By learning and exercising proper body dynamics in class, and developing a tenacious attitude, a student builds a firm foundation for any physical endeavor. It depends on how much energy and effort one puts into training. The benefits are proportional to one's efforts. Students are not required to enter competition but encouraged to do so, especially youth students. Tournament competition is the closest one will get to a real situation without ever being in one.
Competition also motivates one to higher levels of learning.
Teach a man how to fish, he'll eat forever.