Tournament Fun & How They Are Beneficial!!
Many people hear the word “tournament” and automatically tune out. When it comes to martial arts, so many people do not stop long enough to see the good in tournaments and how beneficial they can be in and out of the martial arts studio!
Benefits of competing in tournaments:
Improved confidence within themselves
Improved drive to learn more and work harder
Improved socialization skills
1) Building Confidence
When your child (or even as an adult this applies!!) competes in a tournament and comes home with that medal, there is nothing that tops that feeling! The feeling of accomplishment. The feeling of being able to look at the medal hanging around your neck and say “I did that!” To be able to look back and see all your hard work paid off! To come up to mom or dad and say “Look, I got a medal!”
Once the goal of obtaining that first medal has been reached, you want more. You want the ability to do it again! A student now has something to look forward to and something to work toward. They now know that it is possible and if they can get that medal, what else can they do?
2) Drive & Working Hard
Going to compete in a tournament builds the drive and want to work hard and push to be better. Knowing that there is something on the line.. whether it is a medal or bragging rights to brother or sister about how “I did that!” There is a want to be better and to do well.
Let's say it is a tough ring with a lot of competition and the outcome is not what was expected.. when you get back to your studio, there is a desire to do better and to have a different outcome at the next tournament. Students now feel like they have something to prove. Not necessarily to mom, dad, a sibling, a spouse, etc. but to themselves! No one wants to feel like they failed. People seek the feeling of accomplishment and when someone is able to make a comeback and do better than before, this makes the accomplishment that much sweeter!
3) Building Socialization Skills
Martial arts tournaments host different schools from all over the country. When waiting for your specific competition, there may be people from places such as New Jersey, Louisiana, or even Florida waiting for the same ring as you. After competing in so many tournaments, these people have started to become close friends! Tournaments introduce you and your child to new people from all over the country. Many judges tell you that before you leave, one of the goals of the day is you have to make a friend. This encourages interacting with new people and maybe even going outside your comfort zone more than you might inside your own studio.
All in all, martial arts tournaments provide an excellent opportunity for children to gain invaluable skills such as focus, discipline, respect, confidence, and teamwork. The competitive environment can help children learn to set and achieve goals, work hard and persevere to succeed, and develop a sense of sportsmanship. Tournaments give children the opportunity to test their skills and progress while building relationships with other martial artists. And don’t forget, tournaments allow all these opportunities for adults as well.
