Mixed martial arts not fit for kids

To the editor:
    A relatively new sport has emerged in some communities for children; this “sport” is called “mixed martial arts” or MMA. MMA is a mixture of judo, jujitsu, karate, kick boxing, and/or wrestling, depending upon the teacher’s experiences or preference. There are no uniform standards for what is included in the mix; and there are no agreed upon limits related to the level of violence that will be taught or tolerated during competitions. At the adult level, several reports claim that 1 in 5 to 1 in 7 competitions result in injuries requiring medical attention or hospitalization.
    Children are immature; their level of self control; their ability to obey rules and observe limits; and their skills related to controlling anger and frustration are limited. These limitations speak loudly in favor of limiting MMA for children as these activities portend serious and long-lasting injuries. Young bones and tissues cannot take the forces required of some adult martial arts moves without likely stains or breaks.
    Some traditional martial arts training has been successfully taught to children by highly trained and experienced teachers taking into account children’s ages, physical abilities, and emotional limitations. A learner’s motives (and/or their parents’) motives for wanting to learn traditional marital arts should be carefully considered by a good teacher. Ignoble motives can lead to disastrous consequences for children.
    MMA is, to many who observe it, a brutal “sport;” and to others who observe it and participate in it, a challenging sophisticated offshoot of traditional, long established sports. Its physical violent tendencies and potentials lead me to advise against its being taught to or employed by children.
Ken Petress
Presque Isle