Karate Kim

wayneshin: That is all I want for this to be a positive experience and to have fun and learn. I always tell him regardless of the outcome, I am proud....I would like to see him enjoy it more and worry less. I guess I will have to do better about taking our own food - most of the tournaments serve hot dogs or pizza - not good for an already queezy stomach! Thanks for your insight!

He hasn't competed alot, he's been to 5 tournaments over the 1 1/2 yrs he has taken. 3 of those have been local low-key tourneys. I do tell him that no matter how it turns out, as long as he does his best that is all anyone can ask and all he can ask of himself. I believe he puts alot of pressure on himself, because we tell him to just go out and have fun and learn. He is a picky eater, and we don't allow junk food, and do allow an occasional soda(but not very often) By clean, do you mean fruits & veggies - eggs, nuts? Is Gatorade bad or is the sugar amount in it too high? What would you suggest he drink? Only water? Thank you so much for your reply. He wants to continue to compete and I want him to enjoy the experience as much as possible.

How long has he been training? He has been in Karate for about 1 1/2 yrs. now. He absolutely loves it. He has been training for competition for 3 mos.

My son, who is 12 has just begun competing in Karate tournaments.(Points sparring, kata & weapons) He lets his nerves get the best of him. I need to know what I can do to help him with the anxiety of competing. It begins the morning of the tournament. He won't eat much - (and by the way - I am not sure of the best things for him to eat before??) and usually tells me that his stomach is upset or feels funny. He then worries that he is gonna get sick and refuses to eat again....Usually his division competes mid afternoon and he has gone for several hours without eating. By the time he is sparring, he is spent. He does an amazing job, but I know he would perform better if he had something on his stomach, and also be able to keep his nerves in check. My question is: What are some tips on calming nerves/ the anxiety of competition? He loves Karate & competing, and I know he would enjoy it so much more if he'd allow himself to relax. I have tons of other questions, but I will take it one at a time. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated!