This is just like a real-life self defense situation. No matter what level of training, students that compete have better reaction times. Over time, the competing student becomes less fearful and his level of confidence increases. Master Villari teaches that controlling one's mind and emotion is the key to controlling all situations in one's life. I find that students that compete have a better understanding of how to use footwork to help gauge distances.
Footwork plays an important part in each of the four ways of fighting.
Whether the student is kicking, punching, felling, or grappling, the use of linear and angular footwork is important for defense. In most cases, the student that competes becomes a more proficient kicker. This is because of the modern kicking techniques in sport karate. I find that students that compete learn to develop lead leg kicking techniques. In sport karate, all the kicks have to be delivered above the belt.