The 5 W’s of Martial Arts Competitions and Scholarships for Students
Okay, if we’re being serious, who didn’t obsess over Karate Kid when we were… well, kids? If you haven’t at one point in your life found some cleaning scenario during which you casually slipped in phrases like, “big circles, small circles,” I’m quite convinced that you haven’t yet lived.
For me though, my all time favorite a**-kickin’ warrior was (alright, is) none other than Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Watching her destroy the forces of darkness each week inspired me to try yet another of my childhood hobbies, which is the reason you’re all reading today’s installment of my usual ramblings.
In other words, if your young one has decided that their newest calling in life is to pursue some form of martial arts, read on, young grasshopper.
Who: Pacific Northwest Martial Arts
What: Battle on the Columbia, the ninth annual competition featuring various forms of martial arts for children of all ages and levels of ability
Where: Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington
When: August 5th, 2017
Win: Well, there isn’t much of a cash prize here… however, your youngster will definitely benefit from what is likely their first shot at competing in whatever form of martial arts interests them most. Additionally, the judges and tournament officials keep the competition groups relatively small, so each child gets the attention they deserve.
Who: American Taekwondo Association
What: H.U. Lee Scholarship
Where: Nationwide
When: Applications, letters of recommendation and essays are due by February 15th, 2018.
Win: High school seniors will be considered for a scholarship between $1,000 and $3,000 if they exemplify the required martial arts skill, graduate from high school with at least a 3.0 GPA and score a minimum of 1100 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT. Visit ACA’s website for more information on eligibility requirements and application rules.
Who: Helen Gee Chin Scholarship Foundation
What: College Scholarship
Where: Nationwide
When: Applications will open in Spring of 2018, with the likely final due date being June 5th, 2018.
Win: College scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded to two chosen participants. In order to be eligible for this scholarship, students must plan on full-time enrollment at a four-year college or university in the United States. Additionally, students should have at least a 3.0 high school GPA and must have studied Chinese Martial Arts in the form of Kung Fu, Wu Shu, or Tai Chi for a minimum of five years.
This is an excellent opportunity, as the selection criteria requires a well-rounded applicant. Not only does the Foundation judge based off skill in academics and martial arts, it also requires a written essay and participation and leadership in school and community activities.
Who: Kyle R. Magoto Scholarship Fund
What: College Scholarship
Where: Shelby County, Ohio
When: Applications will open in December 2017 and are due February 15th, 2018
Win: An award of $1,000 will be given to the chosen applicant, with the ability to renew it for one additional following year. Applicants must be a current college-bound senior graduating from Russia High School and have completed at least five athletic seasons. They must also have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Who: Amateur Athletic Union of the United States (AAU)
What: Karate Scholarship
Where: Nationwide
When: Applications will open in winter 2017/spring 2018.
Win: Two $1,000 awards will be given, to one young man and woman, respectively. Only those young men and women who have participated in AAU Karate for a minimum of four years are eligible to apply.
Part of the application process for this scholarship is to answer the essay question, “why do you feel you are deserving of this scholarship?” This is a great opportunity for your child to learn how to highlight their strengths on paper, as they must do later on when it comes time to writing resumes and cover letters (and look no further than KudosWall Pro for all those resume-building needs!) Many young people (many people in general, really) struggle with this skill, feeling bashful about bragging about themselves, even when it is literally necessary to land the job.
Unfortunately, I ended up growing nearly a foot in the year following my beginners Karate lessons, which resulted in what was likely the most uncoordinated child to stumble the planet.
So, as you can imagine, thus ended my career as Buffy’s apprentice.
I think it was probably for the best.
P.S. For more information on scholarships of all shapes and sizes, check out www.scholarships.com
