Join us at the 2nd Annual Thunder Mountain Rumble!

Top 5 Reasons YOU Should Compete:

Give yourself a fantastic learning experience!

The dojang is the place to develop and perfect your skills – a tournament is the place to put them to the test! Contrary to what you might think, competition is not bad, especially when conducted in a safe and positive environment. Every martial artist has a unique set of strengths and abilities. The more people you compete against, the more you will learn and grow. And that’s what martial arts is all about! Experience and self-improvement is the guaranteed trophy of every competitor at a tournament.

Connect with the greater martial arts community.

The ATA is comprised of an immensely diverse community of martial artists across the country. Martial arts is a life-long journey and the people you meet along the way are only going to make that journey richer.

Bond with your classmates.

At a tournament, you’re not just representing yourself; you’re representing your dojang. Helping each other to prepare, being an encourager, and cheering each other on at each event creates a unified front, teaching your child (and us adults) about the benefits of being a team player.

Overcome your fears and build self confidence!

Have you ever wondered whether or not you would be able to perform the skills you’ve learned under pressure? While tournaments are a positive environment, the nature of competition will give you that adrenaline rush, the "fight or flight" response you would get in a real-life threatening situation. You will become more confident as you learn to handle your body’s response to stress while remaining calm and focused.

For children, "losing" can be the ultimate fear. In real life, we "win some, lose some." Especially for children and young adults, a tournament is a chance to learn to expect the best of themselves, value their performance and that of others, and receive feedback gracefully with a positive attitude.

For our Tiny Tigers, we recognize that at their age, this might be the first time ever they’ve performed in public. It’s a new and intimidating experience. At a tournament, each Tiny Tiger receives an award – there is no 1st, 2nd or 3rd place! Judges also recognize each Tiger’s individual strengths. A tournament is a great place to build your little one’s self confidence as they learn to compete!

Stay motivated!

Where are you on your martial arts path? If you’re a black belt, your journey isn’t over yet! There is always another level of excellence to achieve! Exposing yourself to competitors with challenging skill sets is the best way to gain renewed inspiration and keep yourself going!