If you have never been to a tournament before it can seem like a scary place. Constant noise, chatter, cheering, shouting and crowds of people moving as one. Even the people running them can feel overwhelmed sometimes. For students needing extra support a tournament can feel like something to avoid. This is why the Indomitable Spirit Division was created.

This category is specifically designed for students who would find it hard to access the main ring tournament. It may be that they have a diagnosis or condition that would make it impossible to compete fairly against able bodies performers or that high levels of anxiety make it impossible to attend a noisy venue. Either (and everything in between) is appropriate for this division.

What do you do to help the performers?

Whatever they need. This may be as simple as letting them wear ear defenders or may include having an instructor there to perform next to them. Each student goes up one at a time and performs their pattern with whatever assistance they require and a mark is generated by the judges. The gold, silver and bronze for each subdivision is then worked out at the end.

Is it only patterns?

No. There is also a sparring section although this is a little different to traditional sparring as the students will not be required to fight each other. Instead they have 45 seconds on the clock to showcase all the skills they have against a Bully Bob. This section is further divided into hands only or hands and feet. We are also working on organising a High Kick division for the future.

Is it one big division?

No, we gather all the entries together and then sub divide taking into account age, grade and reason for entering the IS division in the first place. That way we can make sure the groups are small and the competition is a fair as we can make it.

Is this just for children?

No, adult students can also compete in the IS division but they will start later in the day once the juniors have finished.

How can I bring my Indomitable Spirit students to a P.U.M.A. Tournament?

Get in touch. That way we can chat about what would be the best option for your students. We can also help you set up your own division and bring our team to your event.