Entering my first Kata competition on the 12th

[Blade96]

Wasn't sure where to put my question thread so if this isn't the right place maybe a mod could move it for me? Thanks

So I filled out the registration form and emailed it in, a couple hours later today I received email back from the secretary of our Shotokan association saying he is entering my name in the adult white belt Kata competition.

So I put this here to ask , since is a question, does anyone have any advice for me, maybe many of you have competed before, maybe not shotokan but other MA and might share anything or everything they know about tournaments? what was your experiences like with it? How did you find it? were you nervous?

I'd greatly appreciate it all!

a week from today. Oh god. I'm slightly nervous as I've never done this before, performed in front of a lot of people, but mostly I am excited as I've always wanted to do this!

[Ichi_Geki]

Are you gonna be doing Taikyoku or Heian Shodan?

[joesteph]

a week from today. Oh god. I'm slightly nervous as I've never done this before, performed in front of a lot of people, but mostly I am excited as I've always wanted to do this!

I haven't been in kata competition, Blade, so I can't offer advice, but I can say good luck.

Nervous excitement sounds like a good sign to me that you'll do just fine--and will enjoy yourself while competing.

[Blade96]

Heian Shodan

This.

maybe I should have named my kata. sorry about that. =]

and joesteph, thanks for your all good wishes. =]

[mr_obvious]

Get some Xanax, heh.

Ok....maybe that wasn't the most productive suggestion. Just make sure to imagine you're actually fighting / applying the forms.

[Ichi_Geki]

Blade, When your doing the kata, emphasize on you hip rotations when you shift into you Shuto Uke. Alot of shiro obi wont do that...It should give you some more points that way.

[the beast]

Don't forget head movements. On your turns remember to turn your head and face your "opponent".

Also try not to do your kata too fast, alot of people let their nerves get the better of them and perform way too fast, so relax and enjoy the experience.

[Jay]

I haevn't done kata for about 4 years as I don't do karate anymore

However I still know Heian Shodan. As with any kata body involvement not just the hands is really the thing. Lots of crisp movements with a slight pause to differentiate

Oh and do it like this guy

[Ichi_Geki]

LOL the biggest name of Shotokan today, haha.

but remember this of all things. If you do not place, your only a white belt and now is the best of all times to learn humbleness and humility

[Chuck]

Sensei Kanazawa is the man

(after 2 seminars with him I'm still in awe)

but check out this kid from the JKA Japanese National Team from a few years ago.

He's is FAST on the move (blocks and punches), but not fast on the count.

(the pace is Fast down block, slight pause, Fast punch, slight pause, etc.)

Although he does not turn his head to the imaginary opponent first before the turns, which is what some else said you should do.

Good luck

Osu