Why You Need To Compete

Competition is necessary for martial arts. I'm not saying that everybody has to get on the mats, get in the ring, cage, etc. But you do have to have exposure to it. Whether it be by your instructors, classmates, etc. You have to see it by going to matches and watching. You have to spar with these competitors and ask questions. In theory many martial artists tell you something and you will expect that the outcome will be as instructed. Competition is a lab where you can find out yourself. You can compete against unfamiliar faces and many of the feelings that you experience will be similar to a real encounter (fear, pain, anger, fatigue, pressure, etc.). You will learn how to deal with emotions and how to control yourself. Remember what you learn has to be validated or combat tested and competition is a way to do that.