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(NaturalNews) Following the atrociously-inaccurate story published by the Associated Press about children being involved in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fights, there has been a lot of talk about MMA and children's health in the mainstream media. But like the mainstream news coverage on many topics (including nutrition and vitamins), virtually every single story about Mixed Martial Arts (or "Ultimate Fighting") in the mainstream media has been written by people who are absolutely clueless about what MMA really is, what the rules are, and what the impact of participation might be upon children. Note: This article has been updated, as noted below, to address some of the feedback I originally received on this story. Please also read my updated views on this issue in more detail at: http://www.naturalnews.com/023000.html
First off, let me air some of the factually incorrect statements and labels that have been used by the mainstream media in describing MMA competitions. The Associated Press and other news organizations have called the sport human cockfighting, cage fighting, no-holds-barred fighting, bare-knuckle brawls and televised street fights. Not a single one of these descriptions is accurate. (Then again, since when did the Associated Press give a darn about being accurate anyway?)
I do not personally participate in MMA fighting competitions, but I'm at least informed enough to be familiar with the rules: All fighters wear padded gloves, all are extremely well trained in various arts such as wrestling or kickboxing, all MMA bouts are managed by an on-the-floor referee whose primary job is to protect the competitors, an on-site doctor can also stop the fight for a medical reason (to protect the athletes), competitors may "tap out" and stop the fight at any moment by either physically or verbally "tapping out," all participants wear mouth pieces and protective cups, the floor of such events are padded, and so on. Top MMA competitors are elite athletes, displaying the coordination, endurance and dexterity of top gymnasts. Don't believe me? Watch George St. Pierre compete, and you'll see for yourself.
I find it curious that none of these facts about MMA -- and the UFC in particular -- are ever mentioned in the mainstream media. Instead, the MSM has already pre-judged the sport, deciding in advance that it's "too violent" and therefore must be dangerous for children.
Too violent? Who are they kidding? Professional football is far more dangerous than mixed martial arts. Even pro basketball produces at least as many injuries per participant as mixed martial arts. And hockey, of course, is far more violent. Hockey players are issued sticks! On a pure statistical basis, kids engaged in gymnastics received far more injuries (and far worse injuries) than kids involved in MMA.
Is Mixed Martial Arts dangerous for children?The idea that mixed martial arts training is "dangerous for children" does not have merit, in my opinion. You know what the real danger to children's health is these days? Sitting on the couch playing violent video games on a game console, drinking soda, gaining weight and getting diabetes. It is the inactive kids who are at the highest risk of obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, low self esteem, low bone density, poor cardiovascular health, behavioral disorders and so on.
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