Any of you ever compete even though...

[bushido_man96]

Yeah, I've played for a small audience last year and i kinda know you mean, but our equipment was messed up too.

back to my question, are tournaments and all that jazz like full contact or what? cause if someone kicked me in the face i'd prolly be pretty upset about it lol

It really depends on the rules of the tournament. Every one is a little bit different.

[Symphony-x]

In my opinion, I think competitions are great, not only do you get to 'fight' someone different, it also is an eye opener for what to change in your fighting style and comes with a great load of experience.

[USCMAAI]

I think competing is good whether or not you are "good." You get a chance to train with somebody outside your dojo, get to learn how to perform under pressure, and it's just a lot of fun. I don't like how serious some people get about competing, to me it's just another form of practice.

Thankyou for posting this! With all that I have been dealing with (my daughters tourney problem). I had lost track of the real reasons for competition. Again, thankyou. As for competing, I would suggest you try a couple and if you don't enjoy yourself, stop. lordtariel is right they can be a lot of fun, and you do get to train with people of different styles. This can be a great learning experience.

[DisgruntledGirl]

Thanks guys, I have just today recieved an e-mail letting me know of the tournament that I think he musta bin pre-emptively trying to see if I had any interest in.

I do think it would be "good" for me so to speak... 'cus there is really only one other yellowbelt at my school right now and she rarely comes... which I guess is why I'm so timid about the whole situation 'cus I really dont know how I would compare with someone else at my apparent level and this would give me the opportunity of facing people from other schools at my level.

I still havent decided if I would enter though... I still highly doubt it, but maybe I'll just go watch instead... who knkows, maybe I'll change my mind by then.

[lordtariel]

The rules regarding contact really depend on the person or organization putting on the tournament. With ours they wind up being moderate contact everywhere but the head which is either light contact or just touch. Those restrictions are relaxed for black belts though. If you're concerned with sparring, you can always compete in kata.(If there is a kata division)

[bushido_man96]

Going to watch is a good idea as well. Many times, those that go watch end up wanting to compete.....so, take your uniform with you, just in case.