Kids fighting in an MMA match
Debate: MMA for Kids
Mixed martial arts for kids is a hot debate now. MMA is a combination of grappling arts like Brazilian jujitsu, judo, wrestling and stand-up arts like Muay Thai, kickboxing, and karate. In an MMA match the goal is to knock out your opponent or make them submit. Bouts are fought in a cage. There are states in the U.S. that allow kids to fight in the cage, even at seven or eight years old. Videos of fights between kids under the age of ten without any head protection have appeared on YouTube, and with a drunk crowd going crazy in the background. In one video an eight year-old lifts another high off the ground and pile-drives him right down on his head and neck. Gyms around the U.S. are teaching MMA classes to kids as young as five.
The question is, should children be allowed to take part in this popular but potentially dangerous sport? If so, at what age is it safe to start?
The Pros of Kids Mixed Martial Arts
Kids have been doing amateur boxing for years, which involves repeated blows to the head, even though they wear headgear.
Kids play rugby, ice hockey, and gridiron, and some get concussions, even with headgear.
Other sports like motocross, snowboarding, gymnastics, or skateboarding have a higher injury record. Oddly enough, cheer-leading is one of the most dangerous activities in the world.
The lower knockout rates in MMA compared to boxing may help prevent brain injury in MMA events.
Cardiovascular fitness is enhanced through aerobics exercise, including jumping rope, sparring in the ring or running. Muscular conditioning is improved through calisthenics like push-ups and pull-ups or weight training, although weight training is not recommended for youngsters.
For self-defence skills MMA is one of the best things your child can learn. The combination of stand-up and ground fighting prepares the student for a real fight better than anything else.
Children don’t have to compete in MMA while learning it. Brazilian jujitsu and grappling competitions are held regularly and allow children to compete safely.
The Cons of Kids Mixed Martial Arts
Taking repeated blows to the head before a child’s brain is fully developed can cause problems. Even with headgear it is dangerous. Kids should not be punching each other in the face with full power.
Young children are rewarded for punching, kicking, twisting the limbs, and physically attacking one another. By regularly physically hurting others, a child can become more desensitised to their pain.
Severe dieting to make weight limits is not good for the body, especially for kids.
Some parents might make their kids fight whether they want to or not, if it were legal. Who will protect children from ignorant parents that wish to live vicariously through their kids?
If you start a fight career at nine years old, what condition will your body be in after ten years of being punched, choked, ground-and-pounded, having your joints hyper-extended and knocked out? Isn’t that when you should be starting your career, not finishing it?
A common criticism is that important things like respect, self-discipline, and courtesy are not being taught in mixed martial arts classes.
Is there a compromise?
A compromise is to teach MMA techniques and let kids practice it, but not fight competitively until they are at least 16 or 17. When the student turns 18, they can make their own decision.
Kids should be taught under the supervision of an experienced instructor who controls sparring or grappling (rolling) very closely. Any type of practice for competition or actual competition should have strict safety precautions.
Respect for others, self-discipline, and courtesy should be taught just like in traditional martial arts.
While training, the following rules should be enforced.
- #1. No elbows or knees allowed. No kicks to a downed opponent, including the body or legs.
#2. All fights should be limited to two rounds, two or three minutes each.
#3. Headgear and shin guards must be worn.
The important thing is that you and your child are comfortable and that the children are training in a safe environment under quality instructors.
Our martial arts for kids program in Sydney recently added teens MMA classes at selected locations. We went ahead with this due to popular demand. It is the fastest growing sport in the world, you cannot deny it. We have been teaching grappling and elements of Brazilian jujitsu since before 2000, so it was a natural to include it in our program.
What are your thoughts on this issue?
This is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein.
Hi Matt, “Videos of fights between kids under the age of ten without any head protection have appeared on YouTube, and with a drunk crowd going crazy in the background.” You know what? I’m getting flashbacks of the ‘karate kid’ film reading this!
In your ‘pros’ list – just because kids may take blows to the head in other sports doesn’t make it right. In the Uk children are only allowed to play ‘tag’ rugby until aged 13, which basically means they have no contact. Saying MMA is not as bad as something else (boxing) doesn’t make it right either. A rule bound competitive martial art is effective self-defence? I think a lot of people would argue against that. Good for fitness? There are much safer ways to keep kids fit.
Your ‘cons’ list should be enough to convince people that kids MMA is not a good idea.
I do not think that kids MMA is a good idea. Just because kids want to do it doesn’t mean they should be allowed- kids can’t always get what they want! They should be told to wait until they are older. I’m sure there will be plenty of clubs that exploit kids MMA as a money spinner …..sorry to be so negative about this!
At an early age in every martial artist life it is more about teaching you how to be Humble, Self Disciplined, Self Confidence and Respect for your self and respect for others.
One of life’s journeys is growing up and because of this how you look after your fitness, your body & your mind it will show as you grow.
In my opinion children’s bodies are still growing and shaping at this age and are better left to Mother Nature to guide us through this very important life’s journey.
“Man, the living creature, the creating individual, is always more important than any established style or system.”
Sensei Bruce Lee
You can not make the right decision if you don’t know all of your options!
Cheers Sensei
Keep up the good work!
Hi Matt,
I view this the same as point karate vs full contact karate in my day. Kids and most adults learned medium contact to the body (with pads) and under supervision and kiss contact to the head (for upper belts). The idea was to keep kids and adults safe while they were learning.
I have mixed feelings about boxing, MMA, and kick boxing (as well as other heavy contact sports) due to possible head trauma but I enjoy watching the contests.
Boxers and football players can suffer dementia in later life correlated to their sport.
So taking some risk but in stages is probably the safest way to teach the late teens who are interested in competition.
Hi Sue, your point is well taken. I guess my argument was that kids have been doing these other “dangerous” activities for years and society has accepted it, so why not mixed martial arts for kids? I was presenting arguments from both sides as I researched it. It is not necessarily my opinion. Thanks for visiting.
John, they still do full contact in tournaments nowadays, and guess what? People still get knocked out. Sometimes they are kids. If you go into the ring, you are aware of the risks, but my concern, like yours, is how do you keep kids safe when they are learning? I am with you. Mixed feelings, and young kids, no competitions. Yes, boxers and football players pay for it later in life, it is a proven fact. Appreciate your insights, John.
Shandor, thanks for commenting. Yes, childrens’ bodies are susceptible when they are still growing, and should we mess with Mother Nature i.e. training to exhaustion, heavy strength training, etc? And yes, how do children decide for themselves and evaluate their options when they don’t know them? Darn good point.
Hi Sensei Matt,
I feel MMA has some excellent drills for fitness and is the most realistic instance for a street fight but I agree with SueC “Saying MMA is not as bad as something else (boxing) doesn’t make it right” and “There are much safer ways to keep kids fit.”
I find the idea of teaching people let alone children to keep attacking when someone is down on the grown horrifying. I can’t believe society has given birth to this living breathing monster. I think it teaches untrained thugs to be trained thugs- that offcourse is a generalisation, I’m sure there are many respectful MMA practitioners but as a whole from what I have seen that stands true.
There is offcourse one exception to this, when they have a form of training that has been in a dojo or a studio – teaching the values that are important to a martial artist. But this is often seen as a weakness within the MMA and the student is then taught new ‘rules’ to compete and adhere to.
So one day, when you or your child is out and about in the club, in a pub, in a McDonalds, walking home etc.. And a “Trained thug” (since childhood) has had a bit too much to drink or has had a bad day that wasn’t weeded out by a sensei who can recognise when a student is too malicious to teach lethal arts (In no way am I saying all Karate teachers are morally sound) but brought in the door and welcomed by a ‘gym teacher’ jumping on the cash cow that is MMA, not equipped with the moralistic views that should be with their skills decides to pick a fight, or feels threatened and then attacks you or your child & his friends, doesn’t stop until they are all knocked out.. Because that’s what they are taught to make happen and happens all the time in the gym..
Does this mean ALL of our children need to learn MMA “rules” just to survive in the street? Where does it end?
Does the law have to be beefed up to handle these fighters who don’t have the same respect for life and authority that either their Parents or Sensei should teach them?
I feel we as a society are embracing fighting too much? Training is good but teaching kids or adults to fight is the solution so you don’t have to fight.. Not to go and try out your new skills.. Or to be so confident and start putting yourself at risk.
To use a Karate Kid reference – Today I feel there are more gyms or dojo’s teaching the ‘Cobra Kai’ way than the ‘Miyagi do’ way.. So, the question becomes – how do modern respectful martial arts clubs handle these changes in the world? My opinion awareness is key, only knowing your enemy can you defeat them before the battle, but awareness does not mean embracing.. So all in all I guess we will see..
That’s my 2 cents.
Hi Zoltan, you make some excellent points here. How do you teach something that is inherently violent alongside the “respect for others, self-discipline, and defence only” mentality? You cannot throw these important things out the window if you embrace mixed martial arts. I agree fully. We have worked too hard to build schools where everyone understands the important principles and where the black belts we turn out are good, honourable people; and most importantly, great role models for the youngsters coming up. If that ever changes, I will be the first to hang up my belt and gi.
But how violent is MMA? You might not realize this, but there are lots of rules in MMA. You cannot kick or knee a person when they are down. Also, you cannot poke someone in the eyes, kick them in the groin, strike them in the throat, headbutt, or many other techniques that we actually teach to our Kenpo black belts. In fact, that is why karate is at a big disadvantage in MMA. Most of our more lethal street-fighting techniques are outlawed in the cage. We don’t teach our students the more dangerous techniques until we have had a chance to vet them; this would certainly apply here.
Bruce Lee and many other martial arts greats actually fought in challenge matches years ago to test their techniques and mettle. You can bet these fights were no-holds-barred. They were just not fought in public.
The reality is that people are expecting to get mixed training in the martial arts nowadays. We have provided this since before 2000 with our addition of Brazilian Jujitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai techniques, etc. The system is already in place. It is our responsibility to instill the important values that go with it.
Keep up the great comments Zoltan, it makes me think during the school holidays when my brain normally goes to mush.
Wonderful post, Matt. I can see I’m not the only one who felt inclined to comment. Some at length! : )
I think the key difference between the sports you mention for your average onlooker, is that the key objective of American football or hockey is not to knock out your opponent. You did however play a strong devil’s advocate in the pros column.
I think non-competitive is fine for children. I’m sure it is great for self-defense, as you mention. Starting competition at a young age will most certainly lead to health problems later. Parents should consider that before starting a 9 year-old in the sport.
Thanks for posting!
Thanks for jumping in the fray Andrew! Yes, I tried to point out the positives and negatives without being biased, but as you can see, the positives are losing so far. Proponents it is your time to jump in now. Hint, hint, hint…..
Great point about the objective of knocking out your opponent. However, I have seen a few fights where a hockey game broke out! lol.
Hi Matt,
Great article, as you know Jon and I are avid followers of MMA and I think that children can learn MMA without hurting each other. I dont think children should compete in MMA until they are 16 or 17 yrs old as their bodies are still developing.Training in MMA can take years to perfect as there is so many disciplines to learn and techniques, from ground and pound, standup, BJJ. For fitness work I think it is second to none. Unfortunately I think children should train only in MMA if they are under 16 or 17. Enjoy reading your posts.
Steve
Thanks for your insights Steve. Sounds like you and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to MMA competition for kids. Also, can’t agree with you more about the fitness work. After a killer workout yesterday, every muscle in my body is sore. Thanks for your vote of confidence regarding the posts; am glad you enjoy them.
Love the article – its such a great topic.
I feel you’ve done a nice job with how I’d allow teenagers to compete, and with what rules.
For kids programs, I think the most important two elements for ANY youth sports program are safety and fun. In that order.
If you can find a way to teach MMA to kids and have it be fun, light, and safe – then do it! Personally, I think it can be done. The rules and pedagogy have to be very different than what you see for adult/teenagers. Adapt the sport to the child’s needs, not the other way around.
I disagree with many points that Zoltain brought up; I think he’s coming from some weird head-space and notions about the world.
Ground fighting is part of life. (Almost every kid with siblings does it)
If you have some aversion to it, sport wise or self-defense wise, get over it. Wrestling (a ground-based combat sport) is a world wide sport, and one of the most ancient.
I’d like to see more people teach MMA. I’ve trained with a ton of guys at a ton of martial art related schools. Overall, most instructors I’ve met are pretty decent people who care about the well being of their students and have a good moral base. I can’t think of a better culture to bring MMA to people.
Thanks Bart for taking the time to comment and welcome. Yes, it’s so important to keep it fun and safe, as you say. Ground fighting is a necessity, even if you are a great stand-up fighter. I was sold after seeing Royce Gracie in the first MMA fights against giants Ken Shamrock and Kimo Leopold. He was outweighed in both fights by over 50 pounds and still came out on top. The only thing on which we don’t agree is your opinion of Zoltan. Although we don’t agree on some of the points here, he is highly regarded in this industry. Yes, wrestling is one of the oldest combat sports in the world, and is almost innate behaviour for humans.
hey guys
after reading everyones posts i can see your points of view,but bottom line is mma is a sport just like any other,a fast growing sport that will one day take over,so why not give kids the opportunity to take part in it. how many kids around the world start off with learning karate,jiu jitsu,wrestling,boxing,kickboxing etc?? A HELL OF A LOT. and guess what all mma does is combine these martial arts styles into one,so whats so bad about it?? it teaches the same fundamentals and discipline like any other fighting art and were not training them to be professional fighters or trained “thugs”,were teaching them how to be complete martial artists and to learn the importance of not just being good at one style.if you compare mma to another mainstream fighting art boxing,you’ll be interested to know that more boxers have long term injuries through gettin punched in the head,with mma you have so much more to work on,you have your ground game your standup game your clinch game your submissions along with many others..its a more evenly balanced contact sport.in saying this i do not condone kids learning mma to be bullies and to pound on other kids,as i said mma teaches them just like karate repect and discipline, if we go about mma the same way we do as karate there will be no problem. kids all around the world are already starting to learn mma at a young age,it helps them learn self defence and a whole lot of other important values that they will carry with them for the rest of there lives, so whats so bad about it?
Hey Daniel, thanks for chiming in. Agree that MMA is a fast growing sport–one of the fastest growing in the world. I think it’s important to embrace it, not fight it. The only problem I have with it is what some of the people who have commented here have pointed out: are the values that are ingrained in martial arts like respect, courtesy, and a “self-defence” mentality taught in MMA? If so, then I’m all for it.
Yes, it is a well balanced sport. In fact, it’s actually a thinking man’s (and woman’s) game, like a chess game on the mat. It appeals to me for that reason. But the MMA competition for kids idea I have trouble with, although I am well known to have an open mind.
Hi Guys,
In my arguments defence, I believe (as I mentioned in my first post) MMA has some excellent drills for fitness and is the most realistic instance for a street fight. My objection is not towards MMA as a sport. It’s teaching it to kids under the banner of self defense and the idea of if not when the other person is on the ground – when does the fight stop??
MMA Bart – which points of mine do you disagree with? Saying you disagree with what I have said and think I’m “in a weird headspace” doesn’t give your opinion or argument credibility.. Provide the other side of the coin and you may change my mind or give me something else to consider..
Respectfully please see my counter argument below.
1) “Ground fighting is part of life. (Almost every kid with siblings does it)” – You don’t see every sibling doing ground and pound I’m sorry.. Nor chokes, joint locks or breaks and this is my point – do you WANT to see this? Mucking around on the ground is one thing but if you teach KIDS MMA they will be ill equipped to decide when to use it especially if its ‘fun’, scuffling about with other kids who don’t do MMA they will get hurt, they won’t know what’s happening or why. I liken it to trying to dummy for a technique you have no idea what the point is or what to dummy for.
2) “If you have some aversion to it, sport wise or self-defense wise, get over it. Wrestling (a ground-based combat sport) is a worldwide sport, and one of the most ancient.” – as I mentioned before, as a sport no problem, even teaching adults I don’t really have a problem with as well, although have you been to an MMA fight (I assume you have, I have) let me ask you who are the majority of the people watching? Are they respectful people who have never been in a fight and would sooner talk their way out of an altercation than fisty cuff their way out? – I think not, and if you disagree with that you are kidding yourself.
This Blog is about teaching KIDS so as for MMA as a whole perhaps we should start another thread but very briefly – As a martial artist, when I am, have been and will be in an altercation and he is on the ground – it’s over, no need to continue. I will not be scuffling around trying to get on top; I agree it is important to learn ground game because if you’re not lucky it will be you on the ground and then what happens? You can’t rely on the fact that the person who started the fight has the same decency as you – and fighting is the LAST thing you do as a martial artist. I also believe that MMA especially taught as pure MMA subconsciously teaches you that fighting is ok. Again fighting is the LAST resort as a karate practitioner or it should be. We learn so we don’t have to fight. But that’s also the argument or difference between a “Sport” and “Self defense”, again that’s another post..
On another note: I completely agree with what you said about “Overall, most instructors I’ve met are pretty decent people who care about the well being of their students and have a good moral base. I can’t think of a better culture to bring MMA to people.” A good instructor cares not just for the well being of their own students but to make the world a better place. That mentality in my opinion should be the ONLY way it’s taught.. not without the philosophy and as an instructor you can weed out the trouble makers very quickly, it’s not like in a gym situation where money is the ticket in and THAT’S where all those good “thugs” come in an learn how to be trained thugs.
Just for reference Wiki’s definition of Thug: Thug, a common criminal, who treats others violently and roughly, often for hire. Often a member of a gang, as an enforcer in organized crime, and misdemeanor.
Hi Daniel, I agree with what you have said as a whole and for MMA as a sport but I think it’s not the obvious lessons that are a problem it’s the subconscious ones..
1 example, teaching kids to take to the ground and be comfortable on the ground in a self defense situation is just careless in my opinion, how many street fights these days are one on one? If you take someone to the ground – his mate(s) is/are going to stomp and kick your head in> that being said I agree it’s important to learn a ground game but teaching it when a child or adult is learning self defense – doesn’t that send a mixed message?
From another angle teaching MMA in the guise of self defense in a sports manner in a lot of ways is dangerous as it gives you rules, where as in self defense- there are no rules. Collapse the throat, strike the groin, break the arm – survive.
As I mentioned several times, as a sport, I have no problem with it. Together with young children with extremely impressionable minds – I feel it confuses the issue of self defense and sport. In the dojo I am less concerned with their moral fiber, if they are at a karate school that should already be taken care of. If we can make the MMA culture the same as the martial artist way as you mentioned Dan, I’m cool with it. But I think it may be trickier than we anticipate.
Hey everyone,
This seems to be a pretty heated topic, and I’m not here to take sides as everyone seems to present very valid and well thought out arguments.
I just wanted to offer my own experiences with others my age. Being 17, I’m around many other teenagers in this age-bracket. It seems to me that the friends I’ve made through karate (not only at my dojo but friends from tournaments) seem to have a reasonably good set of morals and ethics. And when I have been out with these people, not getting into a fight seems much more important than beating someone to a pulp. I have also been out and about with people who have recently begun or have done MMA for about 4-5 years. It seems to me that these people are not as self-contained, much more aggressive and would rather knock somebody out cold, than listen to why that person waved at their girlfriend (true story). This may sound like a generalisation but I am merely inserting my own experiences into this argument as I hope it can be helpful.
Daniel: “…a fast growing sport that will one day take over” I would not be surprised at all if MMA was to take over the fighting scene and become the most internationally recognised sport in this industry, but its how the kids can react to the teachings. I have been to an MMA class, I will not specify where on this blog, but it seems to me that a sound teaching of what is ‘right and wrong’ or ‘appropriate to the situation’ is not at the top of their priorities list. And if we are to teach kids how to ‘defend’ themselves, surely this is one of the most important subjects we can raise??
At the class I was at, MMA was taught purely as a sport, I have no problem with this, but it is human nature for things that we do to influence other aspects of our lives. For example: A Lawyer will use clever reasoning and low level trickery to win his arguments, however minor. The Prison guard, after spending all day around violent and callous inmates will come home to his family and unleash the days pressure.
So why, if these kids are taught MMA as solely a sport, would it not, how could it not come into the other aspects of their lives?
This may seem an odd argument as I am an aspiring martial artist myself, but at our dojo and others that my friends train at, we are taught, from the very first class that fighting is THE LAST RESORT.
But thats all just my opinion. 🙂
Excellent blog by the way Matt. Really enjoying these posts.
Thanks for your input Grant. I must say you display wisdom far beyond your 17 years of age. Since I don’t hang around anyone that trains purely in MMA, I cannot compare and contrast my own experiences with yours. I would bet that it would depend on the school and the attitude of the instructors there, but it is hard to make generalizations in any case, as you say. Nevertheless, your opinion is valued here.
Yes, you cannot deny that people are products of their environments, like the prison guard in your illustration. But can we not as martial artists rise above that? For the record, I am related to an ex-prison guard, who also benched- pressed well in excess of 150 kilos. To his credit, he never laid a hand on my relative. You cannot say that every prison guard goes home and takes it out on his family, just as you cannot state that every cop, who also sees the worst in people, will do the same.
I believe that fighting as a last resort is the rule rather than the exception in the vast majority of martial arts schools. Or am I just a dreamer? Would like to hear from others regarding their experiences with trained MMA fighters. Thanks again Grant and I’m pleased you enjoy the blog.
Guys –
I love the discussion and added clarification on your opinions. I wrote my comments a tad too loosely and probably read others’ comments without full attentiveness. I apologize if I came off rude or dismissive.
To be more accurate about what I’m thinking: I see the inherent danger in teaching any form of combat, but I caution against a primarily fear-based view of MMA.
Zoltan brings up a great point about the people who go to MMA events. From my experience, they are rowdy and many are disrespectful. (I’m a fan and I don’t believe I’m a jerk … but who knows?)
However, those people I know who teach/professionally compete/train MMA are a different lot. The majority of pro fighters (or pro-am) I’ve dealt with have been respectful and decent. I suspect that the amount of dedication, sacrifice, hard work, and suffering that comes with being good at something changes a person’s character – which is one thing I enjoy about martial arts in general.
Now again, I’m not arguing but I’d like to give my opinion:
“… if you teach KIDS MMA they will be ill equipped to decide when to use it especially if its ‘fun’, scuffling about with other kids who don’t do MMA they will get hurt, they won’t know what’s happening or why.”
I feel that teaching a child to make correct choices with the tools (whether it be guns, the internet, cars, fire, or martial arts) they have is a challenging thing. However, I believe that you can teach a kids principles of appropriateness and context.
“You don’t see every sibling doing ground and pound I’m sorry.. Nor chokes, joint locks or breaks and this is my point – do you WANT to see this?”
No, I do not. However, I have. One example: In 3rd grade, I had a bully knock me down and repeatedly kick me. I don’t think MMA had any thing to do with it – he was a bad apple. Although I forgive him, I do wish he went to some kind of program that helped him learn to control himself … a good karate school, perhaps?
“when I am, have been and will be in an altercation and he is on the ground – it’s over, no need to continue. ”
In real life, totally agree here. But in the right context – competition of course – I’m going to engage!
“I also believe that MMA especially taught as pure MMA subconsciously teaches you that fighting is ok.”
I can see where you are coming from – especially the persona that is promulgated over TV. How good it is to not take our social cues, values and attitudes from T.V!
However, I take a different stance on this. Fighting is absolutely, 100% okay… In the right context. To save my life or protect my family, the gloves come off and I can reasonably say that I would not hesitate, nor feel guilty. Context is everything.
Also, fighting as a form of play and competition is part of my human experience. I “fight” at my job to get ahead; I “fight” to win when I play chess.
I play fight with dogs, children, and my friends. But there is a difference in the “fight” and I hope you can read beyond my words.
I don’t fight with my wife. I don’t fight with the guy at McDonald’s if he screws up my order. I don’t even fight with guys who want to fight me!
If it’s non-compulsory warfare, then I *fight*. Otherwise, I try to limit my fighting with those people whom I trust and respect.
Just to clarify: Hurting other people is not okay.
To address my comment about being in a weird head space: to me, your remarks about evil-hearted gyms and thugs came off as a bit fear-centered. Not that there aren’t example where that isn’t true (otherwise, why would you think it?) but I just don’t see that in my experience. One example: Competing semi-nationally in karate, I saw 2 gyms out of the 30is in our area that fit that description. As an adult in MMA, I don’t typically see any “white in shining armor” type gyms, but mostly dojo’s focused on the sport. With that, these dojo’s teach adults and those who do teach kids typically only teach them straight boxing or BJJ. I feel more connected to the BJJ scene, and I know that kids classes get a heavy dose of right vs wrong lectures.
Like most kids sports – youth coaches do their best to help the character and development of the children, but the real responsibility is the parents.
“MMA Bart – which points of mine do you disagree with? Saying you disagree with what I have said and think I’m “in a weird headspace” doesn’t give your opinion or argument credibility.. Provide the other side of the coin and you may change my mind or give me something else to consider..”
Agreed, who knows if I even have any! That being said, I train in Utah (and occasionally San Diego CA) and think that we have a LOT of martial artists and MMA gyms. I feel that we’ve got more than our share of it, and I’m a part of that.
From Sensei Matt:
“I believe that fighting as a last resort is the rule rather than the exception in the vast majority of martial arts schools. Or am I just a dreamer? Would like to hear from others regarding their experiences with trained MMA fighters. ”
I don’t think you’re dreaming. Two things thing to add: I love the usage of the full colon, and I think they’re is a general degeneration in morals and respect in the differing generations of people. Most of the fighters I know now grew up in a different time and cultural space. The fighters of tomorrow could very well be the worst type of punk.
Thanks again for the discussion.
Hi Guy’s
Look I have to agree with Sue.C ,in regards to the mma for kid’s, but having sad this, I also believe the fitness level for kids, which train in mma will be much better than for the ones which just do only one style like Karate or so. Maybe have the drills without contact, this is what we do in Karate with our juniors below the age of 10. Of course the BJJ training needs to be done with a semi contact aspect. In the end I don.t think there is a need for a full contact sport for our young ones. Like Sue sad, They should be told to wait until they are older.
Thanks for your input, Andy and welcome to our blog. Yes, it sounds like you and Sue are in the majority, but opinion is heavily divided here. Only time will tell if MMA will be right for kids. There is no denying it is hugely popular. Agree with you that full contact for young kids is not necessary or desired.
Hi to all, I find this is a very interesting subject. The martial art that I practice and teach does not allow or condone any striking contact between practioners. We train only for self defence and our philosophy is as extreme if not more so than the most traditional styles. We avoid any form of violence, however we train only for a fast and final result if a violent outcome can not be avoided. I know this raises another argument as to contact training verses non-contact training, however my point is that if the lines are unclear or blurred for adults regarding the contact issues and sports verses self defence how is a child going to work it out for himself? Kids should be protected no matter what. We as adults make their decisions and if we allow them to go into a one on one confrontational sport where the major emphasis is on a knock out and the kid suffers some brain damage we have ruined a life. It is simple, this is a risk that is to great. Accidents in team contact sports are a fact of life, when a brain is damaged(we may or may not know straight away) because one kid bashed another kid with a back fist on the temple with the aim to knock him out does not work for me, therefore leave the mma to the adults who supposedly know what they are doing.
Your points are well taken here, Steve. I think almost everyone here would agree about the necessity to protect children from excessive contact, but some contact is needed not just in MMA, but also in any martial art, to make it real enough to develop practical self-defence skills. Control is the key. Kids should definitely not be allowed to batter each other about the head. Thanks for your comment.
With due respect to your view Matt, that some contact is needed. We do not contact for the reason that we train to punch and kick through our targets at full power to any part of the body including the groin, knees, throat and eyes and we do not want to compromise our focus or want injuries. We feel that using partial power, slapping or avoiding body parts would not assist our training. Non contact sparing is used for various reasons such as tactics, footwork, movement etc and full power techniques only contact pads. I agree however that tournament martial artists and professional UFC fighters and boxers must have contact training.
Hi Steve, I appreciate your comments here. Since the advent of foam-style gloves, by Jhoon Ree in the sixties, adults and kids have been sparring safely. Your dojo may not allow any contact, but I do not share that philosophy. Light contact develops all the things you discuss, such as tactics, footwork, movement, etc. No contact is two students just throwing their kicks and punches in the air. Why spar?