Given the benefits of mixed martial arts classes, such as discipline and self-defense, it’s no wonder millions of kids participate in them annually. But what you see on TV and what happens in real life are a stark disconnect, and we’ll explore why that is.
Competition Doesn’t Come First
Remember that your child won’t be thrown into a cage and begin sparring on the first day. It takes a lot of training to get to a competitive level, and when your child competes, he will wear protective gear, including headgear, shin guards, and other equipment. Also, remember that all sports pose some risk to the body, including popular kid sports such as baseball and football.
Safety Starts at the Right Dojo
Before registering your child for MMA classes at different gyms in your area, do your due diligence. Research and talk with the instructors and ask about their teaching methods. Observe a few classes to get a feel for the environment and the type of instruction your child would be receiving.
You want to find a gym where the instructors are respected, not intimidating. The focus should be on self-improvement, not on teaching aggressive behavior. Find another gym if it looks like the Cobra Kai dojo from The Karate Kid. Remember Mr. Miyagi’s Confucius-like proverb: “There are no bad students. Only bad teachers.”
The Goal Is Still the Same, Though
While all sports can educate participants in some level of discipline and sportsmanship, the main goal of baseball or another sport is to gain victory. With youth MMA, kids aren’t trying to hurt each other in the cage. Children learn various MMA skills at a young age, especially before age 16. They do spar with each other, but at a good school, this is done in a way that minimizes injury.
While winning is still the objective, the goal of youth MMA is to help improve the ability to defend oneself, as well as to build confidence and be more fit and disciplined.
There Are a Multitude of Martial Arts to Choose From
Another option to consider is allowing your child to learn skills that would progress into mixed martial arts. Instead of learning a flurry of martial arts, you could focus on just one skill until they are older. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an option that offers many skills that transition seamlessly into MMA. It benefits students that most Jiu-Jitsu schools focus on building confidence and skills rather than weaponizing aggression.
Other options to consider are wrestling classes, Judo, Karate, or Taekwondo, rather than Muay Thai or kickboxing, as the latter can be riskier. Kids can learn boxing and Muay Thai skills without working against an opponent, and your child can wait until they are older before using these skills in competition.
If you also want to start them small, go with boxing. It’s less straining physically and mentally since they’re taught to fight with only their fists but still incorporate the same discipline. Then you can transition your kids to other martial arts when they’re ready to use the rest of their bodies.
Enroll at Pride Martial Arts Academy
Get your child started on MMA and other martial arts at Pride Martial Arts Academy today. We start kids on the basics with our bi-level program of Lil’ Champions (4 to 6 years old) and Juniors MMA (7 to 15 years old).
FAQs
Competition Doesn't Come First. Remember that your child won't be thrown into a cage and begin sparring on the first day. It takes a lot of training to get to a competitive level, and when your child competes, he will wear protective gear, including headgear, shin guards, and other equipment.
Should I let my child do MMA? ›
Experts reckon that the ideal age to start a MMA practice is between the ages of 13-16, when the adolescent body is growing and learning to identify with the adult body. To start MMA training, the child must have a background in fitness, strong muscles, motivation and strong immunity.
What age can my son start MMA? ›
Parents often ask if martial arts classes are appropriate for toddlers. The short answer is yes. Martial arts for toddlers must be at an appropriate developmental level, but children as young as three can start martial arts training.
What do you need to know to do MMA? ›
you start, you must learn the basics of MMA training – endurance, grappling and striking. Your body must build a high endurance level to survive even a few minutes of Mixed Martial Arts. You can't call yourself a strong Mixed Martial Arts fighter unless you understand the nuances of grappling.
Are there MMA fights for kids? ›
In most U.S. states, there is no central organization in charge of children competing in mixed martial arts also known as Pankration (MMA). In some states it is a misdemeanor to hold these competitions. California is the only state with official rules, regulations and recognized bouts for children.
Is MMA good for kids with ADHD? ›
Martial Arts & Nurturing Self-Discipline
Children with ADHD benefit from the structured environment of the martial arts school, providing a consistent and ordered routine. Following rules and adhering to a code of conduct becomes second nature, fostering self-discipline that transcends the mat.
Is 20 years too old to start MMA? ›
No; twenty is not too late but you need to realize and plan things out. If you don't already have a background in any martial or fighting art then it will take about 18–24 months before you are ready for your first real fight against a similarly inexperienced opponent.
Is 22 years old too late to start MMA? ›
Mixed martial arts (MMA) can be a great way to get into shape, learn self-defence, and meet new people. If you're over the age of 22, you may think it's not too late to start MMA, but training can be demanding. Talk to the right people and learn about the sport before you jump in and make sure it is for you.
Is MMA a safe sport? ›
How Dangerous is It? MMA is about as dangerous as any other full contact sport. Like in sports such as hockey and football MMA athletes are prone to a wide variety of injuries ranging from mild sprains to brain injuries such as concussions. Just like in other sports, not every athlete will sustain a major injury.
Can you start MMA at 35? ›
You're never too old to start training martial arts. Don't worry about not being fit or athletic, MMA will gradually increase both your fitness and your athleticism as you train. Yes this sport does need some agility, but you're in your prime age. Early 30s are when a man is at his physical best.
MMA requires a greater number of skills, but boxing requires much greater expertise and unbelievable refinement of one skill - boxing. Boxing is harder to master and might be the hardest sport of all to master.
Can you start MMA with no experience? ›
Yes! You can start training MMA without any prior experience. Alta has experienced Martial Arts instructors that will provide you with the basics and fundamentals you need as a beginner. Like any other sport, a professional was a beginner, who had to start somewhere.
Is getting into MMA worth it? ›
Learning mixed martial arts helps to build confidence. You feel good about yourself as you start to master techniques you once struggled with, and you realize that your ability to master things isn't limited to only martial arts but also other aspects of life.
Can you fight MMA at 14? ›
Youth category B 14 – 15 years old
The player must not be under the age of 14 years or over the age of 16 years before 1st day of competition and must be within this age band until the competition has been completed.
Can kids go to UFC fights? ›
Children under 12 can attend with a vaccinated adult.
Is 21 too old to get into MMA? ›
You are never too old to reap the health, fitness and lifestyle benefits of MMA. Mixed Martial Arts is an excellent workout, helping to improve flexibility, balance, and coordination. It can also be a great way to meet new people and make friends. Improvements in mental toughness & resilience are big benefits of MMA.
Is it too late to start MMA at 15? ›
It's best to start training younger, but you can't compete until you're 18. If you start training between 15-16 years old, you'll have more time to develop your strength and skills. However, you can train for MMA at any age.
Is it too late to start MMA at 21? ›
No! You are never too old to reap the health, fitness and lifestyle benefits of MMA. Mixed Martial Arts is an excellent workout, helping to improve flexibility, balance, and coordination. It can also be a great way to meet new people and make friends.
Can a 16 year old fight MMA? ›
Juniors Under 21 years old
The player must be between 18 years of age and 20 years of age by the 1st day of competition. The junior player cannot be over 21 years by the 1st day of competition and must be within this age band until the competition has been completed.
Can a 17 year old fight MMA? ›
Current Drivers License, Federal ID Card or Certified copy of birth certificate to the ISCF Event Representative for confirmation of their name and age before being approved to compete. Fighters must be a minimum of *18 years old. ISCF Junior MMA is No Head Contact and Semi Contact To The Body.
