Got any tips for me?

[aefibird]

Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before. Also, eat a good breakfast on the day of the tourney (porridge with a handful of sultanas is good!) and make sure you keep sipping water to stop getting dehydrated.

Don't worry about being nervous, everyone is nervous at their first event. Heck, even "seasoned competitors" get the butterflies from time to time! Try to get to the tournament early to check out how it is set up. If you can find out roughly when your category/categories will be on then even better. Even if they can only tell you "after 12 o'clock" or whatever then that will help you.

As you are doing WTF TKD then make sure you work on your fitness in the week or two before. As WTF sparring isnt stop-start then make sure you put in extra effort before the tourney to up your fitness levels so you can last through 2 or 3 rounds (depending on what sort of tournament it is).

Finally, just have fun! Doesn't matter if you win or lose, just try your best and remember that it is supposed to be enjoyable!

Oh, and GOOD LUCK!

[Rateh]

Another peice of advice. Right when your devision is called, use the bathroom real quick before going to line up.

[Syphax]

There's plenty of advice here and all of it is great. More than anything, keep in mind that you should attend a tournament to have a great time, learn and experience new arts/techniques, and to meet other martial artists. Winning is just gravy.

Even for seasoned competitors, getting caught up in the seeding, rankings, etc. can ruin the entire experience, even if you do win. Enjoy it!

[Sensei Tom OBrien]

There has already been some great advice given here. Hard contact for up to approximately 2 weeks before the event & then go for speed & technique. You don't want to go into the competition with injuries before you even get out there. Do not wait on the opponent. You most likely only have 3 points & or 2 or 3 minutes or just a couple of rounds. It can be over before you blink. You have to go all out if you want to win. Kiai loud, position yourself with your best side toward the Chief Ref when going for points (if you are a righty put him on your left) if you have a choice, run up & take that position if you can. Watch the other fighters see what they throw. Watch the officials & see what they call. Don't show off & spar with people near your ring so they can see your techniques. Train hard, get a good night sleep the night before. Be confident like a student who has studied hard & done his or her homework. Good luck and enjoy yourself. Happy New Year.

Thanks,

Sensei Tom

[janos]

be careful