Kids in BJJ and/or MMA

There has been a lot of controversy of late about allowing kids to train in mixed martial arts or any of its components (brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, boxing, etc). Many parents and organizations cry "child abuse!" at parents that allow their children to train, claiming that the sport is just too violent. These sorts of claims just show that, although the sport has made great strides in moving into the "mainstream", there is still a lot of ignorance and misunderstanding of the true nature of MMA.

The early days of the UFC probably contributed to the myths of MMA. At that time, the fights had no real rules, no time limits, and the referees were basically in the cage to start and end the fights. Many of the early UFC fights were extremely brutal. After Dana White and the Fertittas bought the UFC in 2001, rules were established and they set about working to legitimize MMA as an actual sport, not some gladiatorial bloodbath. The MMA fighter of today is a highly skilled, highly conditioned athlete, who must be well-versed in kickboxing, boxing, brazilian jiu-jitsu, and wrestling, just to survive in the cage or ring. Strategies and techniques are routinely employed in these fights, so there is definitely a cerebral element to it as well.

I don't train in full-blown MMA myself. I train strictly in BJJ. The reason being that, especially at my age, i really don't care to get hit. I would rather just grapple. I have a background as a wrestler so this seemed like a logical progression. I definitely want to get Zach started with BJJ and wrestling at an early age. I think those sports will help out a lot with coordination, self-confidence, and quick thinking in a fluid environment. I would not be in favor of adding striking until he is older, however. If he wants to eventually add the striking elements and study MMA, I will be happy to let him do so. That will be his decision, however.

Is the study of MMA among children abusive? Absolutely not. If a parent is forcing a child who does not wish to do so to study a striking art, then yes, that may at least border on abuse. But if the child is enthusiastic and enjoys the art, then more power to them.