Tournaments

What is the purpose of the tournament we run at our Kwoon? like so many opportunities the school brings to us it has a unique set of things we as students can gain from it. Looking back at the tournaments I use to compete in as a colour belt I remember why I started to compete. Back then it was about testing my metal against the rest of the martial arts community but now I realize what the true benefits are. It helped my grow in many ways with improving my confidence. to put yourself out there like that was at that point not a normal thing for me so I gained a lot of confidence through competition that way.  It helped me with public speaking due to the boost in confidence. It also helped me improve me leadership skills because no one can follow you if you don't have the courage or confidence to speak up. The harder the event, the harder the competition the better the boost in confidence in the end.
Like all the other opportunities the school presents you must ask yourself why do you not participate. If you have other priorities then your Kung Fu you must be honest with yourself about them. If it is due to fear then again you must be very honest with yourself about it. Either way understand a lost opportunity is lick a burnt bridge you never get a second chance at it and fear makes for a poor friend.

http://michaelplayter.blogspot.ca/2014/10/tournments.html