Posted on May 12, 2008 by Kathy McManus in All, Children, Ethics, Law, Parenting, Sports, Teens Comments (40)
Fight Club Junior
When two dogs are in a cage to fight each other, it’s illegal.
When two children are in a cage to fight each other, it’s part of the fastest growing sport in America: “ultimate fighting.”
Also known as cage fighting or mixed martial arts, ultimate fighting is a no-holds-barred combo of wrestling, boxing, and martial arts that is increasingly popular, often bloody, and usually staged in a cage.
Now, in the sport’s latest spin-off, kids as young as six are brawling in cages, using kicks, body blows, and choke holds in a contest of physical submission.
Unlike adults who engage in ultimate fighting, kids wear padding and head gear. And also unlike adults, kids who cage-fight can only do so with the consent and support of their parents, who say the violent fighting is no more dangerous than wrestling and believe it teaches skills like discipline, respect, responsibility, and control.
“It’s wonderful,” said a Missouri mother who encourages her 10 and 14 year old sons in ultimate fighting. “They build such good character and good friendships, and that’s what you need to further yourself in life.”
But while some applaud, others are appalled. “I have parents who kind of scare me sometimes,” said the owner of a Massachusetts gym where kids train in ultimate fighting. “Moms and dads letting their kids choke them just for practice reasons. The days of Dad throwing a ball with little Billy are over.”
Medical experts are also concerned about the pummeling kids endure in cage fighting, saying it can cause significant injuries to the neck and bones.
There are no standardized laws governing children’s cage fighting matches in the U.S. Massachusetts and Missouri allow youth contests, while other states ban the practice or don’t regulate it at all. “I think it borders on child abuse,” said a Missouri legislator who has introduced a bill to ban ultimate fighting for children in that state.
As a spectator sport, ultimate fighting continues to grow, its ever-larger TV audiences turning cage combat into a mega-millions fight club, with an increasingly younger face. “I daydream during school,” said one 14 year old ultimate fighter, “of me being in the cage with everybody watching me on TV.”
Tell us what you think: Is cage fighting for kids a responsible sport? Should anyone be responsible for regulating it—parents?…the government? Do viewers of ultimate fighting play a role in the sports increasing appeal to children?
Comments (40)
Skip comments
Untitled
Let me get this straight…rooster fights, dog fights are illegal, umm…animal right’s activists and organizations will breath down your neck if you even pull a piece of fur out of an animal. If you spank your child there’s the potential of Social Services being at your door and taking your child away, and somehow this is an okay thing to do to our kids. That Missouri legislator is right, it does border on child abuse. There’s a reason why some sports like wrestling are started at a certain age. Do they honestly want to see their child someday look like those men? I noticed one kid only concern was to be on TV someday, I wonder why he thinks it’s so important to be on TV! I really feel bad for these kids, cause you know it’s going to be taken out in the kindergarten play yard.
Kina, is right, our civilization is crumbling!
The Roman empire crumbled, Greek, Persian, Babylonian all of them at the end of their glory became hungry for spectacles and received pleasure watching gladiators fight. Of nothing better to do people stand on their heads!
Our Christian civilization is disintegration because we’re not Christian anymore! When I see people embracing and petting their dogs like their children, and if asked, with a straight face will tell you that child-killing (abortion) is perfectly normal, it makes me sick.
I like animals, and am for protecting them from cruelty, but a human being is infinitely more precious than an animal because our soul lives eternally. God made us with an indestructible, invisible part of our being = soul.
What of us?
What of us who are not Christian? Are my morals less important? How about the separation of church and state?
Using sports ...
I’m a follower of Jesus, however to state that we need to be a Christian society in order for it not to crumble is somewhat inaccurate. In the past even the civilizations that heeded Christ’s teachings fell apart. It’s just a part of life to make room for the new. And people who are not Christian do have morals as well they just don’t use the excuse of a bible and God to proclaim their views which I tend to respect more than my own fellow Christians. But since this is off the topic now I’ll try and bring us back on the main topic which is child too young to be fighting in cages not only is it sending the wrong message, basically that this sport is more important than academics, learning how to cope their own self-esteem, I mean using SPORTS as the only source to build self-esteem builds an unbalanced complex. There are so many other reasons but it’s too many to post.
Are We Really?
Victor, how is it you’ve come upon the conclusion that our soul’s are infinitely more precious than a being who is not human, be it plant or animal? You speak of our soul, but consider that all living beings have a spirit. What if all living spirits are truly eternal once they are created? Have you ever set beside a different animal as it was dying and been there through the death stage. I have. “Something” always moves on at death and leaves the shell of a body behind.
BethDon't be so ignorant
If the kids want to do it, then so be it. You’ll never be able to ban Ultimate Fighting, it’s far too big now, and you need to some serious research on the subject before you bash it.
There are rules and regulations that are very strict. As long as these children want to do it, and then let them. Children will fight regardless of knowledge – its how people are. Martial Arts will teach them self-control and responsibility. Kids who don’t know anything about fighting who fight on the “playground” just throw punches at the other kid until he feels like he’s done. No, they don’t teach that in martial arts. You won’t be able to use the “it only teaches violence; they’ll only use the knowledge to hurt other children” anymore. Like I said, do some research on it.
Kina, is wrong!
Rooster, dog, and other animal fights are illegal because they are being forced to fight. However there is no one standing behind the kids involved in ultimate fighting with a whip, you are also wrong about wrestling, there is no age. I am involved with former Olympic wrestler Ken Chertow’s wrestling camp and there are kids as young as 5 and 6 there. You are also being hypocritical about stating that we don’t want our kids looking like those men, so your implying that appearances mean a lot, and yet you are shaming a kid for wanting to be on television? And about your statement with kids taking it out on the playground, mixed martial arts training is not just teaching people how to incapacitate their opponents, it teaches them self respect, self dignity, self discipline and it also teaches them to respect their teammates and opponents. If you watch any UFC or WEC fight, at the end of 99% of the fights they give each other hugs, and hand shakes.
regulation
Man will always find a way to brutalize himself & his fellows. The problem with letting children engage in intentionally violent sports (as opposed to those wherein violence might occur as side effect of the sport) is that it enforces the idea that violence solves all problems at a time in a child’s life when he/she has insufficient real-world experience to evaluate that philosophy.
The very rise of this sport in popularity indicates to me that it fulfills some need within our species, so appealing to humanity as a whole won’t reduce the violence.
Parents have shown that they will always have amongst themselves those who willingly abuse their children mentally, emotionally, and physically, so a laissez-faire approach to parental policing of this “sport” won’t reduce the violence done by it to children.
This leaves me with saying that only governmental regulation of the sport, crafted by compassionate minds, might be effective.
Governmental Regulation?
Liam, do you really feel governmental regulation is a solution to moral dilemmas?
Also, please consider that all human beings have a limit to their patience simply because they are humans. When even the best of parents have been stressed beyond their own limits they will act or do something which may be very cruel in the moment (perhaps violently grabbing their child’s arm). The receiving child’s brain, unable to process cruelty hides this in their muscles or unconscious. We all are more likely to have hidden pain no matter how kind our folks were. And we all base our everyday actions in great part on this hidden pain we know nothing about. For some there is a lot of “manure” they know nothing about which guides all or most of their interactions with others, including young children. Will regulating any type of violence dissolve someones inner pain or simply multiply it? Beth
Astounded!
WOW!! Adding on to KINA: the irony of kids fighting. The kids involved with the Jena 6 situation (both white and black) went through all kinds of stuff for a little school yard fight. Kids are suspended from school for fighting or even a threat to fight someone. A fight in public could land them in juvenile hall and/or with criminal charges. But make it inhumane by giving them tactical training in fighting, a cage, and a camera crew and call it OKAY?
Kids do this same kind of fighting on the streets and then post it on youtube for a little fame and all the country has uproar. But stick ‘em in a cage and call it disciplined entertainment? These people have outright LOST THEIR MINDS!!
These sports isolated alone are not nearly as dangerous as the combination of them with the mentality “by any means necessary”. Whatever happened to the good old days when you put your kid in soccer or football or simple karate for camaraderie? Ultimate fighting for adults is a blood sport not really even appropriate for adults let alone children. This needs to be banned or have an age limit of 18.
Excuse me while I channel my grandfather...
While I do admit that 10 is a tad young for this type of fighting, I see no problem for a 14 year old.
My Grandfather’s best friend was a wonderful man by the name of Buck. When Buck died a few years ago, I went with my grandfather to his dear friend’s funeral. He told a story that I have taken with me and I wish to share with you now. (I’m going to quote Gramps as best as I can.)
“When I was 14, there was this boy in my homeroom class that I couldn’t stand. I didn’t know what it was about him, but he just grated on my nerves. One day, during gym class, this boy popped off with a smart aleck comment about one thing or another. Well, I’d had about enough of him and I socked him in the mouth. He hit me back and we tussled on the floor a bit. I gave him a fat lip and a bloody nose. He gave me a shiner that made me look like I got boot polish in my eye.
When I got home, my father looked at me, and simply said, `What does the other boy look like?’
I looked my dad square in the eye, a little afraid of what he might say, and said, `Well, pop. He’s out on the back porch and you can take a look at him yourself. May I give Buck a Coke’cola?’ My father laughed and grabbed three sodas from the ice box. My father told me later, that you can never really know the measure of a man until you’ve tusseled with him a bit and gained each others respect as fellow men.”
I am at an age to be getting married and settling down, and I want to find someone like my father and my grandfather. A man, who works eight hours a day, teaches my sons to play baseball, who could throw a punch if needed if it would defend me against would be attackers, and can fix my brakes.
Untitled
My sentiment exactly, well except the part of finding a man to marry. I think if this sport wants to be viewed legitimetly, it needs to be regulated and an age cap has to be instilled. Considering the amount of contact that is involved, I think six is way too young. It’s no different than boxing, martial arts or wrestling. Each carries a higher risk of injuries than traditional sports (i.e football, baseball, basketball, soccer-or football to the rest of the world-). Each is essentially just a competition to see who inflicts more damage. As for it being child abuse, well that is an issue at the heart of any sport, activity, or competition. Whether it is beauty pageants, sports, or academics, parents will always push their kids to succeed, sometimes to an extreme. Will there be instances where kids will be severely hurt, both physically and emotionally? Probably, but thats a burden that these parents will have to face. At the same time, there will be kids who benefit greatly from it.
WOW
I completely agree with your story and your grandfather sounds like a great man.
Sick
While I understand that physical activities that can lead to violent behavior (like football) are condoned as healthy outlets, I think that putting children into a cage and letting them bash away at each other is mentally ill. I have no problem with children learning self defense, or joining into a sport that could lead to violence, but this particular situation just seems twisted and despicable
wow
I have a 17 year old son who is a cage fighter. He pretty much stays out of trouble and the normal fights most kids have to deal with in school, as i did. I also have a 2 yr old son we teach mma moves too, but there is no way I could see putting him in an actual fight at 10. Training at 10 fine, but not a fight. It sounds more like the parents are trying too hard, too fast and too soon.
Agree
I agree Tad! As an X MMA competitor I know that is just to much stress and pressure on a maturing body. Around sixteen is a good time to start a amateur career, then turn pro between nineteen and twenty one if that is your goal. The training is good character and self-esteem building as well as respect and compassion for other competitors in the early years. But for a long prosperous career you need to go slow taking care of your body building wisdom through experience as your body and skills grow. Every fighter knows once you pass your prime you need another way to make a living. You’re always gonna have those who only see violence and don’t understand our love for the pure science and psychology involved.
Why
Venting anger may let off tension, may prove who is physically stronger and could possibly say who is more present to the greatest degree. Isn’t harming or aiming to physically injure another simply providing an opportunity to lessen the tendency to discuss problems? Teasing or mentally attempting to injure another is in the same field. Both aim to place emphasis on ranking, recognizing, and even building levels of differentiation between people. Consider the strengthening of egos which results. Does our world really need stronger egos? Were similarities to be explored instead, our egos would weaken their holds on us and true communication might be more common. Peace then possible.
Please consider all the ramifications both long term and short term of building and emphasizing our differences.
Im for it
Civilization is not crumbling and you,re wrong. Well, cage fighting is a sport no different than football. you take risks and have fun and go to win. Also with football you need parental consent under a certain age. It’s fun. I do it and greatly enjoy it. If you don’t like it then don’t let YOUR kids do it, but don.t tangle with other peoples lives because its not your place or anyone else’s.
Games, Sport, Intent, and Pain
Hello, Daniel. While at a celebration lately two young children started wrestling. It was all for “fun” in the beginning but as the 4 and 5 year olds continued someone got pushed down and hit his head on a brick. They had moved away from the safer center of the lawn to the area near the flower bed. Moments later the other became a surprised victim and was sobbing because the “friend” had shoved his finger back real hard and held it there. Pain inflicted pain. Later while chatting with the two children as they downed some refreshingly cool water, one of them picked up a board game adults had brought to play. “Boxers and Briefs” I believe was the name of it. “What’s this asked one young man to which his mom answered from the other room, “It’s a game for adults.” And someone else called out “and Beth won’t play it even though she did once before.” “How come?” asked one boy of me. You know what happened when you both got carried away wrestling, somebody got hurt. With this game somebody can get really hurt too, but the hurt in this game is inside. And inside hurts can’t always be seen. It’s just as wrong to hurt someone on the inside as it is on the outside. That was enough of an explanation for them. We can go further. When you win a game Daniel, how does it feel? When you loose, how does that feel? Every win and every loss strengthens our egos, the part of us that emphasizes our differences and sets us apart. But its recognizing our similarities that brings us together. Games are proposed as a way to have “fun” and perhaps were necessary at some time in our evolution as humans to help us survive. Now the world is so completely differentiated that our separateness creates constant war and turmoil around the globe. We must now shift and learn to recognize and emphasize our similarities if the world is going to continue to exist. Please, listen to your heart before you get involved in any game or activity and ask it if its really what the moment needs or if there is another way which would be fun for all involved. Beth
UFC is Spectator Gore Blood Brutality
Cage fighting as it is called is not a sport, that exhibits skill, encourages cooperation, of permits betterment of its participants…
Cage Fighting is Brutal, Violent, Adversarial…and generally harmful.. especially to those imitators that want to copy “whats in” today
Having children involved only indicates how out of control we are as parents, and educators.
There is absolutely NO redeeming value to putting children into a cage and have one emerge a victor.
New York has not permitted these events…and some of those who are now trying to change that for “entertainment” need to be stopped.
Martial Arts Academies are going too far in their quest to make money, misleading, that mixed martial arts lead to better discipline, more confidence, better self-image are just wrong.
The true purpose about martial arts training is to teach you “not to resolve conflicts with fighting” that is Budo Japanese for “stop the spear” prevent conflict not encourage it.
Parents, Karate Instructors, sport people…wake up.
Stop children from fighting. Please Now.
Not a sport that exhibits skill?
Ha-ha, get in the ring with me and tell me that. These mixed martial artists have a huge bag of tricks and techniques, and the martial knowledge or “skill” to apply them on somebody who is fully resisting and trying to hurt them. This is a skill you can’t learn from martial arts that don’t allow and encourage sparring. As far as the statement “The true purpose about martial arts training is to teach you “not to resolve conflicts with fighting” goes… Are you new to the world or what? Just because that’s what the karate and Tae Kwon Do schools are doing nowadays.
Almost all martial arts and fighting systems were born or created because they needed to be created i.e. good people were being attacked and had no weapons to defend themselves, so they came up with techniques to turn their bodies into weapons. The martial arts that weren’t created because of violence and bloodshed have been created recently. Ironically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which is the fundamental skill set for an MMA fighter was pieced together by the famous Gracie family. In reality the Gracie family was just a bunch of brothers and cousins that liked to wrestle with each other. That doesn’t sound like a scary violent demon martial art to me! I also resent your statement about martial arts schools being money grubbers (be careful because there are some creepy martial arts cults out there though!) The schools aren’t throwing the kids in the cage, it’s the parents.
what it leads to
Where I live there are many fighting bars that some of my guy friends are fighting at. Some of them train and say that it teaches you self control, but I have a friend who has 3 counts of battery towards other guys. He thinks its OK to take the fight out of the ring. last year a 17 year old died at one of the fights. The bar was closed down and just reopened this week. This isn’t anything like martial arts, its bloody and violent. there are barely any rules in the ring. Showing 6 year olds that violence can be “OK” at times isn’t the best idea. How are they going to be able to tell what is self defense and what is a “battle”?
Try to understand
I know that it’s hard for you guys to truly understand a sport that you haven’t been involved in, but please try as I will attempt to explain it to you.
When two MMA practitioners step into a cage or ring and duke/grapple it out, they’re not fighting out of hatred for each other. In reality they’re fighting out of love, love for the sport, and love and respect for their fellow man/opponent. I’m making a generalization, there have been some hate/revenge fights over the years but nevertheless I’ve never seen an MMA fight that the combatants didn’t shake hands and hug each other afterwards. There’s no racism in MMA, no bigotry, and there never was. There are good fighters from all over the world, and MMA recognizes them for being the talented athletes that they are. A mixed martial artist learns to embrace so many different cultures and their martial arts, and you really start to respect other societies more.
That being said, I actually kind of agree with you guys. I don’t think young children should be having full on MMA fights. For high school aged kids I think it’s perfectly acceptable, but the young ones need to keep their striking and wrestling separate. If these fathers want their kids to get into martial arts and MMA, they should take their kids to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes (BJJ is all the wrestling aspects of MMA, no punches, no kicks, no strikes of any kind). Then when the kids are teenagers and mature enough to handle it, start teaching them striking arts like boxing, muay thai, or kempo. Then when they are young adults introduce them to mixed martial arts or “cage fighting” as you all like to call it. You never know, the kids might surprise you and not even be interested in MMA, because they like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu too much.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training is key for young kids. It is because there is no striking involved that they are highly unlikely to use it to lash out against another child violently, but because of the wrestling skills of BJJ the child will be able to defend himself if attacked by another child. This threat is very real, there’s not a boy in the world that grows up without getting in a fight. I know that all you guys see is competitive violence, but there’s so much more to it than that. And I’ve met so many of my good friends and positive influences in my life through my personal martial arts study. I strongly encourage parents to get their gets involved in some sort of martial arts study as it has made a huge positive impact on my life, and I want to share that with others.
WoW
This is sweet: kids fighting each other with protective gear on. You can’t beat that it’s not like they’re really getting hurt. If you ask me they should start charging people to see them fight.
Its not what your kids do its how they do it.
Kids have been taking martial arts for decades if not centuries – including boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, jujitsu and karate – and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is nothing more than the strongest parts of these arts fused together.
The martial arts can be an incredibly positive experience for children, as anyone who’s had children in martial arts knows. They learn confidence, respect and lifetime fitness habits. Not to mention the best bully buster program known to man.
Kids shouldn’t be doing full contact. At the vast majority of these MMA schools (including mine) they are not. Contact is strictly controlled and the children’s safety is everyone’s top priority.
I teach children MMA every day. I’ve been teaching martial arts for over a decade now. How many times have my kids misused what they’ve been taught? Zero. How many times have they grown to be cage fighters? None. How many times have they been accepted to major universities? More than I can easily count.
Bottom line; take each school on its individual merits. If the school seems like a safe, positive place, it probably is, even if it’s an MMA school.
Something else to think about: MMA is the most powerful martial art taught today. If you’re going to have your kid in a self defense class shouldn’t it be the best one?
MMA for kids
MMA is really bad for the kid because they probably teach you techniques and you wouldn’t be able to respect. MMA is also bad for the child because the kid has not develop a good base. Start by getting a good base; by practicing a martial art like: Karate, Judo, taekwondo, Kung fu, etc. For example, UFC fighter Lyoto Machida has been wining every fight because he’s been practicing karate since he was a child. Karate teaches you more values. I do karate myself and its great. I mean karate first, or any martial art, and then when you are in your twenties, MMA can kick in.
You're not thinking...
MMA teaches you techniques you wouldn’t be able to respect? Why does a scissors sweep (an escaping technique) teach less respect than a knee to the face (taught in nearly every karate class)? Speaking from experience, jujitsu techniques are much easier to control in a real life situation than a jumping kick or a hard right cross. That is why police use jujitsu restraining moves instead of karate strikes.
Lyoto Machida, although he does have a karate background, is a classic example of mixed martial artists. IF it wasn’t for his black belt in Brazilian Jujitsu he’d be a footnote in someone else’s career.
MMA forms a better “base” by far than karate, kung fu or any of those other arts you mentioned. Understand I am speaking from the standpoint of someone with a lifetime in karate, a fifth degree black belt, years of police experience and his own school.
MMA is just as good for kids as it is for people in their twenties. Understand the vast majority of people who take MMA are not cage fighters. They are students, parents, working professionals, church parishioners, police officers and members of the armed services.
The one unifying trait: they want a martial art that works. Putting your kid in TKD and then telling him or her that they can defend themselves is lying. Don’t lie to your kids.
Parents these days
All is can say is wow. Everyone fears that MMA shows that things can get resolve with violence, or how they fear that the child’s physical aspects are concerning. Well think of this. The same training and sparing is same as going to regular Martial arts schools or playing sports. Parents who fear this only shows there lack of knowledge in Martial arts. However parents who watch and support boxing which it has long term brain damage compare to MMA which has mainly body damage which is only for short time. Ask any Boxer that has moved to MMA ask them the long term damage in either sport and they say boxing is far worse in which today it is high end physical sports today.
As for the whole roman empire thing our civilization is crumbling. Uhh, look at China, Japan, Korea and other Asian cultures that aspire on Martial Arts that been holding the civilization for the longest. MMA will not bring this country to the end.As for the violence doesn’t solve anything. That has a yes and no answer. Yes violence can solve certain problems. As well No it can’t solve certain ones. What I’m trying to say is that words or anything other than your fist can get you so far. Sometimes you will have to get into a confrontation. And I know that you or anyone else might disagree, but thats why people learn how to defend themselves.
As for the Martial arts aspects. If you don’t like MMA don’t send your kid to it. If you want him/her to learn how to defend himself/herself. Then take him to traditional martial arts. And yes karate, judo, tae kwon do and other martial arts they can defend themselves people who say they can only shows there ignorance in Martial Arts.
Well the last thing i have to say is this before you judge something please do research. Not only about the subject, but other things that relate to it or can be compared to it. People who put down MMA only shows there lack of knowledge and shows that they know only what they watch and hear. And same goes for other Martial arts that thinks MMA and BJJ (Brazilian ju jitsu) is best or better than other martial arts for self defense. Shows there ignorance in martial arts and its sad that if they call themselves martial artist. So please, please, people, stop listening to what he says/she says and find out the facts.
Comments from an Expert in Martial Arts
I’m Tom Callos, a 37 year vet of the martial arts and instructor to 100’s of martial arts teachers and 1000’s of students. One of my students, BJ Penn, is one of, if not the best for his weight-class, “cage-fighter” in the world.
I started the martial arts when I was 11 and, besides experiencing the martial arts as both a child myself and then having taught 1000’s of children (now adults with their own children), I can speak as an expert; no child has ever been seriously hurt in any school I have ever been involved with. And, no child or person I have heard of or have known has ever been seriously hurt by a kick or punch. Diabetes, now THERE is a dangerous thing. 1 in 3 children will be touched by diabetes in the next decade. Relationship issues, poor role models, lack of self-esteem, lack of time in nature, lack of training in emotional maturity —THESE are the things that hurt children.
The author of the article here has taken a sensationalist viewpoint and has never seen or experienced the amazing and character building aspects of the martial arts of the practice, of facing fear, of knowing about alternatives to hitting and kicking and aggression, of the relationships that children form with their coach and with their classmates. Comparing what martial arts teachers teach to children and the kind of fighting that takes place, among pro-fighters, in the UFC and other cage-fighting organizations, is like comparing a tricycle rider to a Tour De France racer —-it’s like comparing a 6-year-old’s ride in a fake airplane at a carnival to fighter pilot in a Stealth Bomber. In both cases there are similarities, but, obviously, there are HUGE differences.
Parents, read this short essay at theubbtand100.blogspot dot com to find out what these martial arts teachers are REALLY all about. Recognize too, the ring or the cage is the ONLY place, the only acceptable place for any sort of violent behavior to manifest itself. Fighting belongs in the ring, NOT in the streets. Not where innocent children lose their limbs or eyes or lives because of political insanity.
A martial arts teacher teaches young people things they don’t learn anywhere else —valuable ideas about personal protection, empathy for others, and self-control. There are, indeed, some young, dumb, and brash fighters in the sport aspect of MMA, but likewise, there are hundreds of 1000’s (perhaps millions)of young people in America who learn lessons in courage, in character, in self-control, in teamwork, in facing fears, and in overcoming obstacles through the martial arts — that will NOT learn these lessons from sitting behind a computer, from standing in a line for a concert, from MTV, from shopping at WalMart, or from any of the “heroes” manufactured by the media to boost some industry’s sales. A martial arts teacher who will get down on his or her hands and knees to work with kids —in a “hands-on” way, who will work patiently to teach young people about dietary self-defense, anger management, self-discipline, and all the other things that go along with martial arts training —well, these folks are real heroes. The martial arts has saved my life on a number of occasions, and not through physical self-defense, but from the things I learned in the ring —the give and take, the respect for things that challenge you, for the patience required.
Don’t be afraid of the martial arts, and appreciate that MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is not the enemy —MMA or any kind of martial art is not the things we have to protect our children from in today’s world.
Tom Callos, team coach for the Ultimate Black Belt Test Project (www.ultimateblackbelttest.com)
Well said, sir
Thank you, Mr. Callos. Both for your post and for all your hard work in the martial arts.
Youth Support
I understand everyone’s concerns about this issue. But I have been to these youth MMA events and I have watched the referees call some of these matches and how closely they pay attention to make sure that the participants do not get injured.
You would have to be a fan of the sport of MMA and really know what it is like to be in the “cage” to make a judgment call on this issue. In my opinion, you would pretty much have to be against youths doing any type of contact sport to be against youth MMA. Do the research and see how many people have died or had serious life threatening injuries in other contact sports such as football, hockey, and even baseball. Then look at how many have had similar injuries in MMA. After researching the entirety, let me know which sport on paper is safer.
These kids work hard – just as hard if not more than the pros that we watch on TV and deserve the right to showcase there talent and hard work. The “cage” issue is a joke. Kids compete in amateur boxing matches all the time and the problem with that is these youth fighters can easily fall through the ropes and risk getting seriously injured. In the “cage” there are no ropes for them to fall through and the cage is not as bad as people think. The fence is codes with like a plastic material that keeps anyone from being cut and the canvas is wood and covered with material (just like a ring).
I really have to have been in the “cage” to understand what I’m talking about. In my opinion, if youths are not allowed to compete in MMA, then all other youth sports such as football, wrestling, samba, baseball, kickboxing, et al, should be banned as well.
Once again just my opinion
MMA
Can we please stop calling it Cage Fighting??? The sport unfortunately called it that during the Mid-90’s. There are many MMA organizations out there besides the UFC and a number of them use Boxing Rings to fight in. The International Fight League (IFL) and the former Pride Organization use the Ring.
As a 16 year Martial Artist who has followed the MMA Sport since 1994 I can see the pluses and minuses for MMA. I know people who are now drawn to Martial Arts because of MMA so it is great for publicity. It has changed the face of Martial Arts. It has also given Martial Arts the stigma of oh they just like to fight.
If you have not particitpated in any competitive athletics that is a one on one sport you may not understand that for a large majority of these Atheletes it is not the act of fighting that they love and thrive on it is the challenge of training for the fight and then seeing if your training has really paid off.
If you are against this type of sport I challenge you to go and find a MMA Instructor and sit down with him or her and really talk and get to know them. I am willing to be that after you get to know them you will see that it is not about violence for them it is really the love of competition that they participate in this sport.
MMA
I’m an MMA fighter; I started when I was young. When I got into it, I started working out, training and dieting. I’m now in top shape and don’t even want to drink soda or eat sweets. I have no intentions of doing drugs, all which would slow my performance. I think MMA fighting has only helped me.
Also, people don’t see the full spectacle of MMA fighting until they try it. Its not as dangerous as some people percieie through watching it on tv.
About the choking part; theres nothing really wrong with that. I’ve been doing bjj (submissions which includes chokes) for 4 years now, in competition and have never passed out, gotten any joint broken, or sprained.
These sports ARE safe, just because they look dangerous doesn’t always mean it is.
Mixed martial arts
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a wonderful sport! Some people still view it as human ####-fighting or a gladiator match, but there are so many rules now a days that there are normally no serious injuries.
As for the kids fighting: I think its fine as long as: – the kids are training for it and not just thrown in there. That goes for adults as well. – the kids are being taught that it is a sport and the combat is to be kept in the octagon. – there are rules in place, i.e.: weight classes, timed rounds, headgear, shin pads, maybe even chest protectors for the kids since there bodies are still developing.
The Training for MMA is a mix of wrestling, boxing, Thai kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and few others, not to mention EXTREME conditioning!! It’s true that from this training comes a change of personalities, such as discipline, respect, and living a healthier life style. It is extremely hard and you cannot do it without having a passion for it for that reason. A lot of people start then realize how much work it is and quickly go back to being only a fan of it.
You can’t truly understand the sport unless your part of it. In conclusion, if these kids are doing MMA then they have a passion for it!
Shawn Phillips
MMA Fighter
Now you guys just hold on.
Now before everyone on this page goes and judges those who support the sport you guys maybe should read this paragraph.
I am a mother who regularly attends a church and I am a Professional Cage fighter. I have a son who will be turning 3 in September. He wants nothing more than to be a fighter when he gets older. He loves training with me and he loves to watch UFC with us. I watch the broadcast first that way I know which ones are too bad for him to watch. I am surely going to get him into competing as soon as he is old enough.
There are consequences with this however. My son has hurt other children in his Daycare. He has been in trouble for being a bit rough. He has had incidents were he has used what he has learned and the other child was hurt. But he is not a bully he has been taught that you do not hit someone when you get mad. His teachers have said that he was ALWAYS defending himself when these things happened. If you can teach a child how to practice Mixed Martial Arts. You can teach them to practice controlling their tempers and discipline. Which is what I do. He is not being pushed into doing something he doesn’t want to do. He loves the sport. I am not a bad mother by far. I am very in tune with me child’s needs he receives hugs and kisses as much as any child does. We are just a very different family who love to compete. Mixed Martial Arts is a Sport. A sport in which knowledge is power. You have to be a thinker to compete. You have to execute a game plan to win. It is not always about beating each others heads in which is what everyone assumes.
research first
First off anybody who says that ultimate fighting is a non regulated and no holds bar sport is full of themselves. The sport went through a major overhaul compared to the way it used to be, and anybody who knew what they were talking about would know that. Second it amazes me to know that now that the sport is doing so well people are willing to degrade the sport. I know for a fact that there have been karate and all kind of MMA tournaments all over this country for more years than any one person can remember, and if you think that those tournaments did not include children you got another thing coming. Doctors used to tell parents with children with hyperactive disorders to put there children in anything that would let them be active and teach discipline. MMA is at the top of that list for teaching children discipline. It is the only sport that I know of that until recently had no prospect of making obscene amounts of money if you were good, it was all for fun.
Don't judge quick!
I am a fighter, trainer and a wrestling coach. Martial Arts are an OUTSTANDING discipline for kids of all ages; Jujitsu being the main ingredient. Don’t tell me all parents should pull their kids out of martial arts? Heck no – it’s closely regulated and refereed. Better than ANY other sport.
UFC is no more different than boxing or wrestling
I’m a wrestler in high school and I’ve been doing this for a while. I see UFC on TV and see that it’s no different. It is a lot different than boxing and a lot safer because you are not getting punched in your head so many times. I’m sure if your kid wanted to wrestle, you’d let him. If he wanted to box, you’d let him. So if he wants to fight MMA – I don’t see why he can’t. There’s no difference with that than any other contact sport such as football, wrestling, boxing and etc.
Give the kids a chance to do what they like. If you don’t agree with it, let your kid know how you feel and maybe he’ll change his mind. It’s not child abuse unless you’re physically harming your kid. It’s not like its some kid’s dad fighting the kid and beating the snot out of him. No, the kid fights people his own age and only does it with parents’ permission.
Time and Place
I’d rather have youth and adults fighting in their weight/experience class. A person beating up someone smaller or weaker (i.e.: child/spousal abuse) because they have no outlet, scares me more. If my kid was getting in fights at school, I’d put him/her in a wrestling/martial art program, as a safer, controlled option.
If you’re saying we shouldn’t fight, wait for the lion to rest with the lamb. No one can stop fighting, however, we can say how, where, and when.
Know the facts ...
I have done a study on 20 schools in my area and the number of teens/ children are not even close to the number of adults that are interested and active in the sport. For kids that have a lack of concentration, ADD, hyperactive, even those children that are malicious or for those that just can’t fit in anywhere, martial arts of any kind is an outlet and a release to them allowing them to belong to a positive atmosphere and sport that could open doors to teaching, competing or maybe help them find a future in sports medicine and so on.
It is a fact that these children also fight LESS outside the schools they train in and do better grade wise in school due to improved focus. Grappling and MMA is more about using strategy and what assets you have. Yes there are a few people that give it a bad name and teachers that don’t have values but it’s up to the parent to guide your child to a school that is positive and has the child’s best interest it might save their life even because it IS SELF DEFENSE in its true form it also is NOT new. In the 80’s maybe even earlier – before known as MMA, it was called HYBRID fighting.