OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - It's another night on the mats inside Crawford's Mixed Martial Arts in Overland Park. Children, some as young as 6, are here learning the basics of MMA.
"I like how it teaches you if someone tried to fight you would know actually how to defend yourself," explained 7-year-old Vance Harrington.
The moves are aimed at simulating confrontation scenarios. Trainers suggest the moves can be applied as self-defense. But they're also the fundamentals of cage fighting. Trainer Jimmy Standert began competing in MMA three years ago, and sees benefits in young athletes coming into the sport.
"The MMA program is mixed martial arts. The compilation of other martial arts, will teach kids control stamina body positioning and balance."
Trainers Insist Kids Are Only Practicing
Kansas doesn't allow sanctioned MMA competitions for anyone younger than 18. The 45-minute weekly practice sessions in Overland Park are attended by supportive parents. During the session children don’t strike each other. Trainers insist that the kids don’t compete, but simply practice.
Kirby Minor is a Missouri champion three degree black belt in Judo, as well as an instructor. He's witnessed the birth of mixed martial arts during his 27 years experience in Judo. He supports the sport of MMA, but not for children.
"There’re plenty of things for young children to learn without doing these techniques that the UFC guys do that could injure them for a lifetime."
Parents See Benerfits
Standert contends that detractors of MMA for children are making the same claims of other kids’ sports opponents.
"It's like any other sport. There's going to be doctors that are pro-sports and pro-athletics and doctors that are against it."
Seven-year-old Vance loves it. One of his career aspirations includes becoming a professional mixed martial arts star. His mother, Brenda Harrington, sees life lessons in the training.
"I think it helps them become well rounded risk-taking individuals."
