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This is nuts. The parents say it teaches discipline... fighting not allowed outside of the ring. Yea. Right.

I can see the parents point...somewhat...I understand they want their kids to be able to defent themselves, but they really should wait until they are at least 12 or 13 before letting them do something like this. I don't see how they can say some of the holds are more dangerous than wrestling, b/c I have seem some terrible moves in wrestling, that if not done perfectly, could inflict real harm. I was watching Max X a few days ago, and they had a video of a wrestler who was taken down from behind. He was twisted as he went down, and his foot got caught underneath him facing one way, and his body was twisted around 180 degrees, while his foot stayed facing the opposite direction. It broke lots of bones. So I think no matter what the sport there can be a good bit of danger involved.

I will definitly let my LO do sports, possibly some sort of martial arts, b/c my DH is a black belt and has been since he was 13. But little Ronald is free to do whatever sport he wishes. As long as he understands the dangers involved and knows how to be respectful of others.

Oy. I don't know if I'd want Jack doing this. I'm leaning towards NO.

I think the whole idea of ultimate fighting is barbaric, but kids as young as 6??? That's bordering on criminal. Aside from the obvious physical dangers, that are clear regardless of what the proponents say (notice all the medical experts in the article are concerned, not supporting it), what kind of lesson is it teaching young children? Teaching them "to defend themselves"??? I don't know about everyone else, but teaching my 7 year-old to defend himself is not high on my list of priorities - respect for others, good manners, good sportsmanship and teamwork, as well as non-violent conflict resolution, those are high on the list.
Some of y'all may disagree with me, but I think this is appalling.