Kids in Cage Match
Mixed martial arts (MMA) has become popular in recent years. Its so popular, in fact, that exhibition matches have been popping up across the world. One such match, in Canada, has garnered a great deal of controversy.
The event, designed to entertain adults, featured cage matches between children as young as eight.
“It’s not like the MMA you see in the movies, or what you see on TV,” said John Williams, the Canadian representative for amateur mixed martial arts.
The fights are “extremely safe,” he said, because the children have “lots of equipment on.”
“Violence is exciting. That’s why we have action movies, they pump us up. Children should not be pumping us up by beating each other up,” he said.
Williams notes that the Muncton boxing commision has approved the rules, but psychologist Charles Emmrys told the CBC he disapproves of the fighting, especially for the entertainment of others.
Children Cage Fight Matches Spark Outrage
“When parents are talking about encouraging kids to beat up other kids, well that’s called encouraging a bully to be a bully.”
As a precaution, two ambulances and a doctor were on hand to handle injuries. The children were wearing safety equipment and trained in the rules of the bout.
Public outcry has not lead to any policy changes. More events are being planned across Canada. Future events will continue to include children and teens.
Anyone who condones this type of behaviour should be shot and pissed on. Parents included.
WOW I would love to meet you in real life let me guess single mid 20′s fat with acne no kids no love life or really any life at all!!! shot and pissed on?!?! your most likely a complete coward that would hide in pile of his own fecal matter at the first sign of confrontation. get a life!
Why are the least educated on a subject typically the most outspoken. I am a mixed martial artist and a father of two and let me tell you MMA gets kids off the couch, builds confidence and teaches discipline. It DOES NOT build bullies. Karate and Tae Kwon Do also have tournaments, with paramedics on hand. Maybe you should speak up about that. Or just educate yourself before you form an opinion. Saying anybody should shot and pissed on, it sounds like advocating violence.
This is completely inappropriate.
It would appear that those who do not understand martial arts and likely do not partake in any physical activity should not make comments. I condone any physical activity for children and adults and if you had not noticed the padding worn is for safety of those involved as well as the ambulances. You ever watch hockey or football??? I also condone RESPECT to others who warrant it. Looks like some responses here do not warrany any.
This is a tough one. Dave brings up some really good points.
OK I don’t participate in marshal arts and really, know nothing about them, so what really bothered me about the story?
Marshal arts competitions have been around for ages and no one has lifted an eyebrow. I think what makes this one a bit difference is the way its sensationalized in the story AND the fact that the kids are in a cage. I think that envokes a symbolism that is animalistic and savage. So am i OK with it? I wish it would be performed in a ring, sort of karate-kid style and loose the cage. What positive purpose does it serve?
so i don’t see the issue I was in competitive boxing, wrestling, hockey, and football all full contact and just as “dangerous” I was proud to fight for my parents you people need to see the difference between sport and street fighting.. there is no issue here an shot and pissed on?!?! yes that is much better then teaching our children martial arts, pride, and fair play well said.
The idea of using “violence” isn’t appropriate, but yes, the martial arts have been around for a while… why is this any different? Self-defense isn’t a bad thing either.
There is nothing wrong with children learning, practicing and competing in mixed martial arts. I have competed in boxing and mma and have enjoyed the competition aspect of it. I think the problem comes with the “CAGE MATCH” designation. This inferrs a high level of violence since cage matches originally started becoming popular with WWF wresting. Even though WWF was entertainment, there was a great deal of violence and blood and gore. This terminology suggests that two opponents are locked in a cage and only one will survive. If the competitions were called junior mixed martial arts tournaments, no one would be squacking. Obviously some promoter has gotten a hold of a holistic sports idea and is trying to pervert it to make a buck.