Tournament Competition: This is so a student will learn to face his/her fears. Most people allow their feelings and fears to control them. Your fears will limit your ability.
F.E.A.R. * False Evidence Appearing Real - FEAR
Sportsmanship: It's easy to be pleasant when you win. But it's alot harder to be pleasant when you lose. Win or lose you are still a WINNER you faced your feelings and you have learned something from experience. Now you know how and what to work on in order to be better the next time. In most cases it takes 5 or 6 tournaments before you will start placing. Sometimes less or sometimes more. Control your temper. DO NOT THROW YOUR GEAR, or gear bag. Do not argue with the Referee or Judges... If you get a bad call do not dwell on it, go on. It is very possible there is a reason why the Judgeds aren't calling or seeing your points. Some competitors never lose, they were always ripped off. Some days 'the Bear gets you, and other days you get the Bear." Yes, there are bad calls, but this is a very fast paced sport. If you feel there has been a rule violation, respectfully ask for an Arbitrator and or your Instructor. You cannot protest a judgment call. At the beginning and end of each match shake hands with your oppenent. NO CURSING OR OBSECENE GESTURES.
Respect: I expect you to show respect to all Black Belts and/or Competitiors, whether they deserve it or not... Be an example and set the standard. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Being an example and doing what is right is not always easy. But you can and will do it.
Team Spirit: When you compete, you are part or a team. You may not be on the Tournament team but you are a member of ohio martial arts magazine circuit and we support each other. While supporting other team members, do not use phrases like 'kill him", 'knock 'em out." This is not the image I want for you or your school or team. We have the BEST TEAMS on ANY circuit. We didn't get to be the best by letting everyone do their own thing. We did it by sticking together as a family and setting high standards and being examples of those standards.
Workout: In order to compete, you must be working out on a regular basis. One class a week is not enough. An average of three (3) classes a week is expected if you plan on competing. Two weeks before a tournament you should come to class as often as possible. it is a good idea for your parents to vidoe tape each competition so when your review it you can see your mistakes and work harder to be better the next time.
Parents: SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE your child. The first couple of times that your child competes will be very hard. He/She has many fears to face and its not easy. Encourage them to work hader and to be better prepared the next time. Building character in an indivdual is hard. Don't make up excuses. Sometimes parents try to protect too much. Let them learn that life isnt' always fair. There will be bad calls. Sometimes they will be in your favor and sometimes not. Most of the time we only keep track of the ones that are not in our favor. Dont' build on the negative. Re-affirm the postives.
Disappointments: After a Tournament its easy for a student to be disappointed in his/her performance or in the calls made at the tournament. Negative thought build negative character. You tried, you gave it your best shot. So the next time, try again, work harder, and learn from your mistakes. Listen to your Instructors, They have been there too, and they felt the same things you are feeling. Don't give up!! Keep going forwrd. You have no control of the past. But the future is in your hands. It will be what you make it to be. And I'm not saying it will be easy. I'll never forget my first tournament competition experience. WOW! what a blow out. It was over almsot before it began, and my first five tournaments were like that. Use your disappointments and frustrations to motivate you to work harder and to try again, and again, and again. If I can do it, then so can you! THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS NOT JUST TO TRY...BUT TO TRY AGAIN...
SPECIAL NOTES:
1. Try to be at the Tournament Site 1 hour early. Relax, stretch out.
2. There will be 6-8 rings running at the same time. So listen carefully for your division. If your division has already started, you will not be able to compete!
3.PARENTS must stay OFF tournament FLOOR.
4.If a parent should lose his/her temper at the judges, your child will be DISQUALIFIED.
5.Make sure your uniform is neat, clean and pressed.
6.Make sure you have all of your equipment.
7.Never turn your back to the Judges.
8.Answer all Black Belts with "yes sir/ma'm" Even if you feel they dont deserve it.
9.When you are finished, go and SUPPORT other TEAM MATES.
10.Make sure you have a your school logo patch on your uniform. Know and remeber what it stands for.. Act Accordingly...
11.Just do your best and learn from your experinces.
12.Know the rules and follow them...NO EXCUSES!
by Dale McCutcheon
Director of P.K.C.
Ohio Martial Arts Magazine Inc.
PO BOX 712
REYNOLDSBURG OHIO 43068
Mrs. Regina Lugo (Publisher)
Ms. Tiffany Lugo (Assit. Publisher)
Ms. Crystal Lugo (Editor in Chief)
Mr. E.J. Swint (Secretary)
Rev. Louis Magazine Phone number: (740) 919-0700
E-mail address: