3 Reasons You Should Compete in Martial Arts

As sure as there are new students in your classes, there will be apprehensiveness about the first tournament or fight. It can sure be intimidating for new students. I remember my first fight and my first tournament. I  don't know if scared is the right word, because I was far past that. I was so scared and my stomach full of butterflies that I was in a trance like state of euphoria. It's ok though, I had a wonderful time.

Why SHOULD students do tournaments and/or fights?  Is it really necessary for a great martial journey? No, but here are three great reasons why you or your kids should compete.

1. Know Thyself

According to Dictionary,com, the word "compete" means to strive to outdo another for acknowledgement, a prize, supremacy, profit, etc.; engage in a contest. However, if you think you are competing with the other person, you are wrong! You are always competing with yourself first. I know that sounds cliche, but when you step onto the mat or in the ring, you come face to face with hard realities; the realities of life. You come face to face with how hard you trained or did not train, how you cheated or didn't cheat on your diet, how you took shortcuts or did not, how you were lazy or pushed yourself harder than you ever have.

Believe me, when your back is up against the ropes, or when you are in a dominant position trying to hold on for dear life, you will understand yourself more than you have ever before. That is the gift that competing in martial sports makes possible. When you are standing on the edge of enlightenment, you realize that what you have done was not just a physical and emotional journey, but a spiritual one as well.

2. Develop Self Defense Skills

You signed up for martial arts classes primarily because you wanted to learn self-defense, or you wanted your kids to build the confidence that martial training brings? Do you really want to train all of your life with only theory and  simulated drills, or do you want to put some of your training to the test? You may not be interested in competing, but the benefits far outweigh any negatives.

I have had so many people come into my classes and realize that they has previously spent years, not in wasted effort, but in no relationship to other styles and philosophies out there. This generally resulted in acutely painful learning experiences on their part. They had to learn and live Bruce Lee's philosophy first hand; taking that which is useful and discarding that which is not.

3. Competition is Part of the Culture of Sports

Who practices soccer, basketball, football, or any other sport for weeks and weeks and months and months, then when the coach announces a game or tournament, they in turn announce they have no wish to compete only to practice?

I don't know a coach, team mate or parent out there that would not have to ask their child or student to repeat themselves due to the shock, and wanting to make sure that is what they heard.

Well, when you decide not to compete, put yourself in the shoes of any other sport and ask yourself if it sounds funny to you too? Again, we all have fears and anxiety about competing, and that is fine because learning to overcome your fears is a part of life.

When it comes down to it, any excuse you make for not competing, other than clear doctor's orders, are just excuses. Whenever you are making excuses, simply refer back to section one of this article: Know Thyself.

Thank you for reading. Now sign up for that tournament or fight!

Benjamin Moriniere "Sensei" "Foguete" is a Professional Martial Artist and Entrepreneur in Okinawa, Japan!  @CapoeiraOkinawa