| Ask martial art instructors and students about | | | | respected. Families and competitors were from all |
| entering point tournament competition, and you | | | | over the world, on vacation and having fun. I |
| will get a variety of answers and opinions. Some | | | | myself had the privilege to meet and speak with |
| of the reasons for not entering are, our school | | | | my martial art heroes. This would not have been |
| only trains for self defense, the judging or rules | | | | possible, had I not attended the tournament. |
| are not fair, politics are involved. I respect their | | | | Not everyone who attends the tournaments, has |
| opinion, I realise there are many martial arts and | | | | to compete in point fighting. Competitors can |
| styles in the world, with different philosophies | | | | compete in kata(forms) competition, weapon |
| toward point competition. | | | | competition ,self defense, martial arts |
| I believe competition is good, and point | | | | demonstrations. Judges, scorekeepers, |
| tournaments are not about being the toughest | | | | timekeepers and coordinators are much needed |
| person on the block. We compete every day be | | | | and there to assist with the success of the |
| it in school to get the best grades, or at work for | | | | tournaments. |
| a possible promotion. So why not enter a | | | | Having said all this, I believe we should support |
| tournament and show your family and friends | | | | point tournaments. The positive out weighs the |
| what you have accomplished through training in | | | | negative. They allow students to compete They |
| the martial arts. | | | | offer competitors a way to network. |
| I recently attended a few tournaments in Orlando, | | | | Tournament competitors, can compete and learn |
| Florida The tournaments were well run . I realise | | | | the differences and similarities of the martial |
| not everyone can go home with a trophy, but | | | | arts. |
| the good memories will last a lifetime. Friendships | | | | I would like to see point tournaments continue to |
| were formed, among competitors. Master and | | | | flourish for this and future generations. |
| senior instructors were acknowledged and | | | | |