Beginner Color Belts - Competition Guide | Scribe

Beginner Color Belts - Competition Guide

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Beginner Color Belt Tournament Guide

Tournaments are an exciting way for students to build confidence, self-discipline, and courage while celebrating their hard work!

How Tournaments Work

  • Divisions: Students are grouped by age, gender, and belt rank to ensure fair and safe competition.

  • Rings: After opening ceremonies, each competitor goes to their assigned ring with other students in their division.

  • Judges: Each ring has 3-4 Black Belt judges who guide competitors and ensure everyone has a fun, positive experience.

What Students Can Compete In


Forms (Required):
Students perform their form individually and are scored on the quality of their technique.
(Open to all ranks.)

Weapons (Optional):
Students have 30 seconds to show off the weapons combos we've been reviewing in class (Ssahng Jeol Bong or Bahng Mahng Ee).
(Open to all ranks.)


Q. How do I register for a tournament?

A. You'll need to create an account through ATA's international tournament software, ataezsignup.com

Create an ATA EZ Sign Up Account

For Beginner competitors, we recommend registering for the Recreational division and competing in Forms.

NOTE: Beginners CAN NOT compete in any of the Creative/Xtreme competitive events.


How to Register for the Salem Tournament

💡 Parent Tips for First-Time Competitors

1. Arrive early.
Give your student time to check in, stretch, and use the restroom before the competition starts. Plan to arrive 20–25 minutes before opening ceremonies.

2. Check your gear.
Students are required to compete in their full white uniform, white undershirt, and their belt. Don't forget your weapon (if applicable)!

3. Review their material.
Encourage your student to practice their form and weapon combos at home, even for a few minutes a day, leading up to the tournament.

4. Keep it positive.
Remind your child that, as a beginner, they are still learning —and that's what tournaments are all about! Winning will come from experience, meaning the more they compete, the better they will do over time. Judges value strong effort, focus, and respect as much as technique quality!

5. Cheer respectfully.
Applaud for all competitors—showing good sportsmanship is a big part of ATA tradition.

6. Stay for the awards.
Every competitor is recognized, and it's a great way to celebrate their courage and effort.

7. Ask questions.
If you're unsure where to go or what to do, find a staff member or instructor—we're there to help every step of the way.


⭐ Scoring Cheat Sheet - How Scores Are Earned


🥋 Traditional Forms Scoring (Recreational Division)

Forms are scored comparatively — students are ranked against everyone in their division that day. Judges score the overall performance, not memorization.

🔍 What Judges Look For:

  • Power

  • Balance

  • Strong stances

  • Accuracy and precision

  • Rhythm and flow

  • Confidence and focus

  • Presentation and attitude

💡 A form can be technically correct but still place lower if other competitors show stronger performance qualities.


🥷 Traditional Weapons Scoring (Recreational Division)

Weapons are also scored comparatively.

🔍 What Judges Look For:

  • Weapon control and safety

  • Smooth transitions and flow

  • Strength and dynamics

  • Footwork and stances

  • Accuracy and precision

  • Confidence and presentation


⚠️ Deductions

Dropped Weapon: –1 point from each judge

Incorrect Pickup: –2 points from each judge


👨‍👩‍👧 Quick Parent Notes

  • Forms and weapons are scored comparatively, not pass/fail.

  • The Judges are allowed to assist recreational competitors through their material.