In a story that is no doubt going to slow the foreword progression of the sport, some U.K. children have been engaging in exhibition MMA bouts at small London area MMA shows.
The video below shows two young boys, both under the age of ten, taking part in a grappling match, inside a cage, in front of a crowd of severely inebriated adults.
Yes you read that right.
Because this event happened at an extremely small show, and it’s one of the first of this kind brought to the public’s attention, you can’t help but wonder how many other similar events are taking place around the world. Are these promoters effectively damaging the sport they are trying to make money off of by building these kids up as stars and promoting them as a sideshow of sorts?
Now, I feel the need to state for the record that I am very much against the exploitation of any children, and I definitely think that in this case, the event’s promoters were using the young participants and their eagerness to compete for financial gain. At first I wondered, doesn’t this break any laws pertaining to the safety, abuse or exploitation of minors? – Shockingly, the answer is no. The police launched an investigation into the situation and determined that no charges would be laid against anyone involved.
So it’s not against the law, but you are still outraged aren’t you? What can we do about this?
Good question, try this. Take away the cage, swap the pints for juice boxes, and put this same competition in the confines of a well-lit high-school gymnasium. Would you be more comfortable watching it then? Would it be more socially acceptable to cheer the kids onto victory? Or would you still be annoyed that some sports involve people fighting in safe, supervised situations?
As a life-long martial artist myself, and someone who use to compete as a child, I feel that I have to stand up for the sport I love. Martial arts taught me patience, confidence and the importance of having respect for your fellow man. More so, competing against others at a young age taught me that in life, sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose, it’s how you conduct yourself through either of those outcomes that defines who you are as a person. That being said, I am sure if my parents knew when they signed me up for karate that I was going to be fighting in the back of a dingy bar inside a makeshift cage, they would have probably suggested I take up hockey instead.
Every contact sport has its detractors, and some people will never look at mixed martial arts as a source of entertainment let alone a legitimate sport to enroll their children in. With the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s recent landmark deal with FOX Sports, mixed martial arts events will soon be beamed straight into your home as part of your basic cable package. So love it or hate it, with the sport’s popularity growing exponentially each year, people are going to need to get use to seeing this sort of thing more often, we can only hope it takes place in a more socially acceptable setting.
Even with my love for the sport, and my vested interest in fostering its growth to for future generations, I cannot in any way defend or support the actions of these British promoters. This sort of spectacle shines an unwanted light on the sport and does more damage than good for those young kids looking to get involved with it. Instead of just getting angry with the promoters, the kid’s parents or the sport of MMA as a whole, lets work to give children a safer, more appropriate place to compete and improve their skills. Try to look past all the bad decisions made by the greedy adults surrounding this event, and try to see the two kids who were just in that cage to compete and win.
What do you think? Should children be allowed to participate in public mixed martial arts competitions, or have promoters gone too far?
Parents of these children should be a shamed of themselves!!! child abuse is written allll over this!!!fighting infront of drunken grown adults...so bloody disgusting!!!
Just the idea of this makes me feel ill. As if children aren't exploited and underprotected enough! So, we can't have dogs or chickens fight, but this is legal.On re-thinking this, this has GOT to be a sick joke. AS IF a parent could be allowed to put their child up for this. I mean kids in diaper commercials and sit-coms are protected to the max. I can't see this would be any different. Obviously it's abuse, emotional and physical, so ha ha, not funny!
SMDH...unfreckin believable... damn parents need 2 b locked up and the men who are watching and promoting this...if M. Vick can be crusified for DOG fight so can these bastards
At this age, a child isn't old enough to make these kinds of decisions for himself. That seemed to be the defense of both the promoter and the child's parents. For instance, it wouldn't be acceptable for them to ask their child whether or not he desired to go to school any longer if he didn't like it, and base their decision off of his response; I imagine with this kind of reasoning we would quickly find an alarming rate of children no longer attending school classes. They could have made a more convincing argument if they're determined to allow their son make their difficult parenting decisions for them.
That being said, however, the children appeared to be grappling. As you suggested, swapping out the pints for juice boxes and competing in a well-lit gymnasium wouldn't make this sport any more malicious or immoral than the sport of American wrestling now, would it? Except I guess for the exploitation of the children for the purpose of ticket/beer sales.
All things to think about.
It's grappling not MMA. It's hardly any different from wrestling. There should be no problem with this as long as there is proper supervision by the officials. Anyone worried about adults encouraging children to fight hasn't been to a minor league hockey game in a while.
I think that Children learning mixed martial arts is a great way for them to learn discipline, commitment, sportsmanship, and many other skills and values that go with this kind of sport, it can come with a philosphy that enhances the values of children who are taught by the right teachers, my son was in the martial arts for many years and it was the one thing that helped him survive a very challenging life....:-)
My 12 year old has been free style wrestling since he was 4! NOT MY CHOICE. HIS. It is very respectful of the atheletes and the #1 rule is safety first. At first I was shocked at the title but after watching the match it didn't look any different to real wrestling. NOT WWE
The answer to this question depends upon whether one views this as there being right or wrong, or simply a matter of, as you wrote, SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE. You can influence and raise an entire generation to believe this as being 'right' in light of social acceptance yet it doesn't make it right.
I don't agree with this nor the modernised Roman Colosseum
games now called MMA, Ultimate Fighter, wrestling, etc. It is man's primal abhorrent savagery given social acceptance and this for economic, financial gains.
I think they should at least have to have protective gear. My kids participate in contact Karate but they have protective gear (bogu) similar to that used in Olympic Tae Kwon Do.
The difference between judo, karate, wrestling and boxing is that there is protection and control. This is to ensure that kids at such a vulnerable age do not get hit but can still portray physical fighting skills.
MMA is a whole other ball game. There is direct and painful contact with possible physiological harm that could be done to a vulnerable child.
And no matter what you think, it is exploitation. Things that adults can rightly do can still be considered exploitation of minors. Just like dressing your little kids up in hooker outfits for pageants. An adult can get away with it...it is exploitative with kids. Having kids bloody each other for drunken sport is exploitation.
Public displays of fighting children blatantly raises questions of neglectful and irresponsible adults whose need for entertainments is more important than their priviledge of raising children into becoming courageous, mindful and healthy individuals. There is nothing other than exploitation in this arena. It begs the question, how can the children know better when the adults are perverting their energy. Yes, some kids might be into it. Where is the adult being the adult and letting kids be kids?
I didn't see any punches thrown. It doesn't look any different than a wrestling tournament. Kids are taught to wrestle in junior high school where I'm from, my brother was a provincial champion when he was 9yrs old.
Like the report said : Would it looked at different if you took down the cage, and put it in a gym?
There seems to be a sanctioned referee in there to make sure it doesn't get too carried away.
Im sure they do worse horsing around with their buddies out in the back yard.
I will only support such a sport for children if it is supervised by sober adults and medical professionals and it is done with safety. It really is no more dangerous then most other sports as long it is done right.
Parents who allowed their sons to go for this kind of fight are not a good parents at all. How can they allow that to happen? Kids who get kidnapped, missing, fighting in a cage...parents have to be blame for this is for sure!!!
I didn't see no hitting just wrestling.
Not a problem ,the fact that the spectators are drunk has nothing to do with it.
In Canada a lot of people hate MMA because of the fighting,but the love hockey especialy when there is a fight,Go Figure
But then again we are talking about people who support a team that has had a losing season for 45 years.
get the drunken adults out of there, sure would like to know how much backroom wagering is going on, there are appropriate facilities for children to learn this sport, why in a cage and drunken adults cheering them on, my grandson takes martial arts, I do not attend his classes drunk
To #train1, if pedophelia comes to mind then you are the sick one. In an age of bullying I see no problem teaching children protection, respect and discipline. It is wrestling. If you want to sound off about pedophelia watch Tots & Tiaras- that's sexual exploitation. There is a referee, no kicking, no punching, no choking, no blood and no problem. No laws were broken and in fact it was a sanctioned event.
Sadly many of you have missed the fact that this is NOT mixed Martial Arts. Its a grappling match. Students as young as 5 get into Jiu Jitsu, a legitimate self defence style not a sport and they (I) practice 4 times a week. I am however taken aback by alcohol being a part of the event. It takes the pure Budo spirit out of the Martial Arts when its portrayed like this though. Sad.
It was a grappling match. they are not allowed to strike. So they maintain their fitness, learn how to grapple and if they so desire, they move on to MMA once they are old enough to do so. No matter what, its still a hell of a lot better then having your little daughters parade about in skimpy clothing at a beauty pageant posing all sexy like for the pedophiles to drool over.
This may be just matrial arts, but the risk is of the DRUNK ADULTS. they could do anything...and why did they have such a venue? it should be supervised.Im just happy its just grappling..and no blood and injuries..the title made me worried... -.-*
As a professional traditional martial arts instructor, it makes me upset to see this type of nonsense taking place. While mixed martial arts, or UFC, or MMA, or whatever you want to call it seems to be the soup de jour these days, it is far and away NOT martial arts as it was intended to be! In traditional martial arts, the battle is within YOURSELF, not outside; if you have to climb into a cage and beat the snot out of someone else to prove yourself, specifically to an inpressionable child, there is something ugly and fundamentally wrong about that. The way in martial arts is in the training, not in the beating up of another human being....
WOW!!! as a mother and a woman training in the martial arts i am sickened by this article.the damage that can be done to young heads and brains can be life altering at this age.further more the adults that fight MMA are just that adults and have made a choice for themselves,their health and their future.it kind of just shows how pathetic we are as a global unit that anything goes now!!! I am pretty sure that dana white is dying a million deaths inside:( shame on the adults or voyeurs
Looks fine to me.. There is no physical abuse, it's a grappling match, wtf are you making a big deal about? Maybe they will be one of the best in the future who knows? Do professional football, hockey and rugby players start practicing when they are in their 30's? NO, they enjoy the sport when they are young and practice then. So what's the difference between this and the kids having a wrestling match in the backyard? nothing, it's something they are interested in. And i'm sure there were sober adults there, every single person there was intoxicated? I highly doubt that. Don't believe everything you read or hear in the media. The kids were having fun in something that they are interested in. People who think this is negative thing please take your head out of your ass.
Oh I get it ! We exploit our young girls to act like stupid sex objects on Tots and Tiaras and our young boys to beat the snot out of each other in cages ! And you gotta wonder why our world id so messed up ! I find it all disgusting !!
Really? this is grappling, not mma fighting. Stop making this out to be what it is not. There is not one punch or kick thrown. I love how Uneducated people make comments about mma and then just assume from seeing a 3 min long video of children grappling that these kids are killing each other or saying there parents should be locked up. Anyone who see's this as wrestling/grappling/judo/sambo, pat your self on the back
I was boxing at the boys club at that age and no one thought anything of that. So why in a controlled enviroment should anyone be concerned, is this another cry from the minority that wants a say in everything. Why I ask why is it others want to control what others do so badly, look after your own, and leave the rest alone, now exuse me I have to go talk my neighbour into buying an electric car even though he needs a 4x4 just thought he should be doing what I said and not what he wants or needs to do, sound familar.
If they are so proud of what they are doing, why can't I see pride and confidence on their faces during the interview; they don't even look into the interviewer's eyes. I thought martial arts would raise a person's self-seteem and be confident. It is sad to see adults sacrificing children in order to satisfy themselves.
It was a grappling tournament. PERIOD. No different than your average wrestling class in school and not dangerous at all. You people who don't know what MMA is just like to throw out scary buzz words like "CAGE FIGHTING" and all the ignorant people come out in force. Kids playing tackle football are in more danger of injury.
what i want to know is if matt carson can get his video from other than stealing it off a web vid from the internet pretty cheesy dude. hire a real jourmnalist guys
This has to be proof that us, as a civilized society is sliding into the abyss of extinction. Drunks egging on children to do what adults seem to do so damn effectively, that is to say warring upon one another. Sure some idiot, muscles bulging,brain missing will argue that ancient communities had children, namely males, do this sort of thing to "prove" that they had come of age. I only need to ask, where are those communities now. This earth would be better if the human species went the way of the dodo. DUMBASSES.
So, when are we going to start blaming every death by a gun on the person who invented the gun? When are we going to start blaming the person who invented the car for every car crash related death?
One thing is for sure, no matter what he issue at hand is, someone always wants to place blame.
I'm not saying it is right, but really, it doesn't look like these kids are being held captive. It doesn't look like anyone is holding a gun to their heads.
There are so many variants of martial arts these days, and so many kids are starting at the age of 6 and younger. One can blame the promoters, one can blame the parents, one can blame MMA or UFC or WWF/WWE, but really, is there blame to be placed? Or are these kids trying to prove something and maybe even enjoying themselves doing it.
Stop trying to place blame! If you don't like what you see, and if it is not your child! Leave it be and watch something else. Kid are hurt everyday on playground equipment. Does that mean we shouldn't have playgrounds for the kids that have fun and enjoy them? A sheltered child is a child heading in the wrong direction. Let kids be kids and let them learn from the actions. If they get hurt, they will either find a way to deal with it, or they won't do it again.
Oh no, kids doing physically demanding activies! Lets complain about this and let our kids play video games, become more over wieght, less sociable, and afraid to go outside because they may become exposed to germs and catch a cold!
It was just grappling, you can see that the kids are trained, it just seems harse to some people probably cause they don"t see how they train, it is the same as Karate, but probably less dangerous. Everyday when i was 8 i went to Karate and noboby was freaking out and it actually kept me off the couch, off the street and out terrible. Easy up John McCain.
Living vicariously through your ten-year old children is ridiculous.
These kids lack the capacity to know when they have gone "too far" and "grappling" or not-there is no good reason for this to go on.
I've got it, let's up the ante a little and let them take on sixteen year olds for the next taping because that will boost their confidence for sure!
Take your MMA and jam it up your ass sideways.KIDS DO NOT BELONG IN A F***ING OCTAGON no matter how you sugarcoat it.
Defend it all you want folks, but these kids do not look like their having a blast to me, more like a forced "Dad needs to feel good about raising his son to be tough" moment.
OMGosh this is awful! wrestling, martial arts all of it,including this, is just plain sick!! Everyone there should be ashamed of themselves. Including the parents allowing it to happen! disgraceful... we can make dog fighting illegal but not our own children fighting? that's wrong.
Other than the drunk audience, this is rather watered down compared to your local karate school tournaments for kids the many parents willingly enroll their kids in.
lol @ "you're still outraged about this aren't you?"
Um, no.
Haha.
This is a very healthy thing. You call it "exploitation" because it was probably organized by adults. But like a little league world series or a swim meet, children NEVER do the organizing.
MMA is a controlled environment with the health and safety of its participants prominent in mind. If a competitor can't intelligently defend himself, the fight will be start.
This gets kids active and keeps them fit. And a healthy strong body translates into a healthy strong mind.
You (the author) are just trying to be the first to say "I told you so" because you want to think this is something that will anger people.
And it will for some, but not everything is for everyone.
As a kid, I competed in judo for two years. However, that experience was quite different from what I saw in this video. I saw nothing akin to what I experienced and respected in the judo competitions I participated in. What is particularly disturbing is how many of the commenters above can't make the distinction between respectful competition and healthy physical acitivity for children, and blatant child exploitation. The context of this situation changes everything from respect to disrespect for the sport. As a parent of two boys I certainly appreciate the battle to keep keep children physically active and as disinterested in video games as much as possible, However, there are many healthy physical activities available to these parents that are alternative to their children 'getting into trouble in the streets', but the activity in this video is definitely not one of them. In years to come, these parents will see the truth in this and come to regret their decision to support this acitivity in their children's lives. Hopefully, that will be sooner than later.
Please look at this objectively. This is nothing more that simple wrestling moves in a MMA ring. There are thousands of amateur wrestling clubs all over the UK and N. America.
Try this... watch the video again and focus on the "wrestling" and ignore the format of the competition.
How many of you would raise your arms up in disgust at any one of the 35 kgs class amateur wrestling competitions held all over the world?
Get a grip on reality. This is not Child MMA, it is the great sport of amateur wrestling. When these children get older, then they can make the personal judgment whether or not they want to further their training in an adult amateur MMA event.
People are complaining about child abuse and hunger and this is legal? This is something children would get suspended for even expelled. And they are promoting this in some dingy old bar full of drunk adults?
Outraged??? Too little too late. How is this different than minor league hockey? Living on a dream of money, fame and playing a game that you learn to hate because it's all about exploitation of children.
Absolutely nothing wrong with what happened in this video. However even the most intellectually lame individual should realize fighting boys in a pub full of drunks probably isnt going to go over very well. Oh and those little boys were nothing but skilled at the art of Jui jitsu as far as i can see. They have obviosuly spent time mastering skills that take years to become proficient in. You dont just throw arm bars and triangles by accident.
The kids GRAPPLING is not the problem. The problem is the audience. I have been in 'fight nights' as a child as well (maybe not at 8 years old, but a child non the less), but there was NO DRINKING ALLOWED. Kids should not be placed to fight in front of an audience of DRUNKEN adults. I love the idea of the kids going up into the ring and GRAPPLING though. It takes a lot of courage for a child to do that. They learn a lot from winning and losing PLUS they are learning a skill they will need their whole life: SELF-DEFENSE not to mention discipline and respect. Whoever does not support martial arts, has never been in a situation where they needed to defend themselves or their family. So again, the problem is not the GRAPPLING match, it's the drunk adults.
I want to open school for young kids, teach them the move and rules, tell them after two years they can do the same as those two and they can win (things), some want to know if they have what it take to win but it's good to know you can survive (life) and not be afraid. You may even learn how not to hurt your work out partner.
I expected to be horrified by watching the video but I wasn't. Here's what I think:
1) I don't like the adult version of MMA. I think it's bloodlust
2) but this kids grappling match was not scary at all. I'd let my kids do it. There was no punching or kicking. It looks no more dangerous than hockey, footbal or judo (at least from what I saw here
3) it should be illegal to put on one of these "events" if they are doing it for profit. Kids' sport should be for the enjoyment of the kids--not the betterment of of the promoters
4) you should not be allowed to sell alcohol at any events where kids are participating--again sports is supposed to be about the kids' enjoyment
5) there are all kinds of bleeding heart bureaucrats out there (with sociology degrees) who want to protect kids from competition, failure, bad grades, disappointment etc but they are not serving the kids well. A part of growing up is about learning to deal with all kinds of issues so they have coping mechanisms as adults. I see this (and competitive sports in general) as a way to teach kids about persistence and discipline.
Where is the world going.. what will be the next thrill ? I am so ashamed of human race
Children that age, even if they have the ability to know right from wrong, will do anything to please and to belong. Please let's be responsible parents.. if an adult choses to engage in this behoavior, it is their choice. Let's grow up as a society.
As a jiu jitsu practitioner myself this was a GRAPPLING match!
If you have a problem with it then i guess you have a problem with any combat martial art and any form of contact sport.
Contact sports are part of society and even when done properly there are injuries.
I sure would like to compare jiu jitsu injuries with say...football? hockey? lacrosse? karate?
No i dont agree with alcohol at the venue however i have been to a few arenas with my son that served alcohol in the adjoining bar\restaurant and havent seen a public uproar over that.
ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING!!! I think that all MMA UFC crap should be banned it is appalling that someone has NO brain to want to get into a fight. What the really need to get knocked into them is some SENSE!!!
If this is allowed with this age children. Next we'll have teen or younger stripper dancers. They aren't being touched. Just exploited for being beautiful. These boys are being exploited for having some talent. Same diff. Do you want to see your daughter on the pole when you go to the pub. Drunk is drunk. Don't matter. The girls can do this in a gym with drunks watching. Your call:
Ok relax everyone...It happens in USA, Canada and everywhere around the world. It is exactly same as karate, taekwon-do, wrestling competetion. The only difference is that they are in the cage (instead of the gym) and that there are drunk adults (instead of sober ones). Nothing else changes and there is nothing disgusting about it either :)
think this is great for young males. great self defense and great to have goals and inspirations in something you enjoy doing at ayoung age. all the negativity must be from mothers and queers, the same mothers and queers who think hitting should be taken out of hockey, slide tackling out of soccer, and rugby is just to rough! instead of comming on the internet and ranting go educate yourself on something you talk negatively about. if i go to the UK ill be attending this event :p
this is great! if only i could have started that young instead of getting in trouble atleast once a week for fighting in school. This is only pushing the developement of MMA, and is not harming anyone in anyway, UNLESS, they don't tap!
I have been a Martial Artist for over 30 years. These kids are too young to be participating in this sport.The mindset of people in general because of MMA's popularity is " what's the harm"!! In fighting forms like Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, or Karate,the young students are taught RESPECT FIRST!!!---I don't see much respect here! It's bad enough that kids in school yards emulate their favorite WWE wrestling stars ( even though the wrestlers themselves do promos to discourage it) and put their friends in "sleeper" holds, and do "pile drivers" on cement!!! If parents insist on letting "junior" do this stuff, set some rules of conduct!! Otherwise there will be a lot of little "warriors" visiting the school nurse!! In response to "MMAhater": I seriously doubt you have EVER been to a DoJo or DoJang, otherwise you would be better informed!!--There are HUGE differences between the 2 sports!---Go check it out!--Then we'll talk!
If the kids are interested in the sport and challenged by that, great. With their parent's overall supervision they should go for it. Not all kids will want that as their activity and that's fine too. My kids are more into the skiing, boarding, tennis and track & field types of activities--things where they are challenging themselves more than physically challenging an opponent. My thing is, support them and make sure that they get exercise somehow.
Absolutely unacceptable, uncivilized, barbaric circus show, no better than dog fights where drunken low trash losers stand around watching! These are kids for crying out loud!
This is frikking sick,no kid should ever be put in this situation for financial gain and for parents to gloat about how good there child is.....parents,take your kids home and let them have a normal life,not one that promates future violence as they grow older. Would you as a perent allow this to happen in your own home if you had a party with friends and there kids there.....would this make the party better,or should you put them in a cage and just enjoy the fun....Grrrr,its so sick.
You people who can't see the difference between this display and regular martial arts matches are exactly what's wrong with this world. Children as a whole are not seen as being valued in our culture. When my son was in martial arts, he did not fight in a backroom bar in front of a bunch of drunks. This is exploitation. This is abuse. Wake up people, these kids are our future. Who is going to speak up for the children?
I don't see the big deal with it.
Maybe I'm not seeing the drunken barbarians standing around it like it was a cock fight? I did brazilian jiu jitsu when I was that age and we had grappling tournaments all the time. I also got to play a peewee hockey game in between periods at an nhl game and people were drinking there.
I would have a problem if two young kids were kicking the crap out of each other while drunk men were screaming at them for blood. I just dont see that here though.
Children competing is not a bad or wrong thing...as long as the child firstly, the parents and objective organisers agree that it's what the child wants to do. NOT for money, properly supervised and by the rules of Fair sportsmanship All part of development/growth and preparation for LIFE.
Normally I wouldnt comment but how are those children competing any different from lets say a Judo competition or taekwondo competition for that matter. I grew up with Karate and it was all pretty tame at competitions and I remember seeing alcohol sold at some of them. But I have never once heard a complaint.
I am not a fan of MMA. But all these children were doing was grappling in a controlled environment. I think the problem is people are associating what they had the chilren doing with the violence and brutality we are used to seeing in MMA and confuzing what they saw there with what we are all used to seeing in MMA. at first I thought it was going to be disgusting (which is how I feel when watching the adults fight) and was prepared to be shocked but then all they did was wrestle.
This is simply the equivelant of an exhibition bout. There were no strikes and it was in a controlled enviornment. I put both of my daughters in martial arts at an early age to teach them fitmess and dicipline. I wanted them to grow up to be ladies but not take any crap. My eldest actually joined her elementary school wrestling team at the age of 10 and learned what dedication and spirited competition is about. Her bouts were not unlike this video. It only helped her prepare for the real world. It isn't all nice. For generations in Canada and the U.S. boxing clubs have been touted as being the savior of many a potentially wayward boy by bringing them into the fold and teaching them respect honour and dicipline.
The environment this is based in bothers me more than the sport. If it wasn't in such a sleazy environment that almsot promotes violence, I would be less upset about it. Put them in a more child-friendly enironment and it would be much better. But I do think 8 years old is a little too young. And it is NOT the kids decision to make - they are 8 for goodness sake. A kid cannot make their own decision until theyare 20 years old or more, when their brain is fully developed.
I think all you negative idiots need to take a chill pill already....I these kids enjoy doing this and the parents are proud and supporting their enthusiasm then all the power to them. Would you rather them be like your children sitting in front of a computer stuffing their little mouths with junk food playing video games?? Put those scenarios side by side and we'll see who's the one abusing their children. The author made it sound like these boys were in some sort of cock fight. Just because its different than other martial arts doesn't make it any less acceptable. I let my kids skateboard, does that mean I'm raising them to be snotty punk teenagers???? One thing I will suggest is that they should be required some sort of safety equipment until they are a certain age, and being that young they shouldn't be at a venue serving alcohol. Other than that good for these people for encouraging the boys to try something different.
good for the boys. aspiring to and trying to become great fighters. I am envious of their drive and wish I had been bold enough at such a young age. If they were doing kickboxing or anything similar there would always be zealots crying out.
Something doesn't seem right with this. Kids fighting in a cage with no protective equipment, while adults cheering them on, hello, but this just isn't right. They are just kids. As adults we are supposed to be protecting our children. The thing that bothers me the most is the caged enviroment and drinking adults cheering them on. Yes i agree with the above statements (no different than sat. morning hockey). However, kids playing hockey are well protected with equipment and are playing a game with one goal in mind, to score goals to win the game. Whats the goal with 2 kids fighting in a cage? To knock each other out!!These are not good values to be teaching kids. shame on the adults who allow this sport to happen and shame on the parents for allowing there kids to participate. And as for the people watching and cheering those poor kids on "you're sick".
Whats's next little girl MMA, or maybe we get the wives, fathers, sisters and grand parents together to go at it and call it family MMA fight night. As a huge MMA fan I don't whats more pathetic the idiot that came up with the idea or the idots that pay to see it!!!!!!
Maybee I am a sicko too.Seen 10-12 year old ones imitating the NHL bullies in their minor ligas. What's next? Babies in diapers? It is only sensationalism. Why not let condemed Criminals fight a real gladiator type combat like in the old roman times, where the winner get free and the loser pulled out the arena with a hook through his body. Let the games begin!!!
If i was the MMA pro league I would make these promoters refer to the child bouts as GRAPPLING exhibitions because the fact that no hitting is allowed is an important distinction. As for competing on hardwood gym floors, these rings are better designed for the takedowns, and slams associated with wrestling. The only thing I find disturbing is the alcohol sales at these events because that is what will attract the wrong crowds and ultimately undermine the sport. Otherwise I support children getting adequate activety in a variety of sports.
Ok...if you watch carefully at the end of the video....there's no one in the background with a beer in their hands, so is someone just assuming that the crowd is full of drunken people?? Not once in the report did they mention alcohol being served. And so what if it is? They don't sell beer at other sporting events? Plus this in the UK where people go to the pub for a pint on a daily basis.
I agree with all that this was no different than someone on the school wrestling team.
Incredible how hysterical people are getting about this. Any sane person who actually took the time to watch the event can see it's a harmless wrestling match. Glad the author can see the obvious.
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Doesnt look any differnt than any martial art practice, or sparring practice!
Posted by: phil | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 04:56 PM
Parents of these children should be a shamed of themselves!!! child abuse is written allll over this!!!fighting infront of drunken grown adults...so bloody disgusting!!!
Posted by: molly | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Just the idea of this makes me feel ill. As if children aren't exploited and underprotected enough! So, we can't have dogs or chickens fight, but this is legal.On re-thinking this, this has GOT to be a sick joke. AS IF a parent could be allowed to put their child up for this. I mean kids in diaper commercials and sit-coms are protected to the max. I can't see this would be any different. Obviously it's abuse, emotional and physical, so ha ha, not funny!
Posted by: pats | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:05 PM
SMDH...unfreckin believable... damn parents need 2 b locked up and the men who are watching and promoting this...if M. Vick can be crusified for DOG fight so can these bastards
Posted by: Ukku | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:07 PM
At this age, a child isn't old enough to make these kinds of decisions for himself. That seemed to be the defense of both the promoter and the child's parents. For instance, it wouldn't be acceptable for them to ask their child whether or not he desired to go to school any longer if he didn't like it, and base their decision off of his response; I imagine with this kind of reasoning we would quickly find an alarming rate of children no longer attending school classes. They could have made a more convincing argument if they're determined to allow their son make their difficult parenting decisions for them.
That being said, however, the children appeared to be grappling. As you suggested, swapping out the pints for juice boxes and competing in a well-lit gymnasium wouldn't make this sport any more malicious or immoral than the sport of American wrestling now, would it? Except I guess for the exploitation of the children for the purpose of ticket/beer sales.
All things to think about.
Posted by: Bobby | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:08 PM
Am I the only one who though about George Senior's "Boyfights" DVDs on Arrested Development?
Posted by: Steve | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:12 PM
It's grappling not MMA. It's hardly any different from wrestling. There should be no problem with this as long as there is proper supervision by the officials. Anyone worried about adults encouraging children to fight hasn't been to a minor league hockey game in a while.
Posted by: John | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:14 PM
looks no different then a judo or wrestling competition other then the venue
Posted by: Andrew | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:14 PM
Charge everyone fn person who sat and watched
Posted by: Mona | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:17 PM
it's just grappling, my parents gave me a worse beating
Posted by: Razor | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:20 PM
Yes. as was previously pointed out it IS no different than judo etc and we put our child in that with the city's parks and recreation at age 3 !!
Posted by: eve | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:23 PM
I think that Children learning mixed martial arts is a great way for them to learn discipline, commitment, sportsmanship, and many other skills and values that go with this kind of sport, it can come with a philosphy that enhances the values of children who are taught by the right teachers, my son was in the martial arts for many years and it was the one thing that helped him survive a very challenging life....:-)
Posted by: cathy | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:24 PM
My 12 year old has been free style wrestling since he was 4! NOT MY CHOICE. HIS. It is very respectful of the atheletes and the #1 rule is safety first. At first I was shocked at the title but after watching the match it didn't look any different to real wrestling. NOT WWE
Posted by: LIZ | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:24 PM
The answer to this question depends upon whether one views this as there being right or wrong, or simply a matter of, as you wrote, SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE. You can influence and raise an entire generation to believe this as being 'right' in light of social acceptance yet it doesn't make it right.
I don't agree with this nor the modernised Roman Colosseum
games now called MMA, Ultimate Fighter, wrestling, etc. It is man's primal abhorrent savagery given social acceptance and this for economic, financial gains.
Posted by: John | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:25 PM
I think they should at least have to have protective gear. My kids participate in contact Karate but they have protective gear (bogu) similar to that used in Olympic Tae Kwon Do.
Posted by: JG | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:26 PM
The difference between judo, karate, wrestling and boxing is that there is protection and control. This is to ensure that kids at such a vulnerable age do not get hit but can still portray physical fighting skills.
MMA is a whole other ball game. There is direct and painful contact with possible physiological harm that could be done to a vulnerable child.
And no matter what you think, it is exploitation. Things that adults can rightly do can still be considered exploitation of minors. Just like dressing your little kids up in hooker outfits for pageants. An adult can get away with it...it is exploitative with kids. Having kids bloody each other for drunken sport is exploitation.
Posted by: Darrell | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:27 PM
what a joke. nothing wrong with the video's at all. anyone who thinks this is outrageous is very very sheltered.
Posted by: n | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:29 PM
there was no punching or kicks this was not full out MMA fighting. this was no differant then school wresting.
Posted by: stew | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:38 PM
Public displays of fighting children blatantly raises questions of neglectful and irresponsible adults whose need for entertainments is more important than their priviledge of raising children into becoming courageous, mindful and healthy individuals. There is nothing other than exploitation in this arena. It begs the question, how can the children know better when the adults are perverting their energy. Yes, some kids might be into it. Where is the adult being the adult and letting kids be kids?
Posted by: Claire Strauss | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:42 PM
I didn't see any punches thrown. It doesn't look any different than a wrestling tournament. Kids are taught to wrestle in junior high school where I'm from, my brother was a provincial champion when he was 9yrs old.
Like the report said : Would it looked at different if you took down the cage, and put it in a gym?
There seems to be a sanctioned referee in there to make sure it doesn't get too carried away.
Im sure they do worse horsing around with their buddies out in the back yard.
Posted by: MMA Approved | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:42 PM
I will only support such a sport for children if it is supervised by sober adults and medical professionals and it is done with safety. It really is no more dangerous then most other sports as long it is done right.
Posted by: KMH | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:45 PM
Parents who allowed their sons to go for this kind of fight are not a good parents at all. How can they allow that to happen? Kids who get kidnapped, missing, fighting in a cage...parents have to be blame for this is for sure!!!
Posted by: Mary | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:49 PM
pedophelia comes to mind
Posted by: train1 | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 05:49 PM
This kind of exploitation was inevitable; I don't know why you're all so shocked.
Posted by: Hortense | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:00 PM
the article says it is a grappling match...not an mma match...so which is it? if it is grappling, no big deal...just like wrestling competition.
Posted by: Bryan | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:02 PM
I didn't see no hitting just wrestling.
Not a problem ,the fact that the spectators are drunk has nothing to do with it.
In Canada a lot of people hate MMA because of the fighting,but the love hockey especialy when there is a fight,Go Figure
But then again we are talking about people who support a team that has had a losing season for 45 years.
Posted by: bert | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:04 PM
get the drunken adults out of there, sure would like to know how much backroom wagering is going on, there are appropriate facilities for children to learn this sport, why in a cage and drunken adults cheering them on, my grandson takes martial arts, I do not attend his classes drunk
Posted by: shirley | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:08 PM
To #train1, if pedophelia comes to mind then you are the sick one. In an age of bullying I see no problem teaching children protection, respect and discipline. It is wrestling. If you want to sound off about pedophelia watch Tots & Tiaras- that's sexual exploitation. There is a referee, no kicking, no punching, no choking, no blood and no problem. No laws were broken and in fact it was a sanctioned event.
Posted by: Randy | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:10 PM
Sadly many of you have missed the fact that this is NOT mixed Martial Arts. Its a grappling match. Students as young as 5 get into Jiu Jitsu, a legitimate self defence style not a sport and they (I) practice 4 times a week. I am however taken aback by alcohol being a part of the event. It takes the pure Budo spirit out of the Martial Arts when its portrayed like this though. Sad.
Posted by: Aaron | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:10 PM
it is no different from hockey either. Go and see crazy parents in ice rinks every saturday and you will see my point
Posted by: whatdifferencedoesitmake | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:14 PM
It was a grappling match. they are not allowed to strike. So they maintain their fitness, learn how to grapple and if they so desire, they move on to MMA once they are old enough to do so. No matter what, its still a hell of a lot better then having your little daughters parade about in skimpy clothing at a beauty pageant posing all sexy like for the pedophiles to drool over.
Posted by: GJM66 | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:16 PM
It disgusts me to know that you're willing to teach your kids violence. There's something really wrong there.
Posted by: J | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:21 PM
The Parents shold be shot , these kids will brobably grow up to be Yobs
Posted by: brass | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:21 PM
Have you ever seen a box Lacrosse game. Full contact at 7 years old - and cross checking is legal.
Do you want to wrap your kid in bubble wrap and tell them their teachers are wrong also all the time.
You liberals are wanting your kids to never do anything.
Posted by: John Forester | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:26 PM
This may be just matrial arts, but the risk is of the DRUNK ADULTS. they could do anything...and why did they have such a venue? it should be supervised.Im just happy its just grappling..and no blood and injuries..the title made me worried... -.-*
Posted by: Person :) | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:27 PM
As a professional traditional martial arts instructor, it makes me upset to see this type of nonsense taking place. While mixed martial arts, or UFC, or MMA, or whatever you want to call it seems to be the soup de jour these days, it is far and away NOT martial arts as it was intended to be! In traditional martial arts, the battle is within YOURSELF, not outside; if you have to climb into a cage and beat the snot out of someone else to prove yourself, specifically to an inpressionable child, there is something ugly and fundamentally wrong about that. The way in martial arts is in the training, not in the beating up of another human being....
Posted by: Nick Lagrasta | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:28 PM
That's disgusting! Adults can be so cruel.... and stupid!
Posted by: Karen Mosley | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:36 PM
WOW!!! as a mother and a woman training in the martial arts i am sickened by this article.the damage that can be done to young heads and brains can be life altering at this age.further more the adults that fight MMA are just that adults and have made a choice for themselves,their health and their future.it kind of just shows how pathetic we are as a global unit that anything goes now!!! I am pretty sure that dana white is dying a million deaths inside:( shame on the adults or voyeurs
Posted by: thibodeau | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Looks fine to me.. There is no physical abuse, it's a grappling match, wtf are you making a big deal about? Maybe they will be one of the best in the future who knows? Do professional football, hockey and rugby players start practicing when they are in their 30's? NO, they enjoy the sport when they are young and practice then. So what's the difference between this and the kids having a wrestling match in the backyard? nothing, it's something they are interested in. And i'm sure there were sober adults there, every single person there was intoxicated? I highly doubt that. Don't believe everything you read or hear in the media. The kids were having fun in something that they are interested in. People who think this is negative thing please take your head out of your ass.
Posted by: Anon | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:48 PM
Oh I get it ! We exploit our young girls to act like stupid sex objects on Tots and Tiaras and our young boys to beat the snot out of each other in cages ! And you gotta wonder why our world id so messed up ! I find it all disgusting !!
Posted by: Cheryl | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:50 PM
Really? this is grappling, not mma fighting. Stop making this out to be what it is not. There is not one punch or kick thrown. I love how Uneducated people make comments about mma and then just assume from seeing a 3 min long video of children grappling that these kids are killing each other or saying there parents should be locked up. Anyone who see's this as wrestling/grappling/judo/sambo, pat your self on the back
Posted by: This is not fighting/mma | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:53 PM
I was boxing at the boys club at that age and no one thought anything of that. So why in a controlled enviroment should anyone be concerned, is this another cry from the minority that wants a say in everything. Why I ask why is it others want to control what others do so badly, look after your own, and leave the rest alone, now exuse me I have to go talk my neighbour into buying an electric car even though he needs a 4x4 just thought he should be doing what I said and not what he wants or needs to do, sound familar.
Posted by: MAXIMUS | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:59 PM
If they are so proud of what they are doing, why can't I see pride and confidence on their faces during the interview; they don't even look into the interviewer's eyes. I thought martial arts would raise a person's self-seteem and be confident. It is sad to see adults sacrificing children in order to satisfy themselves.
Posted by: Agnes | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 06:59 PM
It was a grappling tournament. PERIOD. No different than your average wrestling class in school and not dangerous at all. You people who don't know what MMA is just like to throw out scary buzz words like "CAGE FIGHTING" and all the ignorant people come out in force. Kids playing tackle football are in more danger of injury.
Posted by: Jeff | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:02 PM
what i want to know is if matt carson can get his video from other than stealing it off a web vid from the internet pretty cheesy dude. hire a real jourmnalist guys
Posted by: jay | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:09 PM
This has to be proof that us, as a civilized society is sliding into the abyss of extinction. Drunks egging on children to do what adults seem to do so damn effectively, that is to say warring upon one another. Sure some idiot, muscles bulging,brain missing will argue that ancient communities had children, namely males, do this sort of thing to "prove" that they had come of age. I only need to ask, where are those communities now. This earth would be better if the human species went the way of the dodo. DUMBASSES.
Posted by: Paul | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:11 PM
So, when are we going to start blaming every death by a gun on the person who invented the gun? When are we going to start blaming the person who invented the car for every car crash related death?
One thing is for sure, no matter what he issue at hand is, someone always wants to place blame.
I'm not saying it is right, but really, it doesn't look like these kids are being held captive. It doesn't look like anyone is holding a gun to their heads.
There are so many variants of martial arts these days, and so many kids are starting at the age of 6 and younger. One can blame the promoters, one can blame the parents, one can blame MMA or UFC or WWF/WWE, but really, is there blame to be placed? Or are these kids trying to prove something and maybe even enjoying themselves doing it.
Stop trying to place blame! If you don't like what you see, and if it is not your child! Leave it be and watch something else. Kid are hurt everyday on playground equipment. Does that mean we shouldn't have playgrounds for the kids that have fun and enjoy them? A sheltered child is a child heading in the wrong direction. Let kids be kids and let them learn from the actions. If they get hurt, they will either find a way to deal with it, or they won't do it again.
Just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.
Posted by: Tim | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Oh no, kids doing physically demanding activies! Lets complain about this and let our kids play video games, become more over wieght, less sociable, and afraid to go outside because they may become exposed to germs and catch a cold!
Posted by: Kyle | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Hahaha. I love your comment Kyle. So true. My kids are lazy asses. I with they had half the ambition of these kids. Lol
Posted by: Tim | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:20 PM
your headline is crap...preschool what??
a 10 year old is not preschool!
promotor is a sick as all the drunk adults...and if it is a PUBLIC MMA event then isn't being drunk in a public place illegal??
idiots!
Posted by: Chuck | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:23 PM
It was just grappling, you can see that the kids are trained, it just seems harse to some people probably cause they don"t see how they train, it is the same as Karate, but probably less dangerous. Everyday when i was 8 i went to Karate and noboby was freaking out and it actually kept me off the couch, off the street and out terrible. Easy up John McCain.
Posted by: Hook | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:24 PM
Living vicariously through your ten-year old children is ridiculous.
These kids lack the capacity to know when they have gone "too far" and "grappling" or not-there is no good reason for this to go on.
I've got it, let's up the ante a little and let them take on sixteen year olds for the next taping because that will boost their confidence for sure!
Take your MMA and jam it up your ass sideways.KIDS DO NOT BELONG IN A F***ING OCTAGON no matter how you sugarcoat it.
Defend it all you want folks, but these kids do not look like their having a blast to me, more like a forced "Dad needs to feel good about raising his son to be tough" moment.
Posted by: P'OFF Social Worker | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:30 PM
OMGosh this is awful! wrestling, martial arts all of it,including this, is just plain sick!! Everyone there should be ashamed of themselves. Including the parents allowing it to happen! disgraceful... we can make dog fighting illegal but not our own children fighting? that's wrong.
Posted by: TJ | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Other than the drunk audience, this is rather watered down compared to your local karate school tournaments for kids the many parents willingly enroll their kids in.
Posted by: Robert | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:37 PM
lol @ "you're still outraged about this aren't you?"
Um, no.
Haha.
This is a very healthy thing. You call it "exploitation" because it was probably organized by adults. But like a little league world series or a swim meet, children NEVER do the organizing.
MMA is a controlled environment with the health and safety of its participants prominent in mind. If a competitor can't intelligently defend himself, the fight will be start.
This gets kids active and keeps them fit. And a healthy strong body translates into a healthy strong mind.
You (the author) are just trying to be the first to say "I told you so" because you want to think this is something that will anger people.
And it will for some, but not everything is for everyone.
Stop being so sensitive.
Posted by: Kyle M. | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:48 PM
As a kid, I competed in judo for two years. However, that experience was quite different from what I saw in this video. I saw nothing akin to what I experienced and respected in the judo competitions I participated in. What is particularly disturbing is how many of the commenters above can't make the distinction between respectful competition and healthy physical acitivity for children, and blatant child exploitation. The context of this situation changes everything from respect to disrespect for the sport. As a parent of two boys I certainly appreciate the battle to keep keep children physically active and as disinterested in video games as much as possible, However, there are many healthy physical activities available to these parents that are alternative to their children 'getting into trouble in the streets', but the activity in this video is definitely not one of them. In years to come, these parents will see the truth in this and come to regret their decision to support this acitivity in their children's lives. Hopefully, that will be sooner than later.
Rachel
Posted by: Rachel Wood | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:49 PM
And the way you've written this article is insulting.
You're coming from a place that is very "I'm right and everyone is going to agree with me and if they don't, they are sad humans."
Pretty weak as far as journalism goes.
Posted by: Kyle M. | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Please look at this objectively. This is nothing more that simple wrestling moves in a MMA ring. There are thousands of amateur wrestling clubs all over the UK and N. America.
Try this... watch the video again and focus on the "wrestling" and ignore the format of the competition.
How many of you would raise your arms up in disgust at any one of the 35 kgs class amateur wrestling competitions held all over the world?
Get a grip on reality. This is not Child MMA, it is the great sport of amateur wrestling. When these children get older, then they can make the personal judgment whether or not they want to further their training in an adult amateur MMA event.
Posted by: vagn | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:54 PM
People are complaining about child abuse and hunger and this is legal? This is something children would get suspended for even expelled. And they are promoting this in some dingy old bar full of drunk adults?
Posted by: Jake | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:54 PM
Outraged??? Too little too late. How is this different than minor league hockey? Living on a dream of money, fame and playing a game that you learn to hate because it's all about exploitation of children.
Posted by: Cheyenne | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:59 PM
Have a look at this video link and tell me that there is nothing different.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O56R9uguiw8
It's just amateur wrestling. You just can't see past the octagon cage.
Posted by: vagn | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 07:59 PM
Absolutely nothing wrong with what happened in this video. However even the most intellectually lame individual should realize fighting boys in a pub full of drunks probably isnt going to go over very well. Oh and those little boys were nothing but skilled at the art of Jui jitsu as far as i can see. They have obviosuly spent time mastering skills that take years to become proficient in. You dont just throw arm bars and triangles by accident.
Posted by: Ian | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 08:09 PM
The kids GRAPPLING is not the problem. The problem is the audience. I have been in 'fight nights' as a child as well (maybe not at 8 years old, but a child non the less), but there was NO DRINKING ALLOWED. Kids should not be placed to fight in front of an audience of DRUNKEN adults. I love the idea of the kids going up into the ring and GRAPPLING though. It takes a lot of courage for a child to do that. They learn a lot from winning and losing PLUS they are learning a skill they will need their whole life: SELF-DEFENSE not to mention discipline and respect. Whoever does not support martial arts, has never been in a situation where they needed to defend themselves or their family. So again, the problem is not the GRAPPLING match, it's the drunk adults.
Posted by: JDLIFE | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 08:13 PM
I'll bet there was more than one pedophile in the crowd.. just saying..
Posted by: Rob | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 08:15 PM
Hey Nick the Dad
If he wasn't doing this he would be on a street corner causing havoc?? He is 8 years old. How much havoc can a 8 year old cause???
Posted by: Rick | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 08:17 PM
I want to open school for young kids, teach them the move and rules, tell them after two years they can do the same as those two and they can win (things), some want to know if they have what it take to win but it's good to know you can survive (life) and not be afraid. You may even learn how not to hurt your work out partner.
Posted by: Steve | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 08:21 PM
I expected to be horrified by watching the video but I wasn't. Here's what I think:
1) I don't like the adult version of MMA. I think it's bloodlust
2) but this kids grappling match was not scary at all. I'd let my kids do it. There was no punching or kicking. It looks no more dangerous than hockey, footbal or judo (at least from what I saw here
3) it should be illegal to put on one of these "events" if they are doing it for profit. Kids' sport should be for the enjoyment of the kids--not the betterment of of the promoters
4) you should not be allowed to sell alcohol at any events where kids are participating--again sports is supposed to be about the kids' enjoyment
5) there are all kinds of bleeding heart bureaucrats out there (with sociology degrees) who want to protect kids from competition, failure, bad grades, disappointment etc but they are not serving the kids well. A part of growing up is about learning to deal with all kinds of issues so they have coping mechanisms as adults. I see this (and competitive sports in general) as a way to teach kids about persistence and discipline.
Posted by: PF | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 08:32 PM
Where is the world going.. what will be the next thrill ? I am so ashamed of human race
Children that age, even if they have the ability to know right from wrong, will do anything to please and to belong. Please let's be responsible parents.. if an adult choses to engage in this behoavior, it is their choice. Let's grow up as a society.
Posted by: Chicachica | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 08:41 PM
As a jiu jitsu practitioner myself this was a GRAPPLING match!
If you have a problem with it then i guess you have a problem with any combat martial art and any form of contact sport.
Contact sports are part of society and even when done properly there are injuries.
I sure would like to compare jiu jitsu injuries with say...football? hockey? lacrosse? karate?
No i dont agree with alcohol at the venue however i have been to a few arenas with my son that served alcohol in the adjoining bar\restaurant and havent seen a public uproar over that.
Posted by: jeff | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 08:47 PM
ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING!!! I think that all MMA UFC crap should be banned it is appalling that someone has NO brain to want to get into a fight. What the really need to get knocked into them is some SENSE!!!
Posted by: Victoria E | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 08:59 PM
If this is allowed with this age children. Next we'll have teen or younger stripper dancers. They aren't being touched. Just exploited for being beautiful. These boys are being exploited for having some talent. Same diff. Do you want to see your daughter on the pole when you go to the pub. Drunk is drunk. Don't matter. The girls can do this in a gym with drunks watching. Your call:
Posted by: Cyndi Steele | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:04 PM
Ok relax everyone...It happens in USA, Canada and everywhere around the world. It is exactly same as karate, taekwon-do, wrestling competetion. The only difference is that they are in the cage (instead of the gym) and that there are drunk adults (instead of sober ones). Nothing else changes and there is nothing disgusting about it either :)
Posted by: MMAhater | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:04 PM
think this is great for young males. great self defense and great to have goals and inspirations in something you enjoy doing at ayoung age. all the negativity must be from mothers and queers, the same mothers and queers who think hitting should be taken out of hockey, slide tackling out of soccer, and rugby is just to rough! instead of comming on the internet and ranting go educate yourself on something you talk negatively about. if i go to the UK ill be attending this event :p
Posted by: Dom | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:13 PM
this is great! if only i could have started that young instead of getting in trouble atleast once a week for fighting in school. This is only pushing the developement of MMA, and is not harming anyone in anyway, UNLESS, they don't tap!
Posted by: Cam "The Cannibal" Hew | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:15 PM
I think the big problem with the whole thing is that the parents/supervisors are drunk.
Posted by: Wen | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:19 PM
the world needs to make this stop NOW!
Posted by: gloria | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:21 PM
I have been a Martial Artist for over 30 years. These kids are too young to be participating in this sport.The mindset of people in general because of MMA's popularity is " what's the harm"!! In fighting forms like Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, or Karate,the young students are taught RESPECT FIRST!!!---I don't see much respect here! It's bad enough that kids in school yards emulate their favorite WWE wrestling stars ( even though the wrestlers themselves do promos to discourage it) and put their friends in "sleeper" holds, and do "pile drivers" on cement!!! If parents insist on letting "junior" do this stuff, set some rules of conduct!! Otherwise there will be a lot of little "warriors" visiting the school nurse!! In response to "MMAhater": I seriously doubt you have EVER been to a DoJo or DoJang, otherwise you would be better informed!!--There are HUGE differences between the 2 sports!---Go check it out!--Then we'll talk!
Posted by: jim gallagher | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:36 PM
hey folks, ever heard of wrestling? in school? yeah, that's basically what this is. they're just grappling.
get a little perspective!
Posted by: Adam | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:36 PM
If the kids are interested in the sport and challenged by that, great. With their parent's overall supervision they should go for it. Not all kids will want that as their activity and that's fine too. My kids are more into the skiing, boarding, tennis and track & field types of activities--things where they are challenging themselves more than physically challenging an opponent. My thing is, support them and make sure that they get exercise somehow.
Posted by: Mark | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Typical cruel BRITISH behaviour. Raise more bullys....just what you don't need but DO deserve.
No wonder we LEFT years ago,the Country has been going downhill for decades. All the decent people with any brains GOT OUT.
Posted by: annonymous | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:55 PM
it's a GRAPPLING match you fuckin moron. kids that age have been involved in wrestling for years and it's GOOD for them, dipshit!!
Posted by: ken johnson | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:56 PM
Absolutely unacceptable, uncivilized, barbaric circus show, no better than dog fights where drunken low trash losers stand around watching! These are kids for crying out loud!
Posted by: GPB | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 09:59 PM
This is frikking sick,no kid should ever be put in this situation for financial gain and for parents to gloat about how good there child is.....parents,take your kids home and let them have a normal life,not one that promates future violence as they grow older. Would you as a perent allow this to happen in your own home if you had a party with friends and there kids there.....would this make the party better,or should you put them in a cage and just enjoy the fun....Grrrr,its so sick.
Posted by: richard | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Its all about financial gain for parents,and the promoters...i grew up in the UK and hope this sick s**t never comes to Canada.
Posted by: richard | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 10:10 PM
You people who can't see the difference between this display and regular martial arts matches are exactly what's wrong with this world. Children as a whole are not seen as being valued in our culture. When my son was in martial arts, he did not fight in a backroom bar in front of a bunch of drunks. This is exploitation. This is abuse. Wake up people, these kids are our future. Who is going to speak up for the children?
Posted by: Marie | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 10:23 PM
I don't see the big deal with it.
Maybe I'm not seeing the drunken barbarians standing around it like it was a cock fight? I did brazilian jiu jitsu when I was that age and we had grappling tournaments all the time. I also got to play a peewee hockey game in between periods at an nhl game and people were drinking there.
I would have a problem if two young kids were kicking the crap out of each other while drunk men were screaming at them for blood. I just dont see that here though.
Posted by: Jeremy | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Children competing is not a bad or wrong thing...as long as the child firstly, the parents and objective organisers agree that it's what the child wants to do. NOT for money, properly supervised and by the rules of Fair sportsmanship All part of development/growth and preparation for LIFE.
Posted by: lillian alexander | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 10:53 PM
Normally I wouldnt comment but how are those children competing any different from lets say a Judo competition or taekwondo competition for that matter. I grew up with Karate and it was all pretty tame at competitions and I remember seeing alcohol sold at some of them. But I have never once heard a complaint.
I am not a fan of MMA. But all these children were doing was grappling in a controlled environment. I think the problem is people are associating what they had the chilren doing with the violence and brutality we are used to seeing in MMA and confuzing what they saw there with what we are all used to seeing in MMA. at first I thought it was going to be disgusting (which is how I feel when watching the adults fight) and was prepared to be shocked but then all they did was wrestle.
Posted by: Anwar | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 11:06 PM
It's just plain disgusting.
Posted by: Rob | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 11:25 PM
This is simply the equivelant of an exhibition bout. There were no strikes and it was in a controlled enviornment. I put both of my daughters in martial arts at an early age to teach them fitmess and dicipline. I wanted them to grow up to be ladies but not take any crap. My eldest actually joined her elementary school wrestling team at the age of 10 and learned what dedication and spirited competition is about. Her bouts were not unlike this video. It only helped her prepare for the real world. It isn't all nice. For generations in Canada and the U.S. boxing clubs have been touted as being the savior of many a potentially wayward boy by bringing them into the fold and teaching them respect honour and dicipline.
Posted by: Rick | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 11:26 PM
The environment this is based in bothers me more than the sport. If it wasn't in such a sleazy environment that almsot promotes violence, I would be less upset about it. Put them in a more child-friendly enironment and it would be much better. But I do think 8 years old is a little too young. And it is NOT the kids decision to make - they are 8 for goodness sake. A kid cannot make their own decision until theyare 20 years old or more, when their brain is fully developed.
Posted by: Leni | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 11:27 PM
I think all you negative idiots need to take a chill pill already....I these kids enjoy doing this and the parents are proud and supporting their enthusiasm then all the power to them. Would you rather them be like your children sitting in front of a computer stuffing their little mouths with junk food playing video games?? Put those scenarios side by side and we'll see who's the one abusing their children. The author made it sound like these boys were in some sort of cock fight. Just because its different than other martial arts doesn't make it any less acceptable. I let my kids skateboard, does that mean I'm raising them to be snotty punk teenagers???? One thing I will suggest is that they should be required some sort of safety equipment until they are a certain age, and being that young they shouldn't be at a venue serving alcohol. Other than that good for these people for encouraging the boys to try something different.
Posted by: Nash | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 11:31 PM
good for the boys. aspiring to and trying to become great fighters. I am envious of their drive and wish I had been bold enough at such a young age. If they were doing kickboxing or anything similar there would always be zealots crying out.
Posted by: Ryan Clark | Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 11:47 PM
Something doesn't seem right with this. Kids fighting in a cage with no protective equipment, while adults cheering them on, hello, but this just isn't right. They are just kids. As adults we are supposed to be protecting our children. The thing that bothers me the most is the caged enviroment and drinking adults cheering them on. Yes i agree with the above statements (no different than sat. morning hockey). However, kids playing hockey are well protected with equipment and are playing a game with one goal in mind, to score goals to win the game. Whats the goal with 2 kids fighting in a cage? To knock each other out!!These are not good values to be teaching kids. shame on the adults who allow this sport to happen and shame on the parents for allowing there kids to participate. And as for the people watching and cheering those poor kids on "you're sick".
Posted by: L. Macdonell | Friday, September 23, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Whats's next little girl MMA, or maybe we get the wives, fathers, sisters and grand parents together to go at it and call it family MMA fight night. As a huge MMA fan I don't whats more pathetic the idiot that came up with the idea or the idots that pay to see it!!!!!!
Posted by: G.M | Friday, September 23, 2011 at 12:29 AM
Pedopilia comes to mind to see adults watch kids fight in a cage.....sickos
Posted by: Bill Moron | Friday, September 23, 2011 at 02:27 AM
Maybee I am a sicko too.Seen 10-12 year old ones imitating the NHL bullies in their minor ligas. What's next? Babies in diapers? It is only sensationalism. Why not let condemed Criminals fight a real gladiator type combat like in the old roman times, where the winner get free and the loser pulled out the arena with a hook through his body. Let the games begin!!!
Posted by: Armlecker | Friday, September 23, 2011 at 06:57 AM
If i was the MMA pro league I would make these promoters refer to the child bouts as GRAPPLING exhibitions because the fact that no hitting is allowed is an important distinction. As for competing on hardwood gym floors, these rings are better designed for the takedowns, and slams associated with wrestling. The only thing I find disturbing is the alcohol sales at these events because that is what will attract the wrong crowds and ultimately undermine the sport. Otherwise I support children getting adequate activety in a variety of sports.
Posted by: greenprophet | Friday, September 23, 2011 at 01:29 PM
Ok...if you watch carefully at the end of the video....there's no one in the background with a beer in their hands, so is someone just assuming that the crowd is full of drunken people?? Not once in the report did they mention alcohol being served. And so what if it is? They don't sell beer at other sporting events? Plus this in the UK where people go to the pub for a pint on a daily basis.
I agree with all that this was no different than someone on the school wrestling team.
Posted by: George A | Friday, September 23, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Incredible how hysterical people are getting about this. Any sane person who actually took the time to watch the event can see it's a harmless wrestling match. Glad the author can see the obvious.
Posted by: Rufus | Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 07:10 PM