Preparing for competition

[Kieran-Lilith]

Hi. On March 13th, I get to go to my first ever competion with a friend, who is also going to her first competition. Neither of us have a clue how to prepare for it, nor have a clue what it will be like, mentally, physically, etc. Could you please gives us tips on how to get ready for it and what it will be like?

[Steinhauers]

Nothing to really be woried about. If your sensei is the person whom brought this competition to your attention then he feels that you are ready and will be fine. Just make sure you relax, think of it as your just performing in your everyday normal class.

 

 

 

Seth

 

Remember no matter if you win or lose if you give it everything you got then you are still a winner.

[CuriousCat]

yeah, don't stress too much!

 

if it's your first competition then just go out there to have fun. just make sure you know the rules, do a good warm up before, have all your gear organised, and eat well beforehand.

 

i love competing, it's a huge adrenaline rush, and you always make good friends.

 

just make sure you don't talk to people in your div before you compete! some of them, unfortunately, try dirty tricks, and it's harder to fight a friend.

[searcher]

Do plenty of sparring and running over your forms. Try to do your form at least 10 times a day every day, so it becomes second nature. Keep your cool and have fun, tourneys are a blast.

[Kicks]

Remember, you won't be the only one nervous. So will your competition. It's how you handle your nerves that will set you apart. I've been competing about 10 years and I still get nervous before a match. The key word there is "before". It seems once the match starts I feel comfortable and relaxed. It's because I'm doing something I'm fimiliar with and enjoy. It's the waiting and anticipation that makes me nervous.

 

So good luck and let us know how you do. Ask questions here afterwards and maybe we can give you some input.

[searcher]

What type of competition are you going to?

 

Is it an open or system only tourney?

 

Where is it going to be held at?

[Kieran-Lilith]

I haven't got a clue what type it is.

 

I think it's open, I really can't say I know the differences that well.

 

Rockford, OH, USA.

[Hawkeye]

Another thing to keep in mind is to stay hydrated. Bring a couple of bottles of water or 'sports drink' with you and sip while you wait for your turn. I don't have a great deal of experience with tournaments, but every one I have competed in involved quite a bit of waiting. A light snack doesn't hurt either.

[ShotokanKid]

Don't worry about it. Just go out there and do your ultimate best. You'll be surprised at how well you're really doing.

[searcher]

Don't gorget to tell us how you do.