A beginners guide to throwing a martial arts tournament?

[chrissyp]

i'm gonna reach out to schools for sure....and safety is the highest concern!

[cathal]

i'm gonna reach out to schools for sure....and safety is the highest concern!

Great to hear! Please let us know how it goes. I think its safe to say most of us haven't run a tournament before. As each step goes along I know we'd appreciate hearing your thoughts and about all the little things that no one expects. It could prove helpful in the future.

[wildbourgman]

Chrissyp, what country is this tournament going to be?

If it's in the United States I'm thinking that what I consider "full contact" could be problematic without some form of sanctioning approval in some states.

Now if it's controlled full contact point kumite, then that may not be an issue, but I would check for the legality in your area. You certainly don't want anyone to get hurt, but you don't want to end up in court either.

[chrissyp]

Chrissyp, what country is this tournament going to be?

If it's in the United States I'm thinking that what I consider "full contact" could be problematic without some form of sanctioning approval in some states.

Now if it's controlled full contact point kumite, then that may not be an issue, but I would check for the legality in your area. You certainly don't want anyone to get hurt, but you don't want to end up in court either.

Yes it's in the states, and it'd be about as full contact as you think. that's the issue i'm thinking i'd be having in sanctioning approval. IDK what state or sanctioning body would allow it. I'm right next to the borders of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, so one of the three should be down!

[wildbourgman]

Crissyp, I'd be willing to bet any group in the area that plans MMA or Boxing matches could lead you in the right direction. No need to re-invent the wheel.

[Lupin1]

Did anybody else read "throwing a martial arts tournament" as "losing on purpose"?

[bushido_man96]

Did anybody else read "throwing a martial arts tournament" as "losing on purpose"?

Nope, didn't see it that way, until now...

Chrissy, in regards to your plans, are you set up under some kind of association or governing body that would help you with this tournament? The heavy contact level is a concern to me, especially if you are just a random style wanting to throw out a Kyokushin style tournament without any kind of insurance, etc, and wearing very little padding. You might struggle to get insured. Injuries will happen at a tournament like this. Injuries happen at light-contact tournaments. I'd be leery on this, and make sure to research it as much as possible.

[sensei8]

Having a disclaimer on your registration forms MIGHT be an effective way to protect yourself, and/or the tournament in general. Possibly having a Lawyer prepare the disclaimer the only way a Lawyer can. Does this take care of the insurance issue? I'm no Lawyer, but, it might, but then again, it might not. That answer is for a Lawyer!!

[skullsplitter]

You say you are near IN, OH, and KY. Maybe reach out to some of the schools at the link below that are on a circuit in that area. I know none of them do full contact at their tourneys, but some do grappling and light continuous. Someone on that circuit may be able to help or at least point you to someone else.

http://pro-amrskc.com/Tournament_Circuit.php