[47MartialMan]

A TOURNAMENT STORY

Some time ago there was a little boy named Matt. His dad, older brother, and sister took up Karate. Since he was only six years old, Matt thought he wasn’t old enough for Karate. His dad asked the Karate teacher if Matt was too young to learn. The Karate teacher said no, and it was ok for Matt to learn.

Matt was afraid or was a little nervous at his first Karate class. As time went on, so did Matt’s practice. Matt became real good in Karate. Sometimes Matt did better than his older brother and sister. Matt could remember his routines well. Matt was proud of his ability. So were his mom, dad, and Karate teacher.

Then Matt’s karate teacher said there was going to be a Karate tournament. His Karate teacher said that Matt would have to practice hard because he was going to be in it. Matt was surprised and even scared. Matt said that he did not want to be in a tournament. Matt’s teacher said that he should. Matt’s teacher knew that later on in life, Matt would have to do things that he wasn’t comfortable with. This is one reason Matt had to go.

At first, even Matt’s parents weren’t sure if Matt should go to the tournament. Matt’s karate teacher told them that Matt needed to go and it will help Matt in more ways that what could be thought possible. Matt needed the extra support and confidence from his parents just like the same from his Karate teacher. Matt’s Karate teacher knew Matt could be and soon will be ready for the Karate tournament.

Matt’s Karate teacher knew well ahead of time when the tournament was going to be. His Karate teacher would practice and rehearse with Matt and others, to make sure that they would be ready. Matt’s teacher knew that Matt and the other students can do it. All it will take is some practice and the thought of Matt knowing he can do it.

Then, the tournament day was here. Matt was nervous and a little bit afraid. Matt’s Karate
Teacher stayed close to him. His karate teacher explained everything just like it was done in the school. The only difference was that the size of the tournament area was so large. It had to be large to be able to have all of those other people and Karate students there.

Matt watched other Karate kids perform before he had to. He realized that if the other Karate kids could do it, so could he. His fear and being nervous had soon disappeared. Matt was called to the ring area to perform and walked up to the judges.

Matt was a little afraid and nervous talking to strangers, even though they were Karate teachers that were the judges. Matt looked at one that was smiling friendly. With much bravery and courage, Matt said the practiced words. Matt had practiced what he had to say: My name is Matt, My Style is Lee Kune Do, I will be performing Kata 1, Judges may I begin? Then Matt bowed and began his routine.

Matt performed the first move in his routine. Something happened. Matt could not move. By the looked on his face, he completely forgot what the rest of his routine was. Matt started to panic, be nervous and afraid. The idea in his mind that so many people were watching him did not help much either.

Matt became so nervous and afraid, the only thing he could do was do sit on the floor, put his hands to his eyes, and cry. No one had laughed at Matt. In fact other people were somewhat crying. Other people felt his sorrow.

Then, one of the judges walked up and sat beside Matt. It was the judge that Matt had talked to when saying his practice words. That judge was the one smiling and being real friendly. He told Matt to be brave and to start again. He told Matt to think and do it like he was in the classroom. He told Matt he could do it.

Matt got up and started over. He did his routine real serious. He did it without any mistakes. The people in the crowd yelled with joy. Matt smiled, and bowed in every direction.

Matt no longer thought of his mistake. Matt didn’t even think about winning. In fact Matt thought he lost. Matt didn’t care. The people in the crowd were cheering him. That felt good. In his ring, Matt shook the other kid’s hands and told them they all did a good job.

Then, the judges announced the winners.
There were four trophies. First-Second-Third-& Fourth Place. The judges said who was Fourth Place, a little girl from another school. Then the judges said who was Third Place, a boy from yet another school. The judges said who was Second Place, it was Matt! Matt was awarded Second Place!

Basically Matt had received more points not because he made a mistake and cried. He got the points he needed for Second place by having the bravery and courage to do it again-perfectly!

More cheers and yells of joy came from the people and everyone there. The cheers and yells were even louder than before! Matt was so proud and happy! He bowed in every direction and ran to his own teacher. He yelled to his teacher…I did it! I did it!

Everyone that knew Matt was very proud and happy. It did not matter if Matt had lost the other matches that day. Matt’s biggest reward was to show everyone that he could do it. Matt had showed everyone that he was a winner.

True Story…In fact, Matt did not even win one trophy at his second tournament. Matt didn’t care; he knew there would be other tournaments and trophies.