2019 CHICAGOLAND KARATE-DO CHALLENGE

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WHAT IS THE AAU NUMBER?​

To compete in this tournament, a 2020 membership to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is required. The fee for youth (17 and under) is $16. The fee for adults (18 and up) is $29. The AAU membership can be used to compete in any other AAU event between September 2019 and August 2020. You can learn more about membership benefits and purchase a membership online at https://play.aausports.org.

 

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WHAT ARE THE DIVISIONS? / WHY ARE THERE ONLY FOUR BELT COLORS?​

This tournament uses AAU's four ranking divisions, which wear only four belt colors (white, green, brown or black). AAU places athletes into these divisions based on the number of years they have trained, rather than by the rank they have earned. To make it easier for students who haven't competed previously, here is how the divisions break down:

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• Beginners are competitors who have been training for less than 1 year, and they all wear white belts during the tournament regardless of their earned rank. Generally, these students may have earned a rank of 10th-7th kyu (white, yellow, orange and green belts).
   

• Novices are competitors who have been training for 1-2 years, and they all wear green belts during the tournament regardless of their earned rank. Generally, these students may have earned a rank of 6th-4th kyu (blue and purple belts).
   

• Intermediates are competitors who have been training for 2-4 years, and they all wear brown belts during the tournament regardless of their earned rank. Generally, these students may have earned a rank of 3rd-1st kyu (brown belts).
   

• Advanced competitors have been training for 4+ years, and they all wear black belts during the tournament. All dan ranks (black belts) must compete at the advanced level. Some of our more experienced brown belts who have been training for more than 4 years must also compete at the advanced level.
   

If you have any questions about which division you should register for, ask your sensei. Please make arrangements to buy or borrow a belt if you don't have the right color in the right size for competition. 

 

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WHAT ARE THE "INDIVIDUAL EVENTS" ALL ABOUT, AND WHO SHOULD DO THEM?​

Each athlete should complete one Individual Registration Form. Here is some information about events for which athletes may register:
 

• Kihon (Fee: $35), also known as "basics," is only for Beginners age 12 and under. It involves performing basic techniques (e.g., stepping forward jodan punch, stepping back rising block). This is a great event to showcase your karate basics, power, and spirit! If your athlete cannot yet perform a kata on their own, this is the suggested event for them. 
   

• Individual Kata (Fee: $45). Most students compete in this event. It is an opportunity to display the student's kata(s) that they work hard on in the dojo. This is a great event for youth and adults, at all levels!
   

• Open Flag Kata (Fee: $45). This event is only open to black belts ages 15 and up. Men and women each have one division of combined ages. It's tough competition!
   

• Individual Kumite (Fee: $45). Recommended for students who have had experience in free sparring in the dojo. If you are unsure about participating, please speak to their instructor(s) before signing up. Required gear for kumite includes: mouthguard, fist guards, helmet (ages 17 and under; can be purchased or we will have some to borrow at the tournament), cup (for males). 

 

 

WHAT ARE THE "TEAM EVENTS" ALL ABOUT, AND WHO SHOULD DO THEM?​

If the athlete is competing in team kata or team kumite, they should also complete a  Team Registration Form. Here is some information about team events for which athletes may register:
 

• Team Kata (Fee: $75 per team / $25 per athlete). Teams must consist of exactly three competitors. Teams may consist of all male, all female, or mixed genders. Athletes should find teams on their own. 
   

• Family Team Kata (Fee: $75 per team). This is a very popular event among Enso families! Teams may consist of 2-5 family members, though the event fee will be the same regardless of the number of team members. 
   

• Team Kumite (Fee: $75 per team / $25 per athlete). This event is open only to Intermediate and Advanced levels (brown and black belt competitors). It follows the "rotation" rules.

 

ON THE DAY OF THE TOURNAMENT, WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?​

Approximately one week prior to the tournament date, you will receive a schedule of event times. Athletes should be dressed and ready to compete at least 60 minutes prior to their scheduled event times to avoid rushing and allow time to warm-up. CKC tournaments have always run on time.