Great discussion and great points. I hope more people jump in and post their thoughts!

Personally, i prefer the idea of kids participating in a more traditional martial art such as karate of kung fu. The resaon for this stance is these disciplines teach EXTREME, well discipline, as well as physical and emotional confidence and health.
The big difference between mma and traditional martial arts, is mma will make you a better fighter, whereas, in my opinion, Karate at a good traditional school, will mold a child into a better adult.
Shoud mma be outlawed for children, certainly not. But it does put FULL emphasis on fighting, granted not fighting Lay people, but it’s whole goal is learing to submit or otherwise defeat your opponent.
Nothing wrong with that. Baseball has the same goal of defeating an opponent, and physical improvment (maybe baseball isn’t the best argument for physical shape) lol.
So why are boxing and bjj 2 of the most important styles in mma? It’s interesting at my club, there is no bowing to the sensei as i did in karate many years ago, just a simple pat on the back.
Boxing developed and is learned, though not exclusivley in troubled neighbourhoods, so many boxershate eachother, though others are attempting to show a bit of class.
What we often don’t see in either of these great FIGHTING arts is discipline.
So it’s all about what you want your child learning, Lots of fighting skills, or less fighting skills, but more discipline?

I see what you’re saying Justin, but I think in a time where the UFC is so popular, children are going to want to be doing what they’re seeing the professionals do. Unfortunately pure karate isn’t shown on T.V.

With that being said, I think personally, I would prefer my child fighting MMA in a class (with full padding) getting their energy or perhaps agression out there rather than on the school yard.

I feel that the main point however is children participating in any sort of physical activity instead of just watching t.v eating junk food is what’s best!

The big difference between mma and traditional martial arts, is mma will make you a better fighter, whereas, in my opinion, Karate at a good traditional school, will mold a child into a better adult.

Shoud mma be outlawed for children, certainly not. But it does put FULL emphasis on fighting, granted not fighting Lay people, but it’s whole goal is learing to submit or otherwise defeat your opponent.

Nothing wrong with that. Baseball has the same goal of defeating an opponent, and physical improvment (maybe baseball isn’t the best argument for physical shape) lol.

So why are boxing and bjj 2 of the most important styles in mma? It’s interesting at my club, there is no bowing to the sensei as i did in karate many years ago, just a simple pat on the back.

Boxing developed and is learned, though not exclusivley in troubled neighbourhoods, so many boxershate eachother, though others are attempting to show a bit of class.

What we often don’t see in either of these great FIGHTING arts is discipline.

So it’s all about what you want your child learning, Lots of fighting skills, or less fighting skills, but more discipline?

First off, great piece Kirsten. Great opinions and information. It is an ongoing debate about kids who dont get involved in sports at the grass roots level and how they either become extremely overweight or get involved with the wrong people therefore getting into serious trouble with the law.
I am sure there are many readers and bloggers here at the site who have kids. I would love to hear their opinions on your blog. Bottom line, anything that can keep kids off the streets I am all for it!

I completely agree! Anyone who has taken any martial art will say that it’s not about fighting or hurting people, but that it’s an art and it teaches you discipline! I think that it’s completely true that those who bully are those with little self confidence. Anything that gives children more confidence, in a society where kids can be so mean, has to be beneficial!

I am sure there are many readers and bloggers here at the site who have kids. I would love to hear their opinions on your blog. Bottom line, anything that can keep kids off the streets I am all for it!