ATA tournaments are local school, regional or national competitive events designed to provide students a forum to display their skills and to meet students from other schools; they also offer an opportunity for friends and family to participate as spectators.

     Tournament competition may sound intimidating to the new student. It should be remembered, however, that students compete with other students of the same rank. Yellow Belts have the same opportunity as Black Belts to win a trophy. Because ATA students across the nation learn the same forms and follow consistent rules of technique and courtesy, the competitions are exceptionally well-balanced.