the Academy's stand on Tournaments
Today jumping spins, aerial tucks, back flips, and round offs dominate the Form Floor. Kids walk around with World Championships and news articles, but no one reports that the same kids still can’t defend themselves from the school bullies. Instructors teach advanced kata because it will give the kid a better chance of winning a trophy, rather than as a teaching tool to develop one’s martial knowledge.
Sports are wonderful activities, and public demonstrations of martial skill can be a good thing. It is far better to perform combat arts in a controlled forum, rather than beating each other’s heads in on a back street somewhere. Competition can also be a great esteem builder. But there is a line between what is sport and what is the real deal.
Boxing can be a fun sport. And it requires a high level of commitment and training to excel. But it is still a sport. It is a controlled activity with martial roots, yet there are certain rules and guidelines. A person could use boxing to enhance their hand skills and timing, but a average wrestler can destroy a good boxer. Just shoot in and take the guy down.
Point fighting cannot, has not, and never will be able to simulate what happens on the street. It is a different perspective. Likewise, what is now called Extreme Martial Arts, with all the gymnastic moves and such, does absolutely nothing to teach a student about solid Martial Technique. Anyone who can walk can learn any of the Classic Kata, which were developed as living textbooks. Only a talented and trained athlete can perform a cartwheel – round off – back hand spring then drop down into a full split. This will train one for movie combat, but it won’t prepare anyone for a fight.
Martial Art study can easily include Martial Sport, but Martial Sport is not to be confused with Martial Art. One is a study in Hand – to – Hand Combat which may be tempered for a contest. The other is training with a very limited range of non – lethal movements to win a trophy or medal. Martial Sport cannot be compared to street fighting.
Martial Sports include boxing, Greco – Roman Wrestling, sport fencing, kick boxing, and point fighting.
At the Academy the distinctive lines are drawn and made clear. Students who wish to compete are encouraged to the highest level. Specialized Tournament Training is offered for those who wish to do this. But it is taught as a secondary discipline and in perspective. Students wishing to compete will learn sportsmanship, tournament etiquette, and to have fun. Most importantly, the student will be taught that trophies are OK, but don’t shirk the true training.
Before contemplating competition, it should be remembered that trophies and medals are not the driving spirit behind the Academy’s curriculum. Nor is success in competition considered important with regard to regular class activity. Tournament activity and competition is purely optional for students of the Academy.
Tournament Training Classes
In order to receive Shihan Nelson’s full support, time, and coaching the student must maintain an appropriate standard in regular classes, a sportsman – like attitude … and if the student is going to compete, they must train seriously.
For those interested in competing, classes are offered on Wednesday evenings and occasionally on Saturdays (ask in advance for Saturday Schedules) exclusively for Tournament Training. These classes are informal and are tailored to the specific divisions in which the student(s) wish to compete.
Scheduled Tournament Training classes are Free to fulltime students.
Break Training is conducted on Wednesday evening and Weekend Seminar classes. It is important to note that Breaking is considered to be Very Serious business. There are those who like to push their students in this direction, so as to gain recognition for their school, but offer little to no real instruction in safety and proper technique. One such school, who boasts about World Titles, are also notorious for serious injuries. Their coach has been often quoted as saying it isn’t his responsibility whether his competitors get hurt, and his students will admit they have to develop their skills and routines on their own. If the student doesn’t do well, they are ignored … but if they do well the coach takes the credit.
Shihan Nelson personally supervises and coaches all of these classes. Each technique is carefully taught and explained. Students are not allowed to compete until their routine has been evaluated, rehearsed, and approved by Shihan Nelson.
While Tournament Training isn’t the heart of the Academy, those who take this direction will be expected to work hard and will find Shihan Nelson a very serious coach.
Since 2003, when students began showing interest in Tournament Activity, Shihan Nelson has coached competitors to first place trophies in Self Defense, Breaking, Traditional Kata, and Point Fighting. He has developed a reputation for being strong in Chinese and Japanese/Okinawan Traditional arts.
Students wishing to Cross – Rank in American Freestyle Karate, American Karate Jutsu, or Ryukyushin Karate may acquire additional training during these times.
Team 9 Lotus
Team 9 Lotus is the Academy Team through which students may compete. Students of other schools who meet certain criteria may try out for placement with the team.
Team 9 Lotus General Rules:
· Students in grades 1 – 12 must maintain a passing GPA.
· Students must maintain acceptable standards in regular class.
· Students who make the commitment to train for tournament competition are to respect Shihan Nelson’s time. If you wish to train, he will enthusiastically volunteer his time to train and coach you. But if you wish to compete, it is his job to push you to your potential … and he will push.
· Underage students must abstain from all forms of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substance use.
· When representing the Academy and/or Team 9 Lotus team mates and chaperones may not indulge in alcoholic consumption or illegal substance use. (Team mates and chaperones who wish to drink or party can wait until they return to the privacy of their home)
· Team mates and chaperones may not use Team 9 Lotus activities as a spring board for Adult Parties, Infidelity, or other unbecoming promotions.
· Team mates and chaperones may not use Team 9 Lotus activities to promote or initiate religious or political views.
· Students of other schools who wish to join Team 9 Lotus must submit a signed form of approval from their Instructor. This form may be acquired at the Academy.
· Team mates and chaperones of Team 9 Lotus must behave with dignity, respect and honor at all times. Yelling, crying, and acting stupid with judges, tournament officials and fellow competitors WILL NOT be tolerated.
NBL Beach Battle, Myrtle Beach, SC 2004
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