Tournaments are exciting events which provide valuable experience for anyone who is determined to excel in their martial arts training. This is why we always like to encourage people to come and see what it's all about, at least once.

If you've never been to a tournament, then perhaps you may feel a bit apprehensive about entering for the first time. That feeling normally arises when we are not fully prepared for something (if there are questions that are still unanswered).

The purpose of this FAQ is to create a bit more clarity and to support your journey towards tournament excellence!

1. What are tournaments?

Tournaments are events where students from the whole club are able to meet, compete, and be recognised for their achievements.

At first, people might be drawn to tournaments to win medals, and while it’s nice to have external recognition, the real reward comes in the form of increased self-confidence. Developing a fearless attitude to approach any challenge. An inner feeling: "now that I can do this - I can do anything..."

We find that students who regularly compete in tournaments are also progressing much quicker in their karate as a result.

2. What happens there?

All competitors are allocated into events based on their age and current grade. There are four grade categories - 1) Yellow & Orange belts, 2) Green to Red belts, 3) Brown Belts and 4) Black belts & instructors.

In addition to the grade categories, events are also split up by age: 5-7yrs, 8-10yrs, 11-13yrs, 14-17yrs, 18-34yrs, 35yrs+

Starting with the events that have the youngest and lowest grade students, this is what happens for each category:

KATA

Each student is asked to enter the ring and perform their chosen kata. This prompts the judges to make an assessment and raise a score-board with the appropriate mark. At the end of the event, all the scores are compared and the top two are chosen for gold and silver medal awards.

These are some of the main things that the judges are looking for - sharp technique, good focus, power, balance, intensity, and unstoppable determination.

SPARRING

Two competitors are invited to enter a ring and spar each other for 1 minute. The head judge looks for scoring valid techniques and stops the bout to award points. Whoever gets the highest score by the end, gets through to the next round. This continues until the two remaining competitors face each other in the final.

The main things that the judges are looking for - turn the fist when punching, kiai, bring fist back to the hip, determined attitude, and being respectful to others.

To see what happens in the tournament, you can watch the following tutorial video:

Watch Tutorial Videos »

There are two winning places for the above events - Gold medal for 1st place and Silver for 2nd. In addition to these individual kata and sparring events, there is also an option for students to compete as a team:

TEAM KATA

A team of 3 competitors is invited to perform a kata of their choice and are given a score by the judges. All the scores are compared and the top two are awarded 1st and 2nd place. For junior team kata, all team members need to be under the age of 18.

And finally, there is also the Open:

THE OPEN

This event is literally “open” to everyone - any grade any age. Instead of medals, winners of are presented trophies and there is an additional 3rd winning place - Bronze. 

For Junior Open, the competitors must be under the age of 18 and the events are mixed (boys and girls competing together).

Senior Open is for competitors who are aged 18 years and over, with Men and Women having separate events.

The Open is designed for experienced competitors and is generally not recommended to students below Red Belt.

3. What is required?

Before entering, all competitors must attain a minimum grade of Yellow Belt.

For doing kata, you just need your uniform.

For sparring, the following safety equipment must be worm:
 - Hand Mitts, Leg Pads, and Gum Shield
 - Groin guard for male competitors

For adult female competitors, a Chest Guard is recommended (but not compulsory).

All sparring safety equipment is available through the club. If you require something for the upcoming tournament - please speak to your instructor at the next class or visit the Online Store.

4. OK, this sounds interesting... what are the details?

Generally, the majority of students finish and leave after the medals are awarded (12.30pm). Anyone who decides to stay after that, would be able to see all the Black Belts competing in the senior open.

5. How do I enter?

To have a place in the tournament, each competitor needs to fill out a tournament entry form:

The most commonly chosen option is to do two events - Kata and Sparring.

After we receive your form, we will add you to the tournament register and issue an invoice. Closing date for applications is Sunday 15th June 2025

6. Can I just come along and watch?

Yes! If you’ve never been to a tournament and you fancy just coming along and seeing what it’s all about - that’s absolutely fine. The price for adult spectators is £2 (children can come in for free).

The Dartford Judo Club has a purpose-built tournament arena. To see what it looks like - you can check the photos on the Tournaments Blog Page.

We’ll be doing quite a lot of practice over the next few weeks. If you are thinking about giving it a go but not sure if you're ready, then have a chat with your Sensei who can advise you whether it would be a good idea for you to enter at this time.

Overall, tournaments can be a great experience for the whole family and we would be delighted if you have an opportunity to join us.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Kenshukai Karate