Presentation Reflection

1. Q. In what way did the first interview affect your presentation?

A. My first interview didn't affect my presentation too much, except for my answer to question 1, "I'm interested in studying Karate Competitions/Tournaments.  What can you tell me about it?".  My dad always helps find new ways to improve my sparring and I practice them before putting them in sparring.  The importance of practicing your skills is so you don't get hurt or get countered while attempting to use them, that's what led me to the focus I had for the 5 minute presentation.

2. Q. What you say stood out about your presentation performance and why?

A. The one thing that stood out in my presentation was my video visual for a small demonstration.  The audience seemed very wowed to see how well my sparring was and the fact I won the match really impressed them.  I do feel my training helps me get better and strategize more ways to score so I don't become too predictable.

3. Q. What was the most challenging to do and why?

A. The most challenging thing for me was seeing if I actually had enough to make good time in my presentation.  Preparing a presentation isn't very easy for me, but turns out I did make great timing with my procedure.  I actually knew a lot more of the subject that I could've done more than 5 minutes, but then I just would've been cut off.

Senior Project Presentation 1

Objective: Students will learn the dynamics of a point sparring match, in Sport Karate.

Procedure: 1. Introduce by asking the audience if any of them have been to a Karate Tournament and/or if they know how point systems work.

2. I will explain how the point systems work.

3. Call on a few students and check if they know how many points are earned for a kicking technique and for a hand technique.

4. Demonstrate the correct timing and spots for scoring with those regular techniques.

5. Demonstrate the correct timing and spots for advanced techniques (spinning kicks, difficult combinations etc.)

6. Call on a few students to check if they understand the timing of the techniques and spots of the body to hit when there’s an opening.

Check for Understanding: I will make sure the audience catches every technique that I demonstrate, then check what they saw and learned of how the point(s) are earned from them.  I will also be checking if they know what are the correct openings and timings for scoring.

Resources/Materials: I will be referring to one of my articles from my research about the point systems.  As for my materials, I will have my visual which will be a poster with little karate figures drawn sparring, each one throwing a different technique on the other; I’ll also have a small wooden mannequin to display a few techniques.

Literal: Facts I have learned from this is how point fighting matches are judged and the number of points each technique is worth.

Interpretive: The most important thing is to know the dynamics of judging divisions such as point fighting.  Also knowing great fighting tactics are important to raising chances on winning a point fighting match.

Applied: My goal at the end of the project is to know what it takes to become a top rated competitor and what judges really look for in other types of divisions.

Interview Check 1

1. Q. Who are you interviewing and why?

A. I plan to interview my father, Delfino Leon.  He's a Black Belt in American Warrior Karate and is a good competitor himself.  He is one of my instructors and we've trained together for 8 years under Sensei Steve Wray's American Warrior Karate system.  I know he can answer my questions with his experience having competed in several top rated tournaments and his studies of many high caliber fighting competitors.  He can also recommend me to other top competitors in the circuit and highly trained Black Belts who have many years of experience competing.

2. Q. What additional questions will you ask them?

A. 1. How does a competitor benefit from a loss?

     2. Do you think every competitor takes a competition seriously?

     3. What is the main difference between competing as an under belt and competing as a Black Belt?

     4. What advice would you give to a first timer for competing?

Senior Project Topic

My topic is Karate Competitions/Tournament because I enjoy taking part in them.  At first I was nervous when I started as yellow belt because I was afraid of being hit hard.  But as I kept competing and practicing for them, I learned to overcome it.  Now I go as often as I can and I spar at my hardest.  But I don't go just just to spar, I also perform Kata.  Also I'm interested in the dynamics involved in the organization of tournament/competition.  What I hope to accomplish from studying this topic is to learn what it takes to become a tournament promoter at National and World Class level of Martial Arts Competition.