The History and Problem:

The Martial Arts is under siege by other sports (soccer, football, baseball, volleyball, softball to name a few) for students. The Martial Arts loses more students to other sports, because the other sports are more accepted and supported… And they seem to answer the need for competitive action for the student and their supporters. Parents will sign their child up for football or soccer (as examples) and will make sure they never miss a practice or game. The family will plan their friday night to watch their child have the chance to play.

 

The Martial Arts doesn’t give the same regular opportunity for supporters of the students to encourage and cheer for them.

 

Now, this doesn’t say Martial Artists never have the chance to be in the show. Currently, most schools answer this need one of three ways: Inviting spectators to watch class, testing/demonstrations, and large tournaments.

 

Watching Class: Having the parents and grandparents watch class is wonderful, but with little competition outside of the same kids they always work out with, it’s just not the same as competing or compelling.

 

Testing/Demonstrations/Belt Promotions: Some schools rent out theaters and large gyms on a near monthly basis so their students can put on a much deserved “show” for their parents. Some even put on “dance recitals” to give the spectators and students their opportunity in the spotlight.

 

Attending Tournaments: Tournaments have their rightful place in the Martial Arts and should be encouraged. Though once a quarter, large participation, every-age-group, expensive, long-single-day tournaments don’t give the value for the student or spectator. Most tournaments give most competitors one form, one weapon form, and at least one fight (more if you win) for their money. The bad news, is that your instructor is probably not available to watch you because they are judging. Some judges might not know your form, your style and you get marked down (even though it shouldn’t matter); it just shouldn’t be about your style or art.

And the worse part, is that large tournaments just don’t happen enough to get the supporters to see their students ‘in action’. Plus the large tournaments are an ALL-DAY event, thus the time commitment is just too great (sometimes in the 8 to 10 hour range) for families, friends, and other supporters to make the commitment.

 

The Opportunity:

 

• chance to improve their skill over time
• safe place to test their skills and ability under a standard set of rules and judges
• a venue so family and friends can cheer for them and their teams on a regular basis
• establish a time frame (like a season) with weekly competition that is a safe place to grow and expand, where:
  • the time commitment is low
  • And most importantly the costs to participate are minimal & valued 

 

It’s time to show our martial arts community that the martial arts can and will fulfill the need of seasonal spectator games for the participants and parents. It’s time to show the martial arts world that regardless of style or art, our students have a place that allows them to test their abilities, show their knowledge, and gain experience. A place where all are welcome and encouraged. One where all styles can be accepted and performed. One where the rules and judging are consistent.  It is time to have tournaments be a season based competition and time-constrained, so that they family can watch, cheer their student week after week!

 

Our answer: The IMPACT Martial Arts League. 

 

Purpose:

The IMPACT Martial Arts League is a Non-Profit organization bringing like-minded schools and individuals that have come together to give the local martial art communities a competitive sporting season for their students and those that support them to obtain inexpensive access to consistent competition.

 

Mission:

The IMPACT Martial Arts League strives to be the world’s premier provider of consistent and well-organized inter martial art school challenges between teams within a community, locale, state, region, country, and world.

 

Goal:

The IMPACT Martial Arts League allows martial art schools/teams to have more competitions to attend so the students participate more often and spectators can witness improvement at a lower cost per individual with less time commitment. With structured events, expectations, rules, and independent judging, the IMPACT Martial Arts League wants to help showcase the talent in the #1 Individual Team Sport in the World! ™ – the martial arts!

 

Why is the Martial Arts the #1 Individual Team Sport in the World?

In the Martial Arts you are only as good as you allowed yourself to get. Though you could train by yourself, without your team to train with you, you wouldn’t be as good. No other sport or activity that we found has such a good balance between Individual and Team as the Martial Arts.