Why we do it.

**Robb Jensen** · 10-12-07, 05:45

"Competition, is a crucial part of the process, in the mastery of a chosen art. Its a demonstration, by the practitioner, that his path, his way in the journey of that mastery was either correct, or in need of further refinement.

Classes are fine, their purpose is to suggest the way, through the shared experience of a master. They indicate right direction, encourage discipline, and a process to practice. But in the case of arms, in the end you must take what you see, what you hear, what you read, and what you experience and turn it into your own way. It is ultimately your endeavor, and to stand in the arena before others, and demonstrate your way reveals to all and mainly yourself whether you put your faith in the truth or just a facade of smoke.

To deny yourself the opportunity to experience such an aspect of the journey is a mistake."

**Jay Cunningham** · 10-12-07, 05:52

I used to be of the mindset that I would never compete because I didn't want to learn any bad habits from gaming.

I must say, due primarily to your posts Robb, I have reconsidered my stance.

Next year I will be starting IDPA in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

I think there is room for both, as long as the game is kept as realistic as reasonably possible.

Thanks again for all the competition threads and advice that you have given on this board.

**Robb Jensen** · 11-11-07, 17:26

I think you'll love it. Just keep an open mind and remember that both IDPA and USPSA are games. I find that training and 'gaming' compliment each other and make one an overall better shooter. 'Gaming' is fun, when it's no longer fun for me I'll quit. Both IPSC and IDPA have people that are so competitive that they get all worked up about stuff, if I was that intense I'd quit.

The biggest thing I hate about IDPA is the SOs (safety officers) that try to give 'tactical advice' about how I might fight in a gunfight.

In the end it's about problem solving...........especially with USPSA........."how best can I shoot this 32 round stage accurately, rapidly, and efficiently?"

I find USPSA more fun than IDPA and 3gun/multi-gun even more fun than USPSA.

**Hersh** · 11-11-07, 19:57

Originally Posted by gotm4

The biggest thing I hate about IDPA is the SOs (safety officers) that try to give 'tactical advice' about how I might fight in a gunfight.

We have one of those at a local club. He wears "tactical" polos, "tactical" vests and probably even "tactical" socks and continously advises me which mags to run in my 1911. That's always confused me since he doesn't even own a 1911.

Back on topic though, being able to see improvement in my shooting is the sweetest benefit of competetion. Outshooting "tactical guy" is fun too!

**Don Robison** · 11-11-07, 20:06

Since I've moved into a staff job that doesn't give me the opportunity to train as much; I've been looking at IDPA/USPSA as an alternative to keeping my skills honed. Going to the range and shooting static by myself is really getting old after 6-7 weeks.
The biggest problem is in this area the closest IDPA matches are a 90 minute drive and I'm not aware of any USPSA or three gun matches locally.

**Low Drag** · 11-11-07, 23:01

Competitions are a big help so long as you remember they teach you to shoot, not how to fight.

**Jesse Tischauser** · 07-23-12, 09:04

Originally Posted by Hersh

We have one of those at a local club. He wears "tactical" polos, "tactical" vests and probably even "tactical" socks and continously advises me which mags to run in my 1911. That's always confused me since he doesn't even own a 1911.

Back on topic though, being able to see improvement in my shooting is the sweetest benefit of competetion. Outshooting "tactical guy" is fun too!

Well said! I have about as much need for anything tactical as I do for my third nipple but I can perform weapon manipulations faster than just about anyone that uses their guns to save lives. Why not utilize competitions as a FUN way to become more proficient with a tool that might save your life one day?

**theblackknight** · 10-07-12, 18:35

Originally Posted by Jesse Tischauser

Well said! I have about as much need for anything tactical as I do for my third nipple but I can perform weapon manipulations faster than just about anyone that uses their guns to save lives. Why not utilize competitions as a FUN way to become more proficient with a tool that might save your life one day?

Because that means putting aside your ego,past accomplishments, your ribbon stack etc etc do compete in a largly objective setting means finding out where you really stand against all these "non tactical" engineers,farmers, accountants, and professional shooters. Timers, target zones and yard/fault line don't lie, but tactical shooters do and will hide behind the gear, canival type stanges"not realiztik yo!", the whole"breeds bad habits that will get you killed in the streets" and any other mental barriers they can use to insulate them from the truth that their skills might be mediocre at best.

The good trainers, and shooters out there simply don't hide behind their resume,they post videos on youtube of their standards,or shooting others standards, or actual match results.