The Winter Warrior Tournament is an open tournament, meaning competitors from all styles and schools are welcome to attend. It is run right in SOTD gym and an excellent opportunity for our students to try out the tournament scene without travel or full commitment of being our Competition Team.
DETAILS:
- DATE: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- CHECK IN: 8:00-9:00am
- COMPETITION START: 9:15 am
- REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, February 3
JUST A LITTLE DIFFERENT....
The Winter Warrior Tournament was created to provide a more accessible and welcoming tournament experience for all athletes. Tournament competition is an incredible opportunity for participants of all ages and skill levels. It builds confidence, sharpens skills under pressure, encourages goal setting, and fosters the powerful feeling of being part of a team—supporting and cheering on your SOTD teammates in the ring.
Check out below to understand the modifications that have been made from other tournaments and the modifications that have been made.
The Winter Warrior Tournament was created to provide a more accessible and welcoming tournament experience for all athletes. Tournament competition is an incredible opportunity for participants of all ages and skill levels. It builds confidence, sharpens skills under pressure, encourages goal setting, and fosters the powerful feeling of being part of a team—supporting and cheering on your SOTD teammates in the ring.
Check out below to understand the modifications that have been made from other tournaments and the modifications that have been made.
WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT THE WINTER WARRIOR...
LESS COMMITMENT
- Normally competitors are required to be part of the Competition Team and commit to regular Tournament Training on Saturdays.
- INSTEAD, for the Winter Warrior you are required only to attend a minimum of 2 FREE sparring classes in order to be evaluated to see if you are ready to compete.
- A minimum of 2 classes are required, however students are strongly encouraged to attend more.
- Warrior Sparring Classes are FREE but pre-registration is required.
- Private classes are also available for those interested in extra one-on-one training.
LESS EQUIPMENT
- Normally students are required to have their own full set of sparring equipment including Hand gear, Foot gear, Sparring helmet and for those wishing to weapons spar; Weapons Sparring helmet & Sparring Weapons.
- INSTEAD, students are only required to purchase their own foot gear. We will provide head gear and hand gear as well as Weapons Sparring head gear and weapons.
- Students must purchase their own foot gear as it is the most time consuming equipment to put on and take off as well as needing to be fitted more specifically than the other pieces of safety equipment.
SPARRING ONLY
- Normally students prepare for, and have the option to compete in Sparring, Forms, Weapons Sparring & Weapons Forms.
- INSTEAD, non-Competition Team students will limited to entering Sparring and/or Weapons sparring.
- Forms competition requires much more preparation than sparring, so is not an option for non-Competition Team students.
REQUIREMENTS
- Sparring foot gear - each competitor must have their own foot gear for the tournament competition. Foot gear is not required for the training classes, but must be purchased before registering for the Winter Warrior.
- Sparring boots are $52+tax
- All other gear (head gear, hand gear, weapons sparring helmet & weapons) will be provided.
- Free Sparring sessions - competitors must attend a minimum of 2 FREE sparring sessions in order to be evaluated to see if they are ready to compete.
- Students may choose (and are encouraged) to take part in more than just the 2 classes to help better prepare them for competition.
- Evaluation - students must be evaluated and given approval to enter the WINTER WARRIOR before registration is permitted.
- Registration - registration is only permitted once approval is given. Students will be given a note with instructions on the registration procedure once approval is given - Registration must be done at the front desk - DO NOT REGISTER ONLINE.
- Smoothcomp Account - Tournaments are run through the Smoothcomp app. Once students are approved for the competition please stop at the front desk to register and we can set up your Smoothcomp profile (there is no charge for the smoothcomp profile). Please do not proceed to set up your Smoothcomp profile on your own as it may not sync to the Spirit of the Dragon team.
- Registration Fee: The cost for registration is $75 for all events. Non-Competition Team athletes may have the option to enter empty hand forms and weapons forms. Registration details will be provided once students are approved for competition.
- FAMILY DISCOUNTS are available as follows:
- 1st Family member - regular price
- 2nd Family member - $5 discount
- 3rd + Family members - 10 discount
- Note: Family members must be family members of the same household.
- FAMILY DISCOUNTS are available as follows:
The Winter Warrior is a ranked tournament for the 2027 SMAA PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
THE BIG QUESTIONS...
- How to know if your child (or you) are ready?
- Instructors will work with students during the extra sparring classes to ensure they have an understanding of and the basic skills and mind set to compete. Instructors will discuss with students (and parents) the areas they should work on to better prepare.
- How will students be evaluated in the Free Sparring Classes?
- Most importantly instructors will be working with students to ensure they have the mindset to compete with respect, control and sportsmanship. Instructors will also work to ensure students have an understanding of the point scoring structure as well as how to score points and defend.
- How do we register?
- If instructors feel your child (or you) is ready for competition, you will receive a note detailing the exact registration process and how to go about purchasing your required footgear.
- If instructors feel your child (or you) is ready for competition, you will receive a note detailing the exact registration process and how to go about purchasing your required footgear.
- What is the cost?
- Registration is $75 for all divisions.
- Family discount is $5 off for the second family member and $10 off for third or more family members.
- What if they are not ready?
- Our top priority is making sure every student has a positive, confidence-building experience. If an instructor feels a student needs more preparation before competing, they will meet with the student (and parents) to discuss the skills that need development.
- If a student is not quite ready, instructors will clearly explain what they can work on and help them set goals for the next competition opportunity.
- We will never place a student into competition before they are ready. Competing too early can negatively impact a child’s confidence and self-esteem, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Our focus is not on winning trophies, but on ensuring that each tournament is a positive experience centered on learning, personal growth, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- Our top priority is making sure every student has a positive, confidence-building experience. If an instructor feels a student needs more preparation before competing, they will meet with the student (and parents) to discuss the skills that need development.
- How old or what age do students need to be?
- There is no minimum age or belt rank required for tournament competition.
- Who will my child have to spar? - competitors are are split into the following divisions:
- 5 + Under
- 6-7 year olds (White/Yellow belts), (Orange/Green belts), (Blue+)
- 8-9 year olds (White/Yellow belts), (Orange/Green belts), (Blue+)
- 10-11 year olds (White/Yellow belts), (Orange/Green belts), (Blue/Brown), (Black)
- 13-14 year olds (White/Yellow belts), (Orange/Green belts), (Blue/Brown), (Black)
- 16-17 year olds (White/Yellow belts), (Orange/Green belts), (Blue/Brown), (Black)
- 18-34 year olds (White/Yellow belts), (Orange/Green belts), (Blue/Brown), (Black)
- 35-51 year olds (White/Yellow belts), (Orange/Green belts), (Blue/Brown), (Black)
- 52-65 year olds (White/Yellow belts), (Orange/Green belts), (Blue/Brown), (Black)
- 66 years + (White/Yellow belts), (Orange/Green belts), (Blue/Brown), (Black)
- How many competitors in each division?
- It is impossible to know until competition morning how many competitors will be entered, however sparring divisions will never exceed 12 competitors.
- How many matches will each competitor get?
- Most students will get 2 (or more) matches in point sparring or weapons sparring. However the number of matches depends solely on the number of competitors, where they are placed in the random draw and whether they win or lose their matches.
- What can we practice at home to get ready for competition?
- During sparring classes, students will work on drills designed to build competition skills. Families are welcome to practice these same skills at home to greatly improve a student’s ability and increase their chances of success at the tournament.
- Are competitors required to do both Point Sparring and Weapons Sparring?
- No. If a student is uncomfortable participating in Weapons Sparring, they may choose to compete in Point Sparring only. While students are encouraged to try both, it is not required.
However, students must participate in Point Sparring in order to be eligible for Weapons Sparring. Competing in Weapons Sparring only is not permitted.
- No. If a student is uncomfortable participating in Weapons Sparring, they may choose to compete in Point Sparring only. While students are encouraged to try both, it is not required.
THE BENEFITS OF TOURNAMENTS:
- NEW FRIENDS:
- Students athletes of their age who share their passion and drive. Many friendships last long after the matches are over and the trophies are handed out.
- BEING PART OF A TEAM:
- While martial arts often emphasizes individual skills, competition fosters a strong sense of teamwork—encouraging students to support, uplift, and and celebrate each other's accomplishments.
- SPORTSMANSHIP:
- Competition teaches about resilience and discipline by learning how to win with humility, lose with confidence and respecting everyone who steps in the ring.
- GOAL SETTING:
- Tournaments give students something real to train for - encouraging them to focus harder, train smarter, and improve faster.
- MOTIVATION:
- Training for a tournament provides a powerful sense of purpose, unlocking motivation, confidence, and determination students often didn't even realize they had.
Spectators: $7 in advance ($10 at the door / cash only)
Ages 9 +under free
Pre-order your spectator pass and save time and money. Your pass will be ready for pick up when you arrive.
Ages 9 +under free
Pre-order your spectator pass and save time and money. Your pass will be ready for pick up when you arrive.
The Warrior Challenge is a fun 'extra' for everyone to try - spectators are welcome to join in on the fun and try get your name on the Warrior Leaderboard and win some fun prizes.
Warrior Challenges include Power Kicks, Speed and reaction challenges to test your skills and challenge your limits.
Tokens to try the various challenges are $2 each (cash only) and available the day of the event.
Prizes will be awarded for top scorers in various age groups.
Warrior Challenges include Power Kicks, Speed and reaction challenges to test your skills and challenge your limits.
Tokens to try the various challenges are $2 each (cash only) and available the day of the event.
Prizes will be awarded for top scorers in various age groups.
Location:
Spirit of the Dragon Martial Arts School
1210 Lorne Street Regina
Registration/check in: 8:00-9:00am
Black Belt meeting: 8:45 am
Tournament start: 9:15 am
Spirit of the Dragon Martial Arts School
1210 Lorne Street Regina
Registration/check in: 8:00-9:00am
Black Belt meeting: 8:45 am
Tournament start: 9:15 am
The Can-Am Classic sanctioned by and will follow the rules of the Saskatchewan Martial Arts Association (SMAA) with the exception of Demonstration Challenge which is not an SMAA division.