vonfirmath Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 We just started karate for our son. (He's been asking for it since his friends are in karate, and we think it might be a good thing for his energy and self-discipline aspects) But they said you have to participate in tournaments to advance. Is this normal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 I think different martial arts have different rules, and I'm sure individual dojos/schools have their own set of rules. We went to Tae Kwan Do and our advancement was a special event held for the whole school so everyone could test on the same day. Tournaments were not mandatory. I know I've also heard people complain about all the various fees associated with some dojos, like for tournaments and stuff. The one we went to had one contract and no hidden fees anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 tournaments aren't mandatory for my son either. He has done them, but only because his teacher expressly invited and encouraged him to compete. He got a trophy each time. :) Your son will probably end up wanting to do them, but the first one needs to some how be his choice and he needs to be set up for success. Otherwise its just an expensive Saturday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted June 12, 2013 Author Share Posted June 12, 2013 It's not a dojo. The classes are all at the community Center. I guess we'll wait and see. Maybe it won't be an issue this summer anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 My kids have taken Karate & Jujitsu via the community center. It's actually a company that is hired out by the rec. department. Going to a tournament is traditional in my experience. It really can be a good experience, once they are ready. They get to see a variety of levels working, plus some things he will not be able to do until he reaches a higher belt level. You have to take him to a tournament EVERY time they hold one. My kid's instructors tell them when they think they're ready to test for an advancement. That way we don't have to waste time/money going to a tournament that they would have no chance to get a new belt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vettechmomof2 Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 That is a personal choice of that particular dojo or whoever runs the classes. Tournaments are not a requirement everywhere though for advancement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoot Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 My son is a 2nd degree black belt who has been training for about 9 yrs. and he has never participated in a tournament. Here, they are totally optional and unrelated to belt testing. Through blue belt the belt testing is done within your own dojo with a group. Once you are up for black belt you go to a regional location where hundreds of students are testing for one of many black belt levels. That is an all day event. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 My Black Belt has been studying for 4 years and has never participated in a tournament. Different styles/gyms/dojos/instructors have different rules and expectations. Tournament particpation is not an uncommon or unreasonable requirement, but not one that everybody wants or needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 Tournaments were mandatory for my son to get his black belt at his old school. They aren't mandatory at his new school and I think it is a disservice to the kids. Tournaments are expensive and I don't find them fun, but they really helped my son improve. People don't spar at school like they do in tournaments because those people are friends and the extra motivation to win isn't there. I can see a marked difference in the abilities and attitudes of the kids in the different schools and I know it isn't all because of the tournaments, but I think the over confidence of the students in the new school is due to lack of competition and tournament participation. I don't think I'll let my daughters get their black belts at this school if they don't attend any tournaments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 Our dojo requires kids to attend 2 tournaments a year. They each cost $50. It's not my favorite Saturday, but it's not horrible either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoot Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 eople don't spar at school like they do in tournaments because those people are friends and the extra motivation to win isn't there. Hmmm that's an interesting perspective that I hadn't considered. Sparring is the area where my son is the weakest. Forms pose no problem for him, but the sparring has always been a struggle. This has always baffled me because he routinely spars in class with men (and women) who are easily 3 - 4 times his size. He couldn't hurt them if he tried, and yet, he is still so timid about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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