The Value of The Tiger Challenge

There are two main reasons that we hold our annual tournament. We are not a competitive school; we do not teach our students how to be better than another or how to best an adversary in a ring.  We focus on self improvement, compassion, confidence and empathy. The Tiger Challenge is another tool to this means.

The first reason- it gives students a renewed sense of purpose in their training. The idea of performing in front of others, being judged on your skill and merit, these are great motivators and often lead to great leaps in one’s training. You won’t have confidence in something unless you’re actually good at it. You won’t be good at something if you don’t work for it.

The second reason- so our students are met with adverse situations, and can witness themselves come through the other side still standing. So they can learn that they can succeed, can reach their goals with hard work and focus. Or, so our students can learn that even when things don’t go our way that we can overcome an obstacle and be better for it. An individual who has the confidence to fail and try again can achieve more than an individual who has never experienced failure.

Students and parents alike, we should all keep these reasons front and centre when we think and talk about the Tiger Challenge. Talk to your kids, let them know that not winning that medal is as valuable as placing first. We want each child to grow, not walk away defeated. When working on your forms, do not stress about what the judges may see or score you at, focus on the opportunity afforded to you, to be able to overcome your fear or anxiety and be better martial artists because of it.