Did you know there is such a thing as child MMA fighting?
For those feeling out of the loop, MMA is the latest competitive fighting sport storming the globe. It stands for “mixed martial arts” — an extremely violent sport with little protective gear. Most probably know that much already, though; but now, apparently, it’s for kids, too!
Often taking place in a metal cage, MMA’s safety equipment consists of a mouthpiece, a cup, and a pair of gloves little more than an inch thick. Children unleash punches, kicks, grapples and throws in order to pummel their opponents to the ground, knock them out, or gain submission.
According to the Daily Mail, youth MMA fighting, or Pankration, is “one of the nation’s fastest growing sports among children,” and estimates that some “three million” children actively engage in the sport on a weekly basis.
Not surprisingly, the sport has its critics as well as its proponents. Folks against it claim it is barbaric and worry about children’s safety, as well as how it might affect their overall social behavior. Supporters of the sport claim it is no different from boxing and other more traditional martial arts in that it promotes self-discipline, good sportsmanship, and exercise.
Both sides of the contested issue have valid points, but much of the self-discipline is certainly questionable. New York-based photographer, Sebastian Montalvo, who traveled across the country studying and photographing the sport, said that often it is the parents who are encouraging most of the “fighting spirit”.
Montalvo went on to tell CNN that encouragement from parents is the “key to growth” for the MMA. Not only does current Pankration fighting provide perverse entertainment for adults, but it also helps sculpt tomorrow’s fighting champions. That is, unless the children become too injured before their adult debut.
Montalvo marvelled, after spending much time around the sport, at how competitive parents are concerning the sport. He commented,
They’re mega-competitive. They “love their kids 100%” and “they just want them to win.”
But after one child was beaten in a fight and began crying, underlining his age again to snap us all back to reality, it is difficult to argue that Pankration is a suitable sport for children.
And as far as the sportsmanship goes… well, to sum it up after one child refused to shake hands with his opponent after losing a fight, Montalvo said his father began screaming at him. That’s certainly one way to teach our children sportsmanship, but one has to wonder if there might be better ways.
Sure, kids might learn a few things through MMA fighting, but is the trade worth it? It’s a free country, allegedly, and people are free to sign their children up for nearly anything. I’m sure some children would love to play Army games with live ammunition, too, but does that mean we should let them do it? Let them learn martial arts and defend themselves as children, sure, but teaching them to be brain-bashing, sleeperholding warriors as young as five is too much. They have yet to even learn how to handle responsibility; how are they going to understand not to break another kid’s arm when they get upset simply because they can?? And make no mistake — this sport is not just for boys.? Plenty of young girls are learning to do more than just eat your heart out.
While parents may be free to decide for themselves on this matter, one should consider the social and emotional implications of this sport, as well as the sheer violence of it, before considering allowing a child to participate. While parents are free to make their own decisions, parents should be sure that is the child’s will, and not the parent(s)’ own, making the decision.
Just because one is free to do something, I think we all know, doesn’t make it right, or even smart. Perhaps good old American baseball can teach children just as much about sportsmanship and exercise, and they won’t even have to bash each others’ faces in.
I guess blood is just the new American sport.
Edited and published by CB
