WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Part 1- Mixed Martial Arts: Sport or Spectacle
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POOLER, GA (WTOC) - If you aren't into Mixed Martial Arts, you probably know someone who is. It's a combination of boxing, wrestling and different martial arts forms.
Not so long ago, people could only see it on TV on pay-per-view, but now these matches are on commercial channels for all to see.
The no-holds-barred sport is taking the nation by storm. The athletes, who are in top condition, give their all, bringing their opponent to submission or knocking them out and always leaving them bruised and bloodied.
As we see more of it on TV, it's getting everyone excited including children who we found lining up for classes.
There are pint-sized fighters who are students at Redline Martial Arts in Pooler. The instructor, Abraham Stem, has his hands full training kids to adults.
He says what he teaches to kids will help keep them safe.
"If you get a chance to see any of our youth students practicing, we focus on a good tradition of martial arts," he said. "We teach them respect, confidence, self control and discipline. The alternative to a traditional style is we are also teaching them something that will work in a fight. I am not saying that the traditional style will not work in a fight, but the times have changed."
The ages of his clients have also changed. Back in 1997, more adults were learning MMA. But now, kids are taking to the mat in greater numbers around the country and right here at home.
For the last year, Kirsten Peavy has been bringing her two young sons and her daughter all the way from Beaufort for lessons.
"We home school and it's a great way for them to get physical activity. It's a great way for them to make friends," says Peavy.
She also adds that she has noticed positive changes in all of the kids since they started taking the classes.
"We have one that is very busy and we have noticed that since he has been doing this, he is a lot calmer. It makes them focus more. They have to really focus on moves and pay attention to what they are doing," explains Peavy.
Robbie Brown, 13, and his 8-year-old brother Logan, have been students for the last five years. Robbie admits seeing the action on TV sealed the deal for him.
"I like the challenge. I like doing this. I thought it would be fun. You see this kind of stuff on TV and just wanted to try it and it's a blast," he said.
Robbie and Logan really know their way around their opponents. However, the brothers joined the class for very different reasons.
Logan is serious about self-defense. "I don't want to get hurt and people are bigger than me," he said.
He's the smallest on the mat, but he gives his all each time he takes the floor. Logan and Robbie's mother first had concerns about their safety, but after so many years of training, she has confidence in their instructor and doesn't worry anymore.
In fact, she says the training is making them better students and people.
"They are very disciplined. Both of them are and they really put their nose to the grind when it's time. I see that all my boys are actually very kind children and usually one of the first to help others," said Robin Brown.
Many critics aren't so quick to agree. Some, including medical associations, think MMA is not for kids and with one wrong move, parents could live to regret letting their children take these classes.
There are just as many people out there who believe MMA is fine for kids.
If you would like to see for yourself or learn more about MMA classes for children or adults, log on to www.redlinemma.com or call 912.665.0331.
If you'd like to hear more about MMA, check out our interview with former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin.
He opened up about how he got his start as a fighter and shared the personal challenges he's faced being on top of the sport and his attempt to win back the title.
Franklin also talked very openly about why he thinks some children are too young to compete in this contact sport. Just click on the video link for more.
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