TKD Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 I just completed my first competition this weekend. Talk about highs and lows. I start the day off in a circle as the 7th dan goes over the rules. During this time he asks how many first timers are here. About 1/3 to 1/2 were first time tournament attendees. I start my forms out and forgot to bow as I turned toward the board. I did bow when I walked up to them and presented myself. Unfortunately for me I had a 6th dan as the center judge that was discussed that I forgot to bow to the board. He chewed me up and spit me out. Needless to say I was caught off guard and forgot my form completely. I went through the motions but did not perform the correct moves. I was the second of about 12 students competing at my level. So the fist three of us went back up infront of the board to get our scores. Then the 6th dan told everyone that the board earned their belt and that we needed to respect him by bowing to him. I completely understand where he was coming from but his tact was terrible and unprofessional. Two competitors later ....another competitor started their form then stopped......started over to stop....... start over. Then they turned their back to the board and the 6th dan got extremely upset. He yelled at the individual for turning their back to the board. Again this was the person's first and maybe the last tourney they attend. My sparing was right on and I placed second. Came down to sudden death.My first two matches went 3-0 the third match went 3-1 and the last went 2-3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
equaninimus Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 (edited) That was an unfortunate experience. Not all tourneys will be like that.The "6th Dan" should remember that you too earned your rank! Behaviour like that makes me wonder just what insecurities he is hiding behind a stripey belt? A friend of mine who is a "mere" 3d dan was at a judges meeting before a tourney one time, when a rather rotund individual of about 25 years of age, wearing a stiff striped belt apparently piped up "How many masters and grand masters are here? I think we should be allowed to choose what events and rings we want to judge." Apparently he was met with silence. Now, I don't doubt that this chap might possibly by some strange twist of fate have perhaps actually been a "master" or, even more amusingly, "grandmaster" in his mid twenties. It's also entirely possible that the moon is made of camenbert! I guess what i'm trying to say is, don't let one person's ego put you off of competing. Edited March 23, 2004 by equaninimus There have always been Starkadders at Cold Comfort Farm! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
embm Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 Having competed in many tournaments, you will learn as I have, that some black belts have earned respect and some simply want to demand respect. Unfortunately, you may have run into one of those. If you intend to compete on that circuit and this is a BB you will have to appear in front of often, I would suggest you make nice with the guy. Maybe he was having a bad day. Team RespectI may have taught you everything you know, but I haven't taught you everything I know. Age and treachery can beat youth and speed any day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Warlock Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 Unfortunate the 6th with the 'issues.' His actions were disruptive, but also unfortunately, he has authority. We all want to offer advice, and me especially... so my advice would be... deal with it. Take it as a means to build your character. His 'issues' aren't your 'issues' and there's absolutely no reason to adopt them. Congrats on your 2nd place in sparring! "When you are able to take the keys from my hand, you will be ready to drive." - Shaolin DMV TestIntro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mc. Steve Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 I was very lucky at my first competition. It was just under 2 weeks before my 16th birthday, and was in an age group where everyone was younder than me by between 2 and 4 years, meaning I could kick them all in the head with ease, and ended up with second place in forms and sparring. My second competition didn't go quite so well, as I drunk a bottle of rum the night before and was being sick between my form and fights. Despite this I came away with a second place in forms. I think I've been lucky with my experiences, because I've yet to test out my skill properly. Bring on the nationals. Mc. Steve Killer of threads, sorry TKD World famour for idiotography6th Kyu Wado Ryu5th Gup Tang Soo Do1st Dan Origami Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramymensa Posted March 24, 2004 Share Posted March 24, 2004 TKD, you did great. Forgetting to bow was a mistake, but it didn't deserve the poisoned words from the "master". Guess he's got a problem. Anyway ... keep up the good work, because the start was very promising. Work as hard as before and you'll have only pleasant experiences. World Shotokan Karate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKD Posted March 26, 2004 Author Share Posted March 26, 2004 Thanks for the support guys. I WILL be doing more tournaments in the future. I have learned from my mistake and won't be making that one again. White Warlock-- I have dealt with it by apologizing to him. I have moved on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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