TKD Tournaments
Why Should a Student Attend a Tournament?
The belt and certificate that are received from a promotional testing are symbols of achievement. They are designed as rewards for a job well done and to motivate each student to set new goals while renewing the commitment and discipline required to maintain and improve skill in Taekwondo. This process is essential in the learning of skills in Taekwondo. After only one testing, students and parents can see how much the environment can affect one’s ability to perform physical movement and what great concentration is required to think clearly and quickly, and not to let anything distract the student from the immediate task. Classroom Taekwondo training sessions cannot duplicate the stress and pressure of the formal testing. This environment of controlled stress serves to toughen the student mentally and emotionally in very positive ways. It is the mark of a seasoned Taekwondo expert to be able to perform confidently with quick, accurate, sharp and powerful movements with no visible signs of nervousness whether training by him/her self or before a crowd of thousands. No one is ‘born’ with this ability. Rather, it is the product of repeated formal testing and much encouragement from parent and instructor alike.
A student’s training requires the intensity of the testing environment to insure absolutely the student’s ability to perform in stressful situations. This training is further enhanced by competition in Taekwondo America tournaments. All students will learn things by participating in a tournament that cannot be learned in class or even at a promotional testing. The most successful students and all instructors have participated in many tournaments. Just as softball or football practice prepares the player for the ‘big game’, the Taekwondo class prepares the student for the tournament. Unlike the promotional testing, however, the student cannot fail at the tournament. Awards are made for all competitors, regardless of winning or losing. All of this is done in a healthy atmosphere of good sportsmanship.
The emphasis of tournament competition is on competing with oneself, not being concerned with how the other guy is doing. Doing one’s best and learning to be gracious in losing are just as important as winning. If parents are supportive and positive, the students will have a great time while learning valuable lessons!
It is our hope that everyone understands why we want all ranks and ages to participate in every tournament! Taekwondo America has scheduled a National tournament for September 19th – 20th in downtown Winston-Salem. At a National tournament, Taekwondo America students from across the country will be in attendance. We will be teaching tournament readiness in all classes leading up to the tournament to prepare students. The full event information flyer will be available after the August 13th promotional testing. All students should make plans to attend!
