

She-hahp
(tournaments) are controlled competitive environments that allow practitioners
to display and improve their skills in a safe environment. Although
some may think it is all about "who is better", that is only a part
of their purpose in Songahm Taekwondo.
In general, there are basically two types of tournaments:
1.
Winning a trophy at any cost, while exclaiming victory and scorning
defeat
2. Competing with a good attitude (possibly
winning a trophy) and learning under ideal conditions
The
second is what we in Songahm Taekwondo try to achieve!
Remember that tournaments are not just for a trophy. They allow our
members to meet new people, make new friends, put nerves to the test,
and display skills. By focusing on these purposes, it is very possible
to be happy whether one wins or loses. Most people think that the
reward at a tournament is the trophy. By eliminating this idea, we
eliminate the unnecessary devastation of leaving without a trophy.
In
reality, competition is not just in a ring. Students of Songahm Taekwondo,
as well as all other human beings, are competing with self on a daily
basis. We compete with our body to lose weight. We compete with our
mind to retain knowledge, and we compete with our intellect on our
spiritual convictions. Even in the case of a match against an opponent,
we are not only competing against that person's skill, but also against
ourselves to the the absolute best that we can. Therefore, tournaments
are a great opportunity for increasing skills as well as boosting
confidence. And, just as importantly, it is possible to learn self
control over a temper, or become motivated to react positively instead
of negatively to outcomes one does not desire.
For all these reasons and more, she-hahp (tournaments) are a vital
part of Songahm Taekwondo, and one of the most dynamic, fun aspects
of our art.











