How To Enter a Kickboxing Tournament

Step 1

The first step before even signing up for the tournament is finding a reputable gym around your area. Research all the specific fighting gyms around your area. Once you find one that suits you try it out before buying a membership just to make sure.

Step 2

Second, I don't suggest signing up for a tournament unless you have been training for at least a year in your martial art form (there are multiple types of kickboxing). Once you have become familiar with the techniques and use them with proper form, have a discussion with your trainer to see if he/she thinks you are ready.

Step 3

Third, once your trainer and you make the decision that it is okay then you can sign up for a tournament. It is crucial that you believe that you are ready because if you don't believe in yourself than you will fail yourself. Make sure when you are signing up that you sign up for one that gives you ample time to train. This means that the tournament is at least 4-6 months away. Also sign up for a weight division that will not tax your body for a weight cut.

Step 4

This is when the hard part begins. You must start training as soon as possible. This means going to your fight gym 6 or 7 days a week and training. One part of the training is cardio. The cardio should include long runs (3-5 miles), sprints and speed bags. Another part of training should be strength training. This includes lifting, heavy bag work, and ab workouts. The final part of training is form and technique training. This includes sparring with live partners, mitt combinations with trainers, and shadow boxing.

Step 5

Your trainers will mix these workouts together each day. You have to trust them. They've been doing this much longer than anyone else and have a stronger fight knowledge. You have to be dedicated. Training is the worst part of this whole process physically and mentally.

Step 6

Outside of training you must be eating healthy. A healthy diet includes protein (chicken, steak), rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER. I can't emphasize how much water is a necessity because of how much you sweat during training. You must be hydrated.

Step 7

Once you approach the week before the fight, start cutting back on the intense workouts to real light workouts. This is the week where you are preparing for the weight cut. You have to make the weight you signed up for the day before the fight for weigh in day. To do so, I suggest sitting in the sauna, running with heavy layers on, and not eating a whole lot. Hopefully you signed up for a weight class where this cut will not drastically affect your body. You should only have to lose 5-6 lbs. to be healthy. Anything over that can be dangerous to your body.

Step 8

Finally, you weigh in for the tournament. Once you make weight I suggest hydrating your body up immediately to gain those lost pounds. Also get a great nights rest of 7-9 hours of sleep before the fight the next day. Mentally prepare yourself by telling yourself you can do it and imagining holding that trophy high in the air.