serve as a good short-term goal to help us train harder and learn more. Say, for instance, that there is an upcoming event in which you'd like to compete. Perhaps you decide that you'd really like to try a new technique for the board breaking division. You decide on the technique, ask for guidance from your instructor, and practice, practice, practice. Sometimes, if it's a really difficult technique, you may need to train more often than you would normally. Your body becomes stronger and your coordination improves. Finally, the day of the tournament comes and you perform your new technique flawlessly! Through your training, you have added a technique to your repertoire and improved in several other aspects, too. Tournaments can be a great path to long-lasting improvement through a short-term goal.

Beyond the actual training (and perhaps even more importantly), tournaments can provide a fantastic fellowship opportunity. Tournaments are usually attended by students from many different schools and cities. You have the opportunity to meet people and form lasting friendships with them, even if you only see each other once a year at the event. You also get the chance (as with the upcoming Oshkosh tourny) to spend more time with the students from your own school. You can cheer on your fellow students as they compete as they'll do the same for you. Tournaments can offer you a chance to experience the sense of fellowship within the martial arts community.

These are only a few reasons why we encourage students to compete, and maybe you have your own. What's important is that students get the most out of their training. Competition is another way in which students can do just that.