MMA: Would you let your child pursue a career as a fighter?

[Ube]

I've always enjoyed the violent spectacle of combat— and in truth, it's almost high drama to me (sometimes). I trained for a few years and I know how tough it is and how much dedication it takes, but also how it feels to take repeated shots to the head — sometimes from guys three times larger — which is why I pussied out and took another route.

But I still love it.

However, I'm expecting to be a father soon (so why am I here? Right?). And naturally, a question arose:

"Hey asshole, what are you going to tell your kid when he/she begs to be enrolled in an MMA gym?"

I would want my child to pursue his/her dreams or aspirations, but the little clod ain't even born yet and I'm already worried he/she will someday watch me slobbering over someones flailing, bloody body, ultimately leading him/her to conclude that a career in MMA is worth pursuing. And obviously that would mean having to watch my seed get wacked in the head.

I might be going too far into the future, and Sherdog might not be the best place to scrounge for opinions on this issue, but yes, I need some opinions regarding children and MMA and/or how you would take it if your own flesh and blood (or your future one) decided to just-bleed it out for a living.

Go.

 

[I Hate You]

I don't let him, I make him. I make sure everyday after school, he's in the gym. My wife and I raise winners, that's for certain. We expect participation with perfection. Sure, he cries and whines sometimes about wanting to play video games with his friends, or hang out in the street and play ball, but after a couple of hours of hard work he forgets all about it and stops crying. I told him to focus that anger on the mat, with the pads, rolling with the others. Turn that frustration into a positive. He may hate me and MMA right now, but he will grateful in the future. When he gets into High School in a few years, he will be able to handle himself well.

 

[Megatronlee]

No.

 

[Fbed]

No.

 

[D1wrestla]

I would let my child pursue a career in whatever he wants

 

[Peteyandjia]

I will yell "DO you wanna be a fuckin' fighter?!?" right in the face of my child every day, even if he or she cries.

Even before they can understand English.

Every single day.

 

[Mau]

Yes.

 

[TheCoward]

I will yell "DO you wanna be a fuckin' fighter?!?" right in the face of my child every day, even if he or she cries.

Even before they can understand English.

Every single day.

Hahahaha!

I don't know, I'm 23 I don't want to think about having children.

 

[Sole]

If they wanted to.

I wouldn't enroll them into a MMA gym when they're super young, though, that's what wrestling, Judo, Karate, and TKD is for.

 

[Ube]

I don't let him, I make him. I make sure everyday after school, he's in the gym. My wife and I raise winners, that's for certain. We expect participation with perfection. Sure, he cries and whines sometimes about wanting to play video games with his friends, or hang out in the street and play ball, but after a couple of hours of hard work he forgets all about it and stops crying. I told him to focus that anger on the mat, with the pads, rolling with the others. Turn that frustration into a positive. He may hate me and MMA right now, but he will grateful in the future. When he gets into High School in a few years, he will be able to handle himself well.

Hardcore. I agree with the notion that if one is to take up this kind of sport, that person has to be fully dedicated and striving for perfection. Or else, scrambled eggs of a brain. Still though, I imagine I'd have a hard time watching a loved one in combat. Or on the flip-side I could be:

Bendo's Mom

 

[Prolog]

Nope. As an Asian my kids are gonna be doctors.

 

[deluxeh0]

Only if it was Dana's child

 

[Arcturus]

I would let my child pursue a career in whatever he wants

This.

I'm worried by people who talk about "let" when it comes to the chosen career of their offspring.

 

[Raul24]

if its something that he really wants, then why not help him achieve his dream? i've been inside the cage so i could help im out at first

 

[Raul24]

Nope. As an Asian my kids are gonna be doctors.

hahahaha

 

[Fight Professor]

No, it is a high risk low reward job. He could practice it on a matter level though as a sport.

 

[WTF2008]

I've always enjoyed the violent spectacle of combat

 

[peytonlucy]

My kids can fight for nothing on the streets without the delusion of thinking that they are going to be taken care of by Zuffa.

 

[norsa]

If my son wants to, sure. Will I force him... no... maybe just nudge em a bit.

 

[TripAtTheBrain]

I will support my kids 100% in anything they wish to do in life.

Except crossfit.

Fuck that.