Tournaments are an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned and to test your skills. Unfortunately, politics” are involved; judging is subjective, judges may consciously or unconsciously vote for their students, and points won or lost may be considered “unfair.” Nevertheless, one can learn from exposure to other styles and to other instructors. Don’t consider a trophy the sole measure of success; luck is a major factor.

Remember to show respect and conduct yourself in a manner which will reflect positively on your studio. Students from other studios are often discovered in a lie about their age or weight to gain an advantage in competition. If you can’t compete in an honorable fashion, then remain a spectator.

TIPS FOR TOURNAMENT COMPETITION:

1] Students must sign in— name, age, weight, belt rank, selected event (forms, fighting, weapons), school name, and instructor’s name. (An adult needs to sign, as a liability waiver).

If asked, Tang Soo Do is considered a hard style (rigid, strong moves expected) for forms. After payment at the cashier, the student receives a wrist band, stamp, or ticket (which acts as proof of payment).

2] The following are the usual ordering of events

Kata

• Children’s forms(lowest rank first);

• adult forms (lowest rank first);

• showmanship;

• weapons.

Weapons, showmanship, and forms Black Belt division winners

subsequently compete for a Grand Championship trophy.

 
SHOWMANSHIP

Gymnastics, music, fancy uniforms, and creativity are the hallmarks of forms labeled as showmanship. Dramatics are often employed, and the display can be highly entertaining. Often, two or more individuals present together, and weapons and other props are utilized.

WEAPONS

Weapons are demonstrated in dramatic form presentation with skill, timing, and practice being essential. Weapons will not be addressed in detail here, since it is not a focus of studio training but a specialized art form.

 KUMITE (Sparring)

Peewee fighting ages 5 to 7

Junior fighting ages 8 through 15

Adult fighting ages 16 and up (but varies in some tournaments)

1] Listen for the loudspeaker call of your division (usually numbered on yourticket or receipt or listed in the brochure) and meet at the designated area. Sometimes, rules are explained prior to events. If you have any questions — ask; certain strikes may be considered illegal at certain tournaments, so don’t be disqualified out of ignorance.

2] Be sure all your equipment is on and you’re warmed-up; just prior to your event, stretch, jump, etc.

(If you’re warming up to impress your competitors, don’t show them anything that you’ll actually be using!!) When the judges are taking names, try to line up next to an inexperienced person. (Experienced fighters usually line up at the ends). Competitors will be asked to sit around the ring. Use this time wisely: study the fighters, what points the judges are calling, etc.

When your name is called, enter the ring and judges will tell you where to stand and will designate you as “red” or “white.” Concentrate on your fight; don’t be distracted by the flags. As more experience is gained, the fighter can manipulate the time factor, rules, etc. (Fights are usually 3 points o r2minutes. Ties usually go into “sudden death”; first point wins).

3] Tournaments are usually single elimination; if you lose your fight, you’re eliminated from further competition. (Exceptions: when the ring consists of 4 people or less, or when you’re in final competition for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place).

4] Winners will be called into the ring: line up, bow, accept the trophy with your left hand, and shake hands with your right.

(Don’t forget to notify your instructor and to call the newspaper!!)

It is expected that all students support (participate in) their own studio tournaments.

 FORMS

1] When your division is called, line up anywhere from the middle to the end of the line. Unlike fighting, students are being judged on posture, attitude, strength, and presence. (Uniforms should be clean and pressed; trim is often impressive).

When your name is called:

Stand up, bow; enter the ring, bow; face the judges, bow. State your name, your style, your instructor’s name, and the name of your form. Then ask for permission to begin. Bow, thank the judges for granting permission, back away to your line (—never show the judges your back unless performing!), and bow again.

[An example of what to say: “Good morning, judges. My name is…, my style is Tang Soo Do, my instructor is, my form is… With your permission, may I begin? Thank you, judges.”]

Make the last move of your form strong. face the judges, and step back to Chumbae stance.

When you’re dismissed, bow, and back up to the line before turning to leave.

Win or lose, all competitors bow out (showing respect).

 2] Because many styles are in competition, judges are often unfamiliar with your form. Forms

are therefore judged on consistency, power, focus, timing, degree of difficulty, technique,

and aesthetic appeal.