All students are invited to sign up for regional, National and World ATA Tournaments. Tournament
competition events include forms, sparring and weapon competition.
In order to compete at an ATA tournament in form competition, students must have their instructors
permission and know at least one form, either their current belt form or the last belt form they tested with. For example,
a newly promoted orange belt who does not yet know his whole form, is permitted to do his white belt form with no detriment
to his score. The student must know ALL of at least one form to compete, partial forms, however nicely done, are not acceptable.
Sparring competition is traditionally held immediately following forms competition within the
same ring. Students not competing in sparring for any reason must stay in their ring until their judges dismiss them. White,
orange and yellow belts will do one-step sparring with a partner, while camo belts and above will free spar for points. White,
orange and yellow belts will compete only with one-steps number 1 and 2, so knowledge of one-step 3 is not needed to compete.
Even if a new camo belt plans to compete with his yellow belt form, he/she MUST compete in a camo belt ring. Camo belts and
above are not permitted to compete with one-steps for any reason. Camo belts and above are required to bring all necessary
sparring gear including hand and foot pads, head gear, mouth piece and groin cup for males. Students without proper gear will
not be permitted to spar. Shin pads and other additional protective gear are optional. Students should not wear gear into
their competition ring, as they will be given time to put on their gear following forms competition.
Weapons competition is optional and may require an additional registration card and fee. Students
competing in weapons are required to bring their own weapons to competition to participate.
All competitors are invited to arrive early to avoid missing their competition. Students should
arrive either in uniform, or in dress attire with their uniform present to change into before competition.