At Valor & Virtue Martial Arts Academy, competition is not the end goal of training — but it is a powerful tool for growth.
Participating in tournaments and competitive events challenges our students to sharpen their skills under pressure, test their mindset, and gain real-world experience. The preparation, performance, and reflection involved in competition develop not only technical ability but also the deeper attributes we value most: resilience, self-awareness, grit, and unity.
Through competition, our students learn to perform under stress, adapt to dynamic situations, and rise to meet adversity — all critical for success both inside and outside the dojo.
Why We Compete
While we do not train solely for competition, we believe these events offer:
1. Purposeful goal setting
2. Improved skill and mindset during the preparation phase
3. Increased confidence and mental toughness
4. A deeper understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses
5. A sense of achievement and personal accomplishment
6. Stronger camaraderie and team connection
In short, competition is one of many training grounds where our students forge character, ensure survival, and test the depth of their development. These competitions are not just about medals — they’re about embodying precision, control, sportsmanship, and excellence on a recognized stage.
Karate Tournaments
Our students compete in USA Karate-sanctioned tournaments through the USA Karate Arizona ASO (a 501c3 nonprofit and the state's official USA Karate sports organization). These events are part of a broader system governed by the United States Olympic Committee and the World Karate Federation (WKF).
Students enter individual events in:
1. Kata (forms)
2. Kumite (sparring)
Participating in karate tournaments cultivates resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of martial arts principles. Facing opponents with varying styles and strategies challenges students to adapt and adjust their techniques, fostering a more well-rounded and versatile approach to karate. Additionally, these competitions teach participants how to handle both victory and defeat gracefully, promoting sportsmanship and emotional control.
Through these experiences, students not only refine their martial arts techniques but also embody the values that define our academy. Learn more about our Karate tournaments Here
Juu-Jutsu Tournaments
MMA students at the Valor & Virtue Martial Arts Academy LLC regularly compete in no-gi grappling events at local Juu-jutsu tournaments. This provides students an opportunity to gain experience going head-to-head with other Juu-jutsu practitioners in a competitive environment. We feel that it is important for our MMA students—who are trained to control opponents with punches, kicks, knees, and elbows—to step out of their area of expertise, and into an arena where they cannot rely on their striking skills.
This ability to adapt to the Juu-jutsu sport environment is a great metaphor for life as there are many situations where one must perform under less-than-ideal circumstances. Learn more about our Juu Jutsu tournaments Here
CrossFit Competitions
It may seem unconventional for a martial arts academy to send students into CrossFit competitions — but for us, it makes perfect sense.
These events offer a unique opportunity for our students to test their physical fitness, grit, and strategic thinking in a high-pressure, unfamiliar setting. Often competing against older, stronger, and more experienced athletes, our students must rely on teamwork, preparation, and sheer determination.
In addition to testing athletic performance, these events:
1. Foster strong peer bonds through shared preparation and effort
2. Build mental resilience under fatigue
3. Create lasting memories and confidence
And, most importantly, they’re a lot of fun. Learn more about our Crossfit tournaments Here