First tournament memories

[KarateKen]

My first tournament (TKD) was on this day (Oct 29) in 2005, so 19 years ago.  I remember feeling a lot of emotions.  Nervous, excited, overwhelmed, tried to take it all in, and it made it difficult to sleep.  We had a sparring seminar the night before and I won against a higher rank but was 0-2 against my own rank in the actual tournament. I was a green belt. I did forms and weapons, where I placed, but did not place in sparring.  I felt pretty good that I got two third place medals in my first tournament, but knew I missed a chance to win a sparring match, especially the second one, and to this day kick myself over some clear missed opportunities to land points.  It was about a 13-hour day between participating and volunteering at the event, but I left with more energy than I came in with.  It was so much fun to get that experience for the first time.  I did see stars for the rest of the night though, a kick to the head did that.  Possibly  a concussion, but other than that I got out unscathed.  Fun day and fun memories, still recall it like it was last weekend nearly two decades later. 

 

Please share your own, if you want. 

[sensei8]

My first tournament was way back in 1965 as a white belt. I lost. I remember that I lost so bad that I almost quit training right on the spot. My mom made me go back to the dojo because she paid for a full year.