A circuit is a group of competition events put together by one organization. For us (MAS) that is the FAME2K circuit. The Florida Affiliation of Martial Arts Events 2000 organizes about 10 to 11 competition events annually. You may also see FAME2K referred to as F2K, FAME, the circuit, the competition circuit, the tour, and the competition tour. A tournament may also be referred to as an event or a competition.
Each of these events is promoted by different persons who are usually martial artists themselves. Each promoter is responsible for marketing and running (putting on) his/her own event. At the event, or tournament, individuals compete in different categories called divisions (sparring, for example). Divisions are further broken down into different belt rank levels, age levels, and gender levels.

FAME2K provides the rules of competition, officiating, and guidelines for running an event. It also provides the website for information on the tournament schedule, points earned, etc. Space Coast Karate Championships (SCKC) Mr. Smith has served as the President of FAME2K for the past 4 years. He also promotes the SCKC. The tournament is held annually, usually the first weekend in February.

The following is a list of questions we are most often asked by our students. Some answers are specific to our studio.

• Can I/my child compete?

Competition on F2K is open to individuals from age 5 years and from Beginner (white belt) to Black Belt. It is good dojo etiquette to speak with your instructor before signing up for competition, rather than just showing up.
For instance, you could say "Mr. Smith, I think I would like to compete, what do you think?" You will either receive the response that you are not quite ready just yet Or he thinks you are ready. If Mr. Smith agrees that you are ready, then ask "which kata would you like me to perform?"

• What do I do at the tournament?

Competitors may compete in 6 different divisions. Relevant to MAS students are the Traditional Forms and Open Point Sparring divisions. Traditional Forms is your Kata; Open Point Sparring is sparring.
Mr. Smith requires all under Black Belts (also referred to as Kyu belts) to compete in Kata (also referred to as Forms). Then, it is up to you whether to compete in sparring. You must know a kata completely to have one to compete with. By knowing a form, I mean one that has been taught to you by your instructor. Please do not rush your learning! Usually the kata you would compete with would be the last one you learned completely (not the one you are currently learning!).

• Who will I be competing against?

Other competitors of the same age, level (eg, beginner), gender (9yrs & up), and sometimes height. Look over the divisions sheet to find where you or your child would fit. Division sheets are available on Fame2k.com.

• What do I wear?

• For forms (kata) competition:
  • Full Gi. White only!
• For sparring competition:
  • Full MAS Gi. Black Gi pants OK for green belts and higher (Full Gi is your MAS Gi pant, MAS t-shirt and MAS Gi top.Head, Foot and Hand pads (not torn)
  • Chest and Face Guards for 17 yrs & under
  • Mouth Guard
  • Groin Protection for Males

• Do I have to spar?

No!

• Do I have to do Kata?

Yes! You cannot compete in sparring unless you also compete in Kata, per Mr. Smith. However, you may compete in kata only.

• How do I sign up?

For most tournaments, you will register at the door when you get there. Pre-registration is also available at the promoter's discretion.
Most of the time, you will register when you get to the event. There will be a table set up outside with registration forms and pens. Complete a registration form for each competitor. Total the amount you will have to pay as indicated on the form. NO CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR. Join the line; event staff will check your registration forms, take your money and give you the materials needed for you to enter the competition.
Competitors will be given a small card representing and allowing the competitor to participate in each division registered for. Do not lose these cards or you will have to pay again. The cards will be surrendered to the person in charge of the ring the competitor is assigned to when it comes time to compete.

• What is Pre-registration and why should I do it?

Some promoters offer Pre-Registration, the opportunity to register before hand. Pre-registration is normally open for a set amount of time (e.g. 2 weeks) and most times will end a week or two prior to the event date. Your competition packets are either mailed or are made available for pick up at a special booth on the day of the event. You simply give your name and collect your registration. Preregister and sleep in! No worrying about getting there early because of long lines. Some have been know to miss their event while outside registering!

• What do I do when I get there?

If you pre-registered, the promoter should have indicated to you the protocol for getting hold of your registration packet. If you did not pre-register, or it was not available, then get registered. Once you get inside, check the ring assignment sheet to locate the ring number that you or your child will be competing in. The rings will be visibly numbered in a manner determined by each promoter. GO TO YOUR RING AND STAY THERE until you are completely finished with all divisions and winnings have been awarded! Do not wander or run off; you risk missing your division. Listen for your division to be called (e.g. 8 & 9 Yr Old Beginner Forms). A judge will ask for the card you received at registration. Listen also for announcements of any ring changes. At the promoter's discretion, competitors may be moved to a different ring. It is your responsibility to LISTEN and pay attention for announced changes.

• What time will I be competing?

Tournaments are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. After that, timing all depends on how many competitors show up for each division and issues that may come up during the course of the day, if any. At FAME2k tournaments, children and kyu belts compete first, black belts last. Musical and Weapons divisions are usually run first followed by Forms, then finally Sparring.

• When will the tournament be over?

Again, timing depends on how many competitors attend. A safe estimation would be some time between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. when the last black belt division is completed. Children are usually finished between noon and 1:00 p.m.

• What is a Fame #?

If you become a FAME member by attending the first tournament of the year or purchasing a membership, you will be assigned a membership number. Students who plan to attend most or all of the year's events should join. Points earned by placement in each division, at every tournament you attend, will be totaled at the end of the year to determine the FAME Champion of the division. Join Fame after the first tournament of the year by speaking to the membership representative at tournaments or contacting Fame.

• Do I have to do all of the tournaments?

No. However, students should plan to compete and support the dojo's tournament, the Space Coast Karate Championship.
Competition is encouraged at MAS because it enhances your growth in the martial arts as well as strengthens and builds character.