Westminster, CO – February 24th, 2010 — Local business owner and Martial Arts expert, Javier Lozano, Jr. will be hosting their 1st Inner School Karate Tournament for students & members of The Dojo of Karate.

This is a great opportunity for kids and adults training at The Dojo of Karate to apply their new learned skills in a safe and fun setting — by competing against fellow classmates.

During a Karate Tournament, competitors will typically compete in various divisions or events, such as the Olympics, where athletes enter different events to win medals.  Most Karate Tournaments have divisions that include Empty Hand Forms, Weapons, and Free-Style Sparring.

Each division essentially has different requirements, making it challenging for competitors to become “complete” Martial Artists.
In the Empty Hand Forms division, competitors will perform a floor routine, in a sequence, which includes kicks, punches, and blocks, while showcasing their strength with low stances, displaying their focus and balance with difficult kicking combinations, and exhibiting power and precision with strikes capable of injuring an opponent.

The Weapons division has the same type of format as Empty Hand Forms, however, it requires competitors to use a traditional Okinawan weapon, such as a Bo Staff (long stick to carry water) a Kama (a modified sickle designed to cut wheat), or Nunchaku (two sticks with rope holding them together to break down wheat).

Free-Style Sparring is where competitors actually apply theirs skills of body movement, punching combinations, kicking precision, and timing in a setting against an opponent.  This teaches the competitor how to react in a real self-defense situation.  Free-Style Sparring is always performed with proper safety equipment in order to protect competitors from injury, as well as controlled contact when executing techniques.

The Dojo of Karate will have two events for competitors to compete in -  Empty Hand Forms and Free-Style Sparring.  Students will be required to compete in both divisions, as this will assist in creating well-rounded Martial Artists.
The purpose of this Martial Arts Tournament is to help students hone their Karate skills in a competitive format.  Students will learn several characteristics of how a Black Belt should carry themselves, since that is what all of our students are training to become.

For instance, students will learn about Sportsmanship and how to win humbly, yet lose gracefully.  In addition, they will develop their confidence because it takes courage to compete against others, when they are in the spotlight.  Students will also find their indomitable spirit – a characteristic that Michael Phelps is widely recognized for.
Why are these Black Belt Principles important?  Because The Dojo of Karate teaches Life Skills in all of their Karate classes. This will prepares a child to become better people in society with integrity and perseverance.  Something that our generation of kids are missing out in.

To add a spin on this Inner School Karate Tournament, Sensei Lozano decided to setup the Free-Style Sparring a little different from most typical tournaments, known as the bracketing system, which is widely accepted in all major sports.

Instead, he is establishing a Spar-A-Thon format.  Basically, students can spar in as many matches as they desire.  This allows students to take full advantage of the tournament, and not experience a “one-and-done” match if they lose their first outing.

In order for a competitor to achieve a Gold Medal, they will need to score a total accumulation of 60 points throughout all their matches.  For a Silver Medal, competitors need to score 40 points.  And for a Bronze Medal students need to score 20 points.

This Spar-A-Thon format teaches kids about goal setting skills and determination.  Not only that, but the students leave the tournament like they achieved something, and most importantly — with a smile on their face.

The Inner School Martial Arts Tournament will be hosted on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 from 10am to 1pm MST at The Dojo of Karate, which is located on 12910 Zuni St. #200, Westminster, CO 80234 in the Safeway Shopping Center.

To learn more about their martial arts and fitness programs, please call 303.920.4500 and a representative will be more than happy to assist you.