Unfortunately a few judges find it difficult to be impartial when it comes to their own students. This happens everywhere there is human competition. The PKC does not encourage this behavior, and does their best to contain this behavior. There are many more good judges, however, who set a positive example and encourage all students to develop a sense of integrity and good sportsmanship.

Although this biased behavior may affect a few divisions, it would never affect a whole tournament. Below are some causes of what seems to be biased behavior but in fact it is not.

1. An instructor who has 20 or more students competing at one tournament.
"20 students will most likely compete in approx 50 divisions throughout the day. Many divisions have 6 or less competitors, therefore the mathematical probability that these 20 students will take home many awards is high. However, when it begins to happen (this is especially true if the 20 are all wearing a similar uniform) someone always cries CHEAT. When in fact there was no cheating."

2. Having many judges working who are certified on the rules, yet do not themselves compete or even judge but once per year.
"The judging here will feel different than normal, because some of the judges here have never been introduced to any other style than what they have seen inside their own dojo. Therefore they may judge harshly anything which looks different or from their point of view "wrong". This would be a tournament where outside Black Belt support would be very useful."

3. Areas of the country who encourage traditional Martial Arts -vs- areas who encourage more open types of competition.
"When a competitor uses gymnastics as part of their performance, the Open area may score this very high if he/she performs well, where a more traditional group may not score it very well because they were waiting to see some kind of useful and direct self defense. Know the area you will be traveling to, and adjust your performance to meet the requirements of that area."

Keep in mind that all Black Belts take pride in their style of Martial Arts and their students who perform well what they have taught them. Most Black Belts view their style as superior to all others which is the reason they themselves chose that style. This is the reason that there are 5 judges (never all of one style) on a judging board. The goal is to achieve an average opinion of all 5 judges.

As competitors, especially if you travel outside your area, you have the opportunity to be instroduced to many different styles of Martial Arts. If you can keep an open mind you will see the merit in all styles and your martial arts education will become a well rounded one. Which in turn will make you a better Black Belt.

Remember that the majority of the Black Belts out there are volunteering to help because help was needed and they see the merit to their own education. Be respectful and listen and you may just learn something along the way.