Preparing at home for the Tournament:

• Wash and iron or steam your karate suit.
  
• Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to the event.
  
• Get a good night’s sleep.
  
• Keep all nails trimmed.
  
• Remove nail polish before the tournament.
  
• Tie long hair back using a maximum of two elastic hair ties; no wire or plastic ties.
  

Tournament Day checklist:

• Water Bottle
  
• Healthy Snacks
  
• Optional flip-flops/slides
  

Kata Athletes

• Clean Karate Suit
  
• Belt 
  

Kumite Athletes 

• Clean Karate Suit 
  
• Belt (red/blue)
  
• Gloves 
  
• Shin/instep pads
  
• Chest guard
  
• Mouth guard 
  
• Groin guard (male athletes)
  
• Helmet (U14)
  

Mental Preparation

• Set Positive Intentions: Focus on personal growth and doing your best, not just winning.
  
• Visualization: Imagine yourself performing with confidence and composure.
  
• Stay Present: Anxiety is normal; breathe deeply and remain in the moment when backstage or waiting for your turn.
  

Day of Tournament Coach & Club Manager Roles 

• Heather, our amazing club manager, will be with spectators and available for parents if there are any questions. She may flag when athletes need to warm up if Coach Aoife is busy with other athletes competing. 
  
• Coach Aoife may not be able to address concerns or questions right away, as she will be in the tournament area with the athletes.
  
• Coach Aoife or one of the club’s assistant coaches will be in the tournament area with the athletes for their events
  

Tournament Information

• The Tournament Marshal will call athletes’ names, and athletes will line up one division ahead of their own.
  
• Athletes should sit and watch the group ahead of them. Do not kneel, as your legs may fall asleep; sitting cross-legged is recommended.
  
• When their division is called, athletes will line up at the edge of the mat and bow in.
  
• For kata, the athlete’s name will be called, and they will walk to the centre of the mat.
  
• For kumite, the athlete’s name will be called, and they will wait at the side of the colour they have been assigned to until the centre official allows them to enter.
  
• Please be patient, as divisions may run ahead of or behind schedule. Plan to keep your entire day free.
  

Tournament Check-In

• Arrive early and check in at registration.
  
• If you are unable to attend, text or call Heather, Club Manager, and she will notify the Tournament Director.
  
• There is no fee for spectators.
  
• No flash photography is allowed.
  
• Shoes may be asked to be removed when entering a dojo to protect the mats. If the competition is within a school, you can bring indoor shoes. 
  
• We encourage athletes to bring flip-flops or slides, which can be used if they need to go into the hallways for water or to use the washroom.
  

Coach Aoife and Heather will continue to add to this list, and we welcome your feedback and additional questions you may have. Heather said she learns something new at every tournament, so we know this list will evolve. 

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If you're interested in any of our classes, just let us know and we can send you all the registration details.​

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