Post by martinh on Jun 14, 2015 16:44:46 GMT
This is for anyone competing in the Irish Cup next saturday 20th, although some of the pointers could apply to any other competitions i suppose. The Karate events (points sparring) will start from 11am. From experience they usually start with the younger events and go through the belts, so basically the last ones to spar are black belts over 35s. The divisions are based on age and belt (beginner/intermediate/advanced). Although with a lot of competitions like this it may depend on how many turn up for each category. I wouldn't turn up until 10.30 anyway. There's no way of knowing what time your division will start at after 11am unfortunately. The last division may not start until 5pm (black belt) so be prepared for a bit of waiting around. Bring some snacks, i would usually bring bananas and cereal bars and plenty of water.
Make sure you have points gloves with you, however you should be able to buy a pair on the day if you're stuck. Also for the under 18 divisions i think they insist that you have to have your belt with you and on you when you spar, something to do with insurance. I'm not 100% sure if this is the case for the other divisions but i would bring your belt anyway just in case. This may sound stupid but clip your toenails also as you may not be let fight if they are too long. This also goes for sparring at the club too, the last thing you want is someones long sharp toenail cutting you with one of their head kicks! The gear you need is pretty much the same as what we use in club sparring (headguard, gumshield, groin guard, shin pads, foot pads, gloves). Some comptetions will insist that you have wraps if it is continuous sparring but that doesn't apply here. If you've got MAI pants/top then you should wear them.
I don't think i will make it to this one due to family commitments although i may be able to make it late in the day, i will see. Good luck to everyone competing. Don't sweat it, especially if this is your first competition or if you're a beginner, it will be a good experience that will stand to you. You will also get to see the standard that other clubs are at and i think that is useful. Try and enjoy it and see it as an opportunity to push yourself.
If anyone else has any useful info for this of any other competitions feel free to add..
Make sure you have points gloves with you, however you should be able to buy a pair on the day if you're stuck. Also for the under 18 divisions i think they insist that you have to have your belt with you and on you when you spar, something to do with insurance. I'm not 100% sure if this is the case for the other divisions but i would bring your belt anyway just in case. This may sound stupid but clip your toenails also as you may not be let fight if they are too long. This also goes for sparring at the club too, the last thing you want is someones long sharp toenail cutting you with one of their head kicks! The gear you need is pretty much the same as what we use in club sparring (headguard, gumshield, groin guard, shin pads, foot pads, gloves). Some comptetions will insist that you have wraps if it is continuous sparring but that doesn't apply here. If you've got MAI pants/top then you should wear them.
I don't think i will make it to this one due to family commitments although i may be able to make it late in the day, i will see. Good luck to everyone competing. Don't sweat it, especially if this is your first competition or if you're a beginner, it will be a good experience that will stand to you. You will also get to see the standard that other clubs are at and i think that is useful. Try and enjoy it and see it as an opportunity to push yourself.
If anyone else has any useful info for this of any other competitions feel free to add..