Tips for a Fun and Successful Tournament Experience

The U.S. Central Taekwondo Oklahoma Invitational Tournament is this Saturday, February 26th.  This is our first tournament of the year and it is one of the largest tournaments in the southwest United States.  Whether you are attending your very first tournament, or are an experienced competitor, here are some tips on how to make sure your tournament experience is a success:

• Arrive Early - This will make registration go more smoothly and give you time to find a good seat.  We are meeting at All American Martial Arts at 7:30am to go to the tournament site as a group.
• Do an Equipment Check Friday Night - If you are sparring, you will need all of your protective equipment (including protective cup for males and mouthpieces).  Doing this the night before will save time and ensure you have everything you don't get to the tournament site without something you need.
• Be Patient - Larger tournaments take some time to get running.  And when there are a lot of participants, you won't get through your events real quick.  
• Try to Make Some New Friends - Tournaments are a great place to meet new people.  While you're waiting to compete, visit with the other competitors in your categories.
• Bring Drinks and Snacks (competitors) - Especially if you are sparring.  You will want water or Gatorade or something similar.  Also, it doesn't hurt to have some energy bars with you either.
• Show Good Sportsmanship - be prepared right now that everything is NOT going to go your way.  That's the nature of competition.  The point is that you do your best.  Be gracious whether you win or lose and people will respect you.  (Parents, this goes for you, too!)
• Cheer for your Teammates - When you are not competing, cheer for the other students from All American Martial Arts.  This will make the event more fun for everyone.
• Follow Instructions - Whether they come from the tournament directors, referees/judges, or your coaches, the instructions are to ensure everyone plays by the same rules and remains safe.
• If you have a question, disagree with a ruling or result, Discuss it with a Coach - Do not argue with a tournament official.  If there is a question about something, your coach will do his or her best to find out why something happened.    
• Trim Your Nails - Especially if you are sparring.  Referees will not allow long fingernails or toenails.  So trim them the night before the tournament.
• Invite Friends & Family to Come and Support You - Events like this are more fun when we can share them with others.
• Bring a Positive Attitude (and keep it) - We all want to win.  And from our perspective, just by placing yourself in the ring, you are a winner.  But not everyone will get a 1st Place trophy.  Do your best, have fun, make friends, and enjoy the experience.  

If you follow these tips, you'll make this event a lot of fun.  We're excited about kicking off our tournament schedule and we hope to see as many people there as possible.