Being the Tournament Director for Whistlekick is one of the roles I take the most pride in. It’s not just about setting schedules or coordinating volunteers, it’s about shaping the future of martial arts. I’ve spent a lifetime training, teaching, and giving back, and I believe that tournaments are a critical piece of that legacy. Not just mine but the entirety of Martial Arts
Tournaments are more than competition, they are a gathering place for the martial arts community. They expand the arts by allowing people to see other ways of handling challenges, learn skills they can’t learn in the dojo, and make new friends. It’s a place to rebuild the gathering community we’ve lost since 2020, and one we’re building back stronger.
I know this personally. As a disabled kid, tournaments were hard for me. I didn’t take first place, but the work I put in, the advice from referees, and the camaraderie I found outside my small town’s five dojos taught me something beyond the dojo walls. I was introverted, but tournaments let me see others my age, older or younger, all having a great time. It made me realize that, despite the school rivalries, we’re all together in this.
That’s why I’m inviting you to be part of this puzzle, we are looking for referees and volunteers in our future. We’re aiming high, because we want to put on events that expand the martial arts. We want to put on events that reach people who have never stepped into a dojo before. Events that lead someone to say, “Yes, this is for me.”
Do we know exactly how many people will join a dojo after attending a tournament? No. We’ll probably never know. But we set the bar high anyway, because even if just a handful take that step, it means the arts continue, grow, and thrive. And that’s a goal worth chasing.
So here’s what I’m asking: If this resonates with you, if you’ve ever wondered how you could give back, this is it. Join us. Be a referee, a scorekeeper, a volunteer. Help make these events as powerful and welcoming as they can be. You can email me directly at nick@whistlekick.com.
As Barack Obama once said, “If we set a goal and easily reach it, then how good truly was that goal?” That line sticks with me. It’s why we keep reaching, keep working, and keep building, because the next generation is watching, and we owe them something great to step into.
Best to you all,
Nick Taber
Your Friendly Neighborhood Tournament Director
Whistlekick Martial Arts