MMA and kids

[Steve Z]

Another article posted and the hysteria continues.

http://www.fightopinion.com/2008/11/24/cage-fighting-obsession-reac...

Now, I'm pretty sure that you guys all agree that the article seems to mischaracterize MMA training in general. What I'm curious about is what you guys think of MMA training for kids? If you train kids at your gym, how does the training change? What sorts of competitions exist for kids in your area?

Steve

[Marks]

I think MMA training for kids is fine, as long as there not using full contact. ALso as with Judo I dont think they should be training chokes and joint locks untill they turn 16 years old. It would be dangerous for them

Markstraining.com Fighting and Training Methods for Unarmed Martial Artists

[thefightgeek]

The problem is many commentators refuse to put combat sports on an equal footing with 'non-combat' sports, particularly when it comes to injuries ...

If a kid cops a nasty concussion when they're training rugby, it's just a game and accidents happen.

If a kid cops a nasty concussion when they're training MMA, it's an anti-social activity that promotes violence and delinquency.

[Karrie Bowen]

That's very true about MMA not being on equal ground with other sports. I mean, look at football! That's pretty rough on young bodies.

I'm not sure how I feel about teaching kids MMA. It's very hard on a body, and I agree that joint locks and chokes should not be taught until the late teens. This is coming from a mother's point of view, BTW, one who has a 4 YO boy. I've been teaching him karate since he was 2 and hope that he has an interest in continuing with any martial art (not just karate) when he's old enough to make the choice for himself. But, I do not think that I would have him learning MMA until he was at least 16.

[Nathan Teodoro]

I agree with Marks. I don't think MMA is any different than any other martial art with contact. I've seen some wrestling matches that kids are in that were pretty brutal, slams and all. If you take the grappling of BJJ, the throws of Judo, the strikes of TKD and Karate (with control), what difference is there with MMA (again, as long as it's not full contact).

My mind has been changed on this only on the physical aspect.

Now, as to the rest, if self-control is not taught, them little buggers could be dangerous!