Question For Team Alpha Male

[Kimberly]

It was recently suggested that I let my son fight next year at the age of 17 (he's 16 now). He trains in taekwondo (2nd degree black belt) and jiu jitsu (yellow belt w/2 stripes -- obviously fairly new to it, but does really well). However, I am apprehensive about 1) him fighting in general and 2) at the age of 17.

I know overall it's up to me to make that decision since he's underage, but as professionals what advice would you give to someone who wants to be a MMA fighter who's only 16? And, if 17 is too young, what age would you recommend? Or is is purely based on training and maturity?

Thanks,
Kim

[Ivan]

im 16 and im dying to fight. you should let him try if he really wants to. sounds like he can definately pull his own weight. Ok now sad that i dont know this, considering i take jiu jitsu, but what is the stripes on the belt? we have the belt system
white/yellow/orange/purple/blue/green/brown x 3/black

[Kimberly]

Every organziation is different. We fall under the Wolfpack Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association and I can only assume that is their belt system. Unfortunately, I don't take jiu jitsu, so I'm not 100% sure.

Sounds like you would get along with my son being the same age and having the same interests. But if you were a parent you might see why I asked this question.

[Ivan]

ha trust me i know, my mom isnt thrilled i do this, well she is all for self defense, but not exactly a fan of cage fighting. and she prolly wouldnt let me do it if she actually watched a match haha. BUT my dad has been trained in just about every possible style of martial arts for like 4+ years each, he's rediculous, and he thinks it would be cool of course haha.

[Kimberly]

I train with my son in tkd. We go to fights and watch them on TV. I don't want to hold him back but, again, just not sure about the age thing.

[Playboy]

Ej, I'm 16 as well so I've got to side with your son and Tap on this one lol. I train alone with my dad and I don't know if I will go into MMA. I personally want to try for the Olympics like my dad, but letting him fight really to me doesn't sound too bad. In theory he already fights because of his martial arts classes. Letting him go and fight is really no different than allowing him to join the wrestling team with martial arts mixed in. He'd be on a team with other fighters and he'd be competing just like any professional fighter.

To me it comes down to maturity. A lot has been said recently about letting the fighter's ego get the best of him. Your son doesn't sound to me like the kind of kid that would go braggin on himself and disrespecting others. You know your son best. If you think he really has potential and enough maturity, why not? It'd be a great learning experience if nothing else.

I hope Team Alpha Male answers your question better because I'm definitely no professional and I don't know how other kids fight. If he's got the heart, I personally see nothing wrong with it myself

[Kimberly]

Thanks guys, you are seeing this from his perspective as a 16-year-old teenage boy and I appreciate that. As far as maturity goes, he definitely has that going for him. He's very poised and humble. But, like you Playboy, I hope Team Alpha Male has an answer. If not, that's ok.

You guys keep up the training and don't ever give up! Playboy, hope to see you in the Olympics. That's an awesome goal.

[Ivan]

From the people i know my age who are involved in any form of martial arts or combat sports, it seems that the maturity level is alot higher than the typical teen. (Although i may be an exception to that sometimes) But mainly respect, honesty, integrity, it all shows through fighters.

[Mikey "Drago"]

I am part of team alpha male and I would say... he should start fighting in Pankration tourniments, which is like mma but no shots to the face. Its much safer and builds experience. As well as BJJ tourniments, then start doing amerture fighting, and then move to pro. That is a good process that alot of fighters that started years ago didnt have the chance to do like myself, but is a good way to get the right experience before the real thing.

[Kimberly]

I am part of team alpha male and I would say... he should start fighting in Pankration tourniments, which is like mma but no shots to the face. Its much safer and builds experience. As well as BJJ tourniments, then start doing amerture fighting, and then move to pro. That is a good process that alot of fighters that started years ago didnt have the chance to do like myself, but is a good way to get the right experience before the real thing.

Thank you for your input. It is very much appreciated. I definitely look into Pankration tournaments and I know he is ready for BJJ tournaments. Just gotta check out when they are being held in my area.

Again, thanks!

[Felix]

ever thought about getting him into boxing?? USA Boxing (http://usaboxing.org/) has a nice amateur program that's been around as long as i can remember...i'm noticing more mma fights becoming standup "brawls", and anyone with some boxing background from a youth (in addition to bjj etc, of course) is gonna be ferocious in the future, just because (imo) not many mma guys have nice hands

but then again, i'm biased :D

[Kimberly]

Ok, here's my next question then -- what would be better, getting into a boxing program or into an MMA gym that offers boxing as part of the curriculum? He has really good hands (and lucky for him has long arms -- 78" reach). I know taekwondo is synonomous with "kicking" but rest assured, we are good with our hands too and work on a lot of hand drills, working both speed and technique. But I'm sure boxing would only enhance that.

So, MMA gym or Boxing Program? I really do appreciate all the input. As much as I love to watch fighting, I'm just not sure I can watch my own kid fight. But any advice I can get to help him be better prepared is, again, much appreciated.

[Felix]

Ok, here's my next question then -- what would be better, getting into a boxing program or into an MMA gym that offers boxing as part of the curriculum? He has really good hands (and lucky for him has long arms -- 78" reach). I know taekwondo is synonomous with "kicking" but rest assured, we are good with our hands too and work on a lot of hand drills, working both speed and technique. But I'm sure boxing would only enhance that.

So, MMA gym or Boxing Program? I really do appreciate all the input. As much as I love to watch fighting, I'm just not sure I can watch my own kid fight. But any advice I can get to help him be better prepared is, again, much appreciated.



if possible, i'd suggest a boxing gym...boxing is MUCH more than just throwing punches, and you're not gonna learn the same things in TKD that you'll learn in a boxing gym (no disrespect). the first thing his coach will have him do is unlearn everything he knows about punching & start from scratch

He can take boxing classes in an mma gym & at a beginner level that would be good for him. BUT, boxing isn't mma, and surrounded by a gym full of boxers will elevate his skills faster and further. in time, he'd also get opportunities to spar and even compete (either in smokers or tournaments), which would be VERY good for him if he's considering fighting mma in the future.

one piece of advice - be prepared because boxing gyms can be intimidating & definitely not the same type of environment as mma gyms or TKD schools. they're usually filled with kids from tough backgrounds & there's quite a bit of "machismo" in the air. as long as he goes in willing to learn, is respectful to the kids that have been there before him, and is in no rush to start sparring, he'll be fine. :)

[Kimberly]

Thanks Felix, and I don't feel disrespected at all. I Love TKD and what it has done for me and Cody. I will freely admit I don't know a lot about boxing (although I do know it is more than punching). :)

I guess I'm just getting a little overwhemled with everything that goes into training (and I'm not the one who wants to fight!) There's so much and deciding what course of action to take is definitely a decision Cody is going to have to make -- soon.

A friend of mine trains at Floyd Mayweather's gym in Las Vegas. I'm going to have Cody talk to him about boxing and take it from there. But I can say, Cody is very respectful and would not step on anyone's toes at a boxing gym. He's a great kid!

Appreciate the input. And thanks for putting up with all my questions!

[Ivan]

you can tell those good boxers. they look like they have damn spidey senses
Couture vs Sylvia, couture had a shorter reach by a long shot, and he outboxed Sylvia.

Alot of strategy in boxing, i wish i could do more working on my ground, but wrestling just takin too much of my time now

[Tito Jones Alpha Male]

I would suggest you get him involved in some amateur bouts or pankration. That way he'll be able to get his feet wet and see if fighting is something he would really like to pursue. The way I look at it is if he wants to do it the sooner the better. Unlike boxing MMA is still a fairly new sport but like boxing a wave is coming soon where instead of men taking up the sport to fight you have youngsters being trained at early ages just like many of the great boxers who started as kids that end up becoming champs. I've caught a glimpse of the young bucks coming up and it's pretty scary to know that one day those guys will be adults and fighting!

[Kimberly]

I would suggest you get him involved in some amateur bouts or pankration. That way he'll be able to get his feet wet and see if fighting is something he would really like to pursue. The way I look at it is if he wants to do it the sooner the better. Unlike boxing MMA is still a fairly new sport but like boxing a wave is coming soon where instead of men taking up the sport to fight you have youngsters being trained at early ages just like many of the great boxers who started as kids that end up becoming champs. I've caught a glimpse of the young bucks coming up and it's pretty scary to know that one day those guys will be adults and fighting!

Thanks for the advice. I've talked to our TKD instructor who is also his BJJ instructor about pankration fights. Will check into amateur bouts also. Our TKD instructor is also part owner of a new MMA gym opening up here and his partner is a fight promoter. I think for now, I want him to work on his ground game. He agrees with me. I'm leaving it up to him to decide when he's ready but I really appreciate the advice given. At least now I know where to start.