Nationals Orlando

[d16turbohonda]

Im going to compete in the Orlando Nationals this july. Im not sure if Im going as a white belt or orange belt yet. Any advise for a newbie to nationals/turnaments? Mainly on the sparring part.

[EternalRage]

Im going to compete in the Orlando Nationals this july. Im not sure if Im going as a white belt or orange belt yet. Any advise for a newbie to nationals/turnaments? Mainly on the sparring part.

First off, see if there are any regional tournaments that you can go to first. Main thing you have to realize is that the point sparring at the US Soo Bahk Do Federation tournaments is a game - it is not true fighting. I seen some guys go in there with free sparring type training and they get rocked because other competitors who have been doing it for a while are really good at the game.

1.) Make an attempt to block everything. If you don't sometimes they will just score the technique.

2.) Last US SBD Regional I went to (MidHudson Annual Regional in Region 2), the points were allocated as follows: 1 point for kick or punch anywhere, 2 points for block and counter, 2 points for jumping or spinning technique, 3 points for jumping + spinning or jumping with both legs above waist height. You have to be aware of this breakdown (it should be similar at the Nationals) and make sure to go for them when you see openings.

3.) Be economical, keep it simple. Don't use a sledge to hammer in a nail. Sometimes its better to just go for that reverse punch.

4.) Kiaping makes everything look better in judges eyes.

5.) Point sparring is pretty linear, back and forth motion/techniques. Sometimes a good side step can open up alot of targets.

6.) For training up to the tournament, do alot of drilling with a resisting partner. Hit focus mitts, pads, bags. And spar alot.

I'll write more once I get some sleep... Also usually at regionals they put the white and orange belts together in one division. I have yet to go to a Nationals so I dunno how they do it. I'm going to try to make this one if I'm not swamped with work.

[d16turbohonda]

Thanks for the advise. Ill try to do as much sparring as possible. Hopfully my friends can help me this one LOL.