Tournaments

Pattern/Form Training

Pattern training involves everything used in sparring training except for the sparring. Pattern techniques a seldom used in sparring, but they complement sparring techniques and thus improve them. Perform your tournament pattern daily. Learn it so well that if you are interrupted during performance you will know exactly where you left off. Practice concentration so your attention does not wander during performance. Vary the way you practice patterns. Practice with extreme body tension in slow motion, as quickly as possible while still maintaining proper form, eyes closed, etc. Train in a large area so you do not truncate movements. Train in a small area so you can practice stopping and resetting you position, since this may occur during a tournament. Patterns may be practiced up to the day of competition. Key things to remember about patterns are:

• Body movement should be smooth, not too quick, not too slow.
• Technique execution should be quick and powerful, except where slow motion is required.
• Concentrate on stances; they are most obvious to judges.
• Chamber for techniques and re-chamber afterward.
• Chamber kicks, hold them at full extension for a split second so judges may see the foot position and may appreciate the technique used in the kicks, and then re-chamber.

Remember patterns are a showcase for technique and artistic expression, but do not add superfluous movements or facial expressions.