There was always one of us that was up for it more than the other. Always one of us that would start the ‘niggle’.
You know the kids’ ‘niggle’? When you’re in a shit-stirring mood so you take that mood and inflict it upon a sibling, knowing that eventually, you will have started World War 3.
In hindsight, as kids, my brother and I were really very violent with one another. I distinctly remember “heeling him in the back”. (That is exactly what it sounds like.) We’d be wrestling (usually on Mum and Dad’s bed) and he would do something like pinch the fleshy bit under my arm, this would enrage me and I would bring out my secret weapon… being, my heel into his spine.
Was this an awful thing to do? Oh my god yes.
Was it a completely normal way for siblings interact? Most definitely.
You know what is not normal? The latest “sport” that currently has at least 3 million children in North America walking into what is essentially a cage, where they punch, kick and CHOKE hold each other. And when I say kids, I mean 6 and 7 year olds with reports that some children as young as 5 being involved.
What in the actual fuck? How is this allowed?
From the Daily Mail:
It is the heat of battle between two MMA fighters hemmed inside an industrial metal cage. One kicks, punches and strangles his way to brutal victory. His opponent breaks down and cries tears for his mother.
But this is not an unusual end to another televised brawl between two fully grown brutes, this is kids’s MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts, which is rapidly becoming one of the nation’s fastest growing sports among children.
These children are practising an “art” called Pankration, an ancient and violent Greek fighting style that allows for everything but blows to the head. Punching, kicking, wrestling and choke holds ARE allowed (and encouraged).
Advocates for the practise say the kids are taught principles of losing fair and winning well, and the techniques of having fun and staying in shape.
From the Daily Mail:
Children can tell referees at any point that they want to stop fighting, although parents are often heard on the sidelines telling their kids to say in the ring. Recently an American photographer toured the U.S. trying to put names and faces to the events, one of which took place at a resort/casino where adults gawked with interest.
ARE. YOU. FUCKING. KIDDING. ME.
I don’t know about you, but to me, this is kiddie cage fighting dressed up as a legitimate sport.
I am ALL for children learning a martial art, to defend themselves, to learn self-discipline and to learn how to win AND lose with grace but I’m sorry, to let them fight one another for nothing other than what is essentially a blood sport? Well, the word ‘barbaric’ comes to mind. And an another would be: ILLEGAL.
It is illegal to do this to dogs, how can it be okay for children?
I’m pretty sure I’m going to be preaching to the converted here. Kids fighting one another while parents just stand by and applaud is basically beyond comprehension to any rational human being. I don’t think however, we are dealing with rational human beings.
Can you see merit in kiddie cage fighting- Oh, sorry. We mean: Pankration.
Top Comments
My 14 year old daughter is a Pankration fighter who has been training in Jiu-jitsu, Judo, Wrestling and Kickboxing since she was 5 years old. I am an EMT who serves as a medic for Pankration events. Contrary to many of your gut level reactions, the sport has extensive rules, the kids are taught many values such as respect, integrity and, yes, compassion, injury are much more rare than most conventional sport, and the parents are very loving and supportive. It's not violence, it's competition. Not for your kid? That's perfectly fine. My kid loves it, as do most if not all who compete. Most, including my daughter, have siblings who don't train or compete. My question to all of you is, Are you actually stupid enough to not recognize sensationist media when you see it? Or do you just like having something to react to? I've responded to too many comments like these to count. All I can say is that the reality, the actual reality, is much, much different than the pseudo one you people are reacting to far away from any semblance of knowledge or experience. This photographer had no interest in actually portraying that reality. I was there. We invited him and his crew to a show, and had to tell them that if all they were going to do was wait for a kid to cry and then shove a camera in their face, they would have to leave. 'Adults gawked with interest'...Of course, because 'Parents and family members showed their support' is just boring. And boring doesn't sell. Facts, people. They're out there. I guess the problem is that you might have to work to find them.
I have to admit, I love MMA cage fighting. I watch the UFC all the time. However, I'm 25 and childless.
I believe there can be merit in children learning martial arts like tae kwan do and jiu-jitsu, where a lot of the emphasis is actually on controlling aggression and physical skill. Then, when they're older, they can transfer this skill into MMA if they choose. But I wouldn't want my young children watching MMA let alone competing in it. One key reason is the potential damage caused by head injuries. Adult MMA fighters are aware of the potential for head injury and consent to the sport with this knowledge. However, kids watching this and going 'Mum, that looks fun' are unaware of the dangers of concussion (which can be suffered regardless of whether or not head shots are allowed - punches can go astray and MMA fighters often get concussion from falling over and hitting their head on the mat).