The answer is different for every kid. I have seen kids place top 3 in the locals and go to one national and come back and be a different kid. Some kids come back with the intensity that is at the national level. Others it just beats them down. One thing for sure, if a 16 man bracket freaks you kid a little, take them to a national tournament. The 32 man bracket, lights, glimmer and haveing 1600-2500 kids there will let them know that the 16 man bracket back home is nothing compared to what they have seen and wrestled in. It brings confidence and tougher mental attitude. How much of wrestling is mental? There are different levels of national tournaments also. But, like grandad said, stick to your decision.