About a month ago, I first heard of a new sports phenomenon that has caused controversy among many parents. Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a form of organized combat that has gained much popularity in recent years. It is a full-contact sport that allows striking and grappling techniques such as boxing, American wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and many others. MMA has gained popularity through Pay Per View match specials and reality training shows. The interest in this new sport has also caused many Americas to participate in the sport on both recreational and professional levels. The main issue that many people have asked is how young is too young to participate in this sport. Although many states have youth MMA training centers, there are many states that have banned the sport on grounds that children aren’t yet physically developed to participate in full contact sports. MMA specialists have argued against these claims stating that youth MMA has undergone modifications in their rules and their equipment regulations to make the sport safe for children. I've seen this issue pop up on many sports blogs as well as many news articles. Before I give my opinion on this issue, I want to make it clear that I am in no way, shape or form an expert on mixed martial arts. Although I have never participated in an MMA match, I have had experience playing football, rugby, wrestling and boxing over a 13 year period. I am giving my opinion on youth participation in contact sports in general. I believe that children should be allowed to participate in organized MMA if they choose to do so. If proper precautions such as adequate equipment and supervision are taken, there is no reason why MMA should be treated differently than any other sport. Youth contact sports are the same in the way that they call can result in injury if they aren’t being played properly. Saying that only one sport should be banned is hypocritical. In my experience, I sustained the worst of my injuries in football, a sport that I played on the youth level. I believe that youth contact sports such as football and hockey are dangerous because they encourage violence without the discipline and respect that is taught in combat sports such as MMA and martial arts. I also disagree with people who claim that children who participate in MMA are more violent by nature. I find these to be ignorant claims made by people who are uneducated on the subject. My opinion is not meant to promote the idea that contact sports are not dangerous. Injuries are possible in literally all sports. I am merely asking that people do not discriminate against a sport because it is new. Many sports that we have grown up with would be considered barbaric to others. This topic is an interest of mine and I hope to discuss it further with anyone who wishes to do so.
Submitted by Aaron Routses
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