2026 OC Tournament FAQs
Where is it?
📍Orange Coast College (gymnasium), 2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa
How long is it?
The tournament is an all-day event; however, individual events are approximately 30-60 minutes each.
Tournament Schedule (listed by age)
Why should my child(ren) compete?
Tournament experience builds confidence, focus, resilience, and sportsmanship in a way regular classes can’t fully replicate. Students also love cheering on their teammates and being part of the larger martial arts community.
Since we only have two local tournaments each year, we highly encourage students to participate if they can!
What should we expect?
The gym is divided into competition areas or ‘rings’. Students compete against others in their same age and rank division for 1st–4th place medals.
You’ll see forms, sparring, weapons demonstrations, and students of all ages competing throughout the day. It’s an exciting and supportive environment!
Forms ('Kata')
When their event begins, students will line up and wait for their name to be called by the judge(s) assigned to that ring. Once their name is called, they will bow into the ring, walk up to the judge(s), and introduce themselves. Our students have been practicing their presentation for a few weeks now, but here it is as a reminder:
”Hello judges, my name is [full name]. I represent the Dana Point dojo. My instructor is Sensei Mike, and with your permission, I’d like to perform [form name].”
The judge(s) will let them know when to begin, and then they will perform their very best version of their form. Once they’ve finished, they wait to be dismissed while the judge(s) mark their score on their clipboard. Then they will bow out of the ring and wait for the other students to perform their forms.
Judges look for:
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Strong technique
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Powerful and accurate strikes and kicks
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Low stances
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Intensity and focus
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Loud “kiai”'s
Parents, please support your child(ren) by asking them to practice their full presentation and form at home as tournament day approaches. Confidence comes from preparation!
Sparring
Depending on the size of the group and how well they do, students will spar against one or more opponents for points. The first to win 3 points against their opponent wins that match.
Points can be scored by making controlled contact to the head or upper body (above the belt). Strikes and kicks to the back of the head and back of the body are not allowed. The top four students will win medals.
Required Sparring Gear
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Helmet with face cage
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Mouthguard
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Full-protection gloves
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Sparring shoes (Bushido or Feiyue recommended)
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Groin protector for males
Optional
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Shin guards
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Chest guard
What time is my event?
Please refer to the Tournament Schedule
What should we bring?
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Full uniform and belt
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Sparring gear if sparring
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Weapons if competing in weapon forms
We also recommend:
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Water
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Snacks/lunch
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Extra cash/card for refreshments or spectator tickets
Can we watch even if we don’t participate?
Absolutely! Spectators are welcome and encouraged. Supporting teammates is a huge part of the tournament experience.
🎟️ Spectator tickets are $10 online or at the door.
We especially recommend staying to watch the instructors’ division at 12 pm!
Will there be any refreshments?
Drinks and snacks are usually available onsite, but if you plan to stay most of the day, we recommend bringing lunch or planning a quick nearby food stop.
How do we register?
Click the registration link below. If this is your first tournament, you’ll create an account and add your competitor(s) using their age, height, weight, and rank.
Then register for Forms (‘Kata, NOT ‘Open Kata’) and/or Sparring, and Weapons if applicable.
Registration Fees
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1 Event: $65
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2 Events: $80
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3 Events: $95
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Spectator tickets are $10 each