Comp Kit: Get into the habit of taking a comp bag or kit to every competition. Have all your gear organised the night before. Check it off on a tick list as you pack your kit. Your kit may include; Gi + belt, mitts, mouthguard, groin box, chest plate, bandaids, ice or cold pack, panadol, water bottle or sports drink, jacket, hand towel and any event details. Ensure that your Gi is clean and ironed. You need to present yourself well on comp day.

 

Orientation: On arrival at the venue take the time to orientate yourself with the facility. Look at the set up of the courts and which direction is the front (shomen). Find out if the courts are numbered A,B,C,D etc. Find out if there is a marshaling area. Find an appropriate place to put your kit, make sure it is easy to get at. Go and find the toilets. Is there a shop at the venue ?. Is there a first aid station ?. If you are a child parents will need to do many of these things.

 

Preparing to Compete: I have been competing in Karate tournaments for over twenty years and in that time have found that warming up properly prior to performing can really help you perform better. Often competitors do not warm up effectively and when they go on court their performance is flat. I warm up until i am in a mild sweat. I perform my kata and kumite techniques at full speed and power a few times over. This also helps with burning off adrenalin and nerves. I practise my kata in the direction that i will perform it on court. Sometimes you will be all warmed up but there will be some delay, this is where you put your towel around your neck and your jacket on. Keep warm and stay moving. Avoid sitting back in the stand keep focused. Visualise yourself on court performing in a positive manner. Aviod being distracted by other people. Some competitors put their head sets on and play music. This helps them to stay focused.

 

On Court: When you are called on court for Kata its time to relax your mind and free your thoughts. Avoid thinking about kata sequence as this may cause you to make an error. Simply perform the chosen kata and leave the rest to the judges. Aim to perform at your best and be happy if you think that your performance was the best you could do at that moment in time. Regardless of any result. Competition is a great way for you to get a gauge on how you are going. You should be gratefull for your fellow competitors for without them you would be unable to reach your best.

 

I hope that you enjoy competition as much as i have over the past two decades, and i am sure that it will help you reach your best and keep your passion and motivation for training alive.

 

Oss,

 

Michael Ettingshausen