We here at WMAF are dedicated to providing a safe and wholesome atmosphere for all students to learn more about bettering themselves. WMAF considers competition an important part of all our students’ education. It teaches our students how to set high standards and attainable goals for themselves. Competition is a good way to discover how to deal with the pressures of performance, something we have to do throughout our lives. Competition also helps us master how to handle winning and losing in a gracious manner, another skill that transfers to all aspects of our lives.
WMAF is a very active member in the USA National Karate-do Federation (USA-NKF, or USA Karate), the National Governing Body for the sport of Karate in the United States. This organization provides an avenue for our students to compete at various levels, from local all the way through and including world competition. Any student may choose to participate at any or all levels. WMAF has assembled a team to promote the growth of individual karate-kas. In addition to the student learning more about the Art, the team aspect teaches the student how to cooperate in a group environment and offer positive encouragement to teammates.
All our instructors (“Sensei” and “Shidoin”) are required to be certified as USA Karate officials and/or coaches at the National level. This ensures those students wishing to participate in competition receive the proper instruction. We provide a separate program for team members to prepare for the rigors of higher-level competition. This program includes seminars utilizing both the latest advancements in sports psychology and time-tested karate training techniques.
Of course, the ultimate objective of participation in competition is to foster the achievement of realistic goals. We emphasize the intrinsic rewards gained from competition rather than the trophies and medals. Each competitor should consider they have won if they achieve their goal.
On the left are links to information on proper equipment and attire for tournaments as well as a link to the USA Karate Rules.
