Friday 4 November 2011
It has often been said that Martial Arts Tournaments Are not Martial Arts, however nothing could be further from the truth. Those who say Martial Arts tournaments are not Martial Arts do not understand the origin of the Martial Arts, or the many purposes that Martial Arts have in the development of the “total” person.
There are many aspects to the development of a Martial Arts person, as is the case in a person’s development in any of life’s pursuits. As with a child’s schooling, for example, it would not be complete to simply study English and Science without the study of Arithmetic. A well rounded academic program has many facets, as is the case with a well rounded Martial Arts program.
Tournaments are considered martial sport. Martial sport is one of the disciplines or studies of the Martial Arts, as is “Kyokpa” or the breaking of timber boards or concrete tiles, “Hanbon Kyorugi” or step exercise, “Kyorugi” or free sparring, and the list of Martial Arts disciplines that one studies are extensive. To leave out one of these in the Martial Arts program is akin to leaving Arithmetic or Reading out of a child’s academic program at school.
Martial Arts tournaments are no different from any other sport that athletes participate in.
People engage in sports not only for the awards that they bring but also for the physical and mental aspects that goes with it. Martial Arts tournaments are no different.
These tournaments are encouraged because they bring people together on a regular basis. They allow long-standing friendships to develop and they encourage camaraderie and trust within the schools or countries competing.
They are also the ultimate step in developing self-confidence and confronting weaknesses. For others, they act as displays that feature the technical skills and mastery of Martial Arts.
Many black belts travel all over the world competing and promoting Martial Arts with some of the senior instructors being prominent officials in world tournaments.
Martial Arts tournaments allow all ages and sexes to compete safely. Strict rules and experienced officials ensure that the true spirit of Martial Arts is adhered to at all times.
Who can compete in Martial Arts tournaments?
Children
Children are drawn to Martial Arts because of the exciting tournaments, the fun they get while exercising, and the dream of one day becoming a black belt and possibly a state champion, national champion or even an Olympian..
There are a lot of children who are being bullied and whose confidence is low, thus making their life miserable. Many parents can attest that their children’s life drastically changed upon participating in a tournament. The Factor10 Hanmadang for example is a great tournament that features the technical disciplines of the martial arts, including Poomse, Hoshinsul, Kyokpa and others.
They begin to feel part of a group whose first rule is to be courteous to each other and stand by one another and never pick on the weak. These are the children who usually go on to become true Martial Arts black belts and tournament champions.
With Martial Arts comes the confidence in believing in yourself and having a positive frame of mind. Even the children’s school performance always improves from starting training in the Martial Arts and participating in tournaments.
Women
Many women are afraid of walking alone and feel they need to be fit in order to defend themselves. Some women have been in the position of being attacked, or in a threatening situation, at one point in life. This gives them a feeling of no confidence.
At this point they feel the need to change their outlook and they finally do something about it. Some women love the challenge, especially of out-performing the men. Martial Arts gives them the chance to become a top class athlete once they get to the level of competing in Martial Arts tournaments.
Mature Students
Martial Arts offers physical and mental fitness to students who benefit with the fitness program and the relaxation of healthy exercise.
Many schools offer a syllabus that encourages those who are over 40 years of age. Factor10 provides just this. With the proper training, they even get promoted to black belt and take part in Martial Arts tournaments around the world.
Disabled
The hearing impaired, for example, are actually very good at Martial Arts as there is no verbal distraction. Martial Arts gives them an equal place beside their contemporaries. Students who experience a range of conditions and disabilites have every opportunity to experience international tournament success as a result of their wonderful Martial Arts training. Families with children or teenagers and adults with conditions such as Aspergis and Attentin Deficit disorder, for example, need look no further than the Martial Arts as a life long activity that provides the structure, discipline, and social interactions, that are so beneficial.
People From Other Cultures
It can be noted that the origin of Martial Arts was, in part, from an intention to bring people of all cultures together to share in a common persuit.
This is most certainly achieved as Martial Arts is being practiced and shared through out the world by people of all ages, gender, and race.
Where else can you get the chance to practice your craft, travel, visit other cultures and make friends than by participating in Martial Arts tournaments.
Master Damien O’Flaherty