Mixed martial arts encourage healthy behaviors and promote exercise that uses all parts of the body.
For instance, obesity rates for young people are at an all time high and this is in part due to a lack of physical activity. Some of the greatest dangers children face today are issues that can be address through any healthy and educated approach to mixed martial arts. Despite the media’s assertions that this is a dangerous activity, it should be recognized that while there are some dangers, mixed martial arts are not bad in themselves and again, with proper education and control of how they are practiced, this can have a positive impact on young people. While it is true that there are a number of risks of permanent, serious injury for children involved with this activity, with proper education of the children participants and their parents as well as a strict prohibition on any form of competition, this can be a healthy, fun, engaging, and ultimately useful form of physical activity for any child, regardless or his her age. In addition, unlike many sports that are merely meant to introduce children to recreation for pleasure alone, experience with mixed martial arts provides them with the opportunity to defend themselves when necessary.
Like many other activities for young people, mixed martial arts offer children the opportunity to take full advantage of their flexible joints, high level of energy, and enthusiasm to learn new skills.