This was the first tournament of our season.  We have two more--one in March, one in April--before moving into State and Regionals, ending with Nationals in July.  But the first one is really important.  For new students, it's their first experience with the competition experience.  For returning students, and students who aren't bitten by the competitive bug, it's a reason to strive and a chance to build confidence.  For experienced competitors, it's the chance to shake off the off-season dust.

Most of the students I brought to tournament were first-timers.  One of my young men came home with a division trophy, and was totally jazzed he scored sparring points against an opponent of a higher rank.  One of my adults came home with a division trophy as well, and is already planning what she needs to improve for next time.  My youngest students didn't come home with trophies, but all of them won at least two or three rounds before elimination in the largest divisions.  All performances to be proud of!

As for me, I've never been more proud of taking third place.  The woman who placed first is a national champion.  The man who placed second has been on competition teams for five or six years.  Both are people I admire greatly.  And the woman talked me into adding kumite to kata in the next tournament.  Above all, I was happy I didn't embarrass myself or my teachers.  :)