What do YOU take to a tournament?

[rivergirl]

I'm planning on bringing snacks, sandwiches, etc. WATER, bandaids and some ice packs, what else should I be bringing? It's our first tournament and our 3 kids are competing also so I want to be prepared...

[y2_sub]

To a tournament , i only bring my courage ( most important ) and the GI

[Mr. Mike]

I bring snacks, water/gatorade, extra changes of clothes(you never know), sparring gear/uniform, first aid supplies such as you listed.

that's about it. I usually look like I'm moving in the place, but that's ok...I have something if I need it.

[Grenadier]

Good ideas so far. When I compete in tournaments, my gear bag has the following:

Gi

Obi

Extra Gi, just in case

Protective gear (hand pads, foot pads, shin guards, mouth piece, cup and supporter)

First aid kit

Sportscream or Aspercream

Cold packs

Bottle of Advil Liquigels (fastest acting, and anti-inflammatory)

Bottled water

Chocolate bars

Carbboom gel (much better than anything else)

Bananas

Pens

Notebook

Some money (never know when you might need it, especially if you want to grab a few cold ones after the tourney)

Some people have affectionately nicknamed my gear bag the "ultimate bag of tricks," since it's helped a lot of folks, including those suffering from cramps (Aspercream, water and bananas), those suffering from general hunger (chocolate bars and Carbboom), judges who find themselves short of writing utensils, the bruised and battered (Cold packs, Advil liquigels), and even those who accidentally cut themselves with their katana during sword kata.

[scottnshelly]

I haven't competed in a couple (5 or more) years, but when i did, i carried the bare necessities: Gi, belt, equipment, under shirt, change of clothes and socks, $10 for snack bar, $100 for bribing the judges(haha), deoderant(very important if you plan to go eat afterwards) and somtimes a hand target for warming up and working with my students.

Some people carried everything that they ever trained with: corner man, heavy bag, nordik trac, a suitcase full of clothes, several practice weapons (even if they weren't competing in weapons), headbands, defibrillater, a different gi and belt for every division they are competing in, cameras/camcorders, a bag for trophies, thermal blankets, flashlights, dehydrated food, a backup generator, trophies from their last tournament... well you get the point.

Just go prepared for what you expect. It's better to take too much stuff and leave it in the car than to have to ask someone else that brought it.

[vertigo]

I'd have to agree with all the posts above (Great! Now I have nothing to say! Thanks a lot everyone! )

One must-bring item would be any sort of first-aid item (bandages, athletic tape, etc.)... and naturally, the one item I have forgotten at both of my tournaments (blisters really really hurt the 5th time you run your kata over them )

Grenadier mentioned something about a banana. A very good call... if I am not mistaken, is it the potassium in bananas help your muscles from cramping?? If not... oh well, they taste good and help fill your stomach a bit

$100 for bribing the judges

Ahh! No wonder I never win at tournaments!

[aefibird]

Take lots and lots and lots of water.

The last tourney I went to I ended up collapsing from heatstroke because it was too hot in the venue (too many people in too small a space + a rare hot day in the UK = recipe for disaster).

I usually take with me:

• gi & obi
   
  sparring gear
   
  weapon if I'm doind weapons form
   
  first aid kit with Kool Pak, bandages, tape, paracetamol, scissors, wound wash, dressings, cotton buds, plasters, safety pins, etc etc
   
  plenty of water
   
  some snacks (bananas, sultanas, chocolate, crisps)
   
  money
   
  change of underwear and spare socks
   
  deodourant
   
  shower gel & towel if I know there's gonna be a shower at the venue
   
  camera
   
  a book or magazine
   
  mobile phone

[Kicks]

I usually take my truck to tournaments,

But as far as equipment, everyone hit on the essientials. Good job guys.

Let me just emphasis that since you are bringing your kids to compete focus on what their needs might be. A tournament can be a long drawn out thing for kids, who by nature have short attention span and want to stay active, So the extra gui (dobak, uniform) would be nice in case the kids go around sliding on the floor or climbing the bleechers and get their uniform dirty or torn.

You might want to bring something to occupy their time and attention. I've brought coloring books, gameboys, or what ever I knew would keep them out of trouble. But remember, the other kids will want what ever you bring your kids, so if possible bring extras.

Bring a sense of humor, good sportmanship, patience, and encouragement.

Enjoy!

[Grenadier]

Grenadier mentioned something about a banana. A very good call... if I am not mistaken, is it the potassium in bananas help your muscles from cramping?? If not... oh well, they taste good and help fill your stomach a bit

Yup. One of the best all-around foods, since you get some quick energy needed, as well as some valuable nutrients, including the potassium. Also, they're not too sweet, so many folks who can't stand the really sweet stuff, can still enjoy a banana. They're easy for the body to digest, and it takes very little time to ingest one.

Finally, everyone needs fiber.

[Ben Martin]

i travel in my normal clothes and in my bag i take

my trousers

club tshirt

boxing gloves

wraps

kick boots

focous pads

skipping rope (these 2 for warming up)

tape (because i alway hurt my big toe after wearing the kickboots and need to tape it to my next toe)

shin pads

cup

money

food and drink