On today's episode, Jeremy talks about his feelings on participation awards - trophies, medals, ribbons, etc - and why they should never be handed out at martial arts competitions. Participation Awards - Episode 189 One of the subjects that I find increasingly frustrating is the inclusion of participation awards at martial arts events. Handing a child a ribbon for showing up not only sends the wrong message, it sends a counter-message to everything else we teach them in martial arts. ~jeremy