by Christine Costlow

Created on: January 18, 2010

     Martial arts tournaments are too dangerous for small children. A tremendous amount of cognitive development occurs after the age of 18, and until that milestone occurs, children do not fully understand danger or mortality. There are far too many movies that glorify violence and martial arts, all of which kids devour with their daily dose of the media.

     I have competed in several martial arts tournaments, and won medals in each one I entered. I competed as an adult, with a full understanding of what risks I was assuming through participation. Read the release that must be signed, if you are uncertain whether participation should be encouraged. You'll find that the organizers are requiring waivers far more extensive than your standard wrestling match or football competition.

    A small tournament held within the confines  of your own karate school would probably be safe, if run by a reputable school owner. He would be familiar with each student's ability, and knows which competitor requires closer supervision. Often, some students have anger issues or control problems that make their opponents more vulnerable than ordinary competition requires. Anyone with mental limitations should also be closely monitored. The closeness of karate sparring can be intense, and can trigger self preservation issues that some kids would be ill prepared to handle.

     Larger tournaments are generally open to competitors from any school, or even the "self trained" student. I was advised once by a used car salesman that "he was his own sensei" meaning he trained alone. I would not expect this competitor to have a firm grasp of the rules of engagement, thereby endangering himself or others. If he trained his own children, they would be equally clueless, frustrated, and more likely to lash out inappropriately during a match.

     Unlike wrestling and football, little protective gear is worn when sparring occurs. When a match goes wrong, ribs and leg bones regularly get broken. It does not seem sensible to subject children to this risk before they are old enough to understand the danger. I regularly enjoy karate competitions, the thrill of the fight gets the blood pumping like very little else can. However, there are enough other competitions available for those under 18. They do not need to participate in an activity where the only goal is to score points on an opponent by striking or kicking him, and where even a block can result in a broken arm.

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