Kids: Let him learn boxing or not?

[RandySF]

My five-year old takes karate lessons and loves it. As a matter of fact, he just earned his yellow belt. He says that he wants to take boxing when he's old enough. No matter how much we have tried to discourage this, he continues to insists that he wants to learn. I decided that, if his training is nothing but punching bags and gloves, I'll let him. My wife, however, is adamant that she doesn't want him to learn boxing at all. He's not a violent kid and already knows the difference between "combat" in a class setting and getting into an actual fight. What does everyone think?

[Joey Liberal]

1. My advice is...

Let the kid try boxing. They should wear head gear and big gloves (you can make sure), so injury shouldn't be a problem. Don't discourage your kid. At least he's willing to try different sports. If there is a good Ju Jitsu or Krav Maga school around, ask him if he'd like to try them too. Boxing will involve a lot of physical conditioning (running, bag work and yes - sparring). Boxing will help him learn how to protect himself, even more so than karate.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. There have been huge changes in the way sports medicine views

concussions. So like you I say yes to punching bags and no to sparring. The question is, if he starts training how long until he wants to start sparring?

[RandySF]

3. That's something I have to find out

The starting age for boxing around here seems to be 8 years of age, so I cannot help but think it starts off with bags and heavy gloves. Fortunately, we have plenty of time to find out.

[MicaelS]

4. If you don't let the kid learn in a supervised setting...

He'll do it in any unsupervised setting. Ask the wife, and yourself what you would prefer.

[Cid_B]

5. I'd push/nudge him towards the MMA route

It is physically impossible to have too much skill in fighting.

[Bucky]

11. What's MMA? Mixed martial arts?

[Cid_B]

15. Correct...

In my mind it is what boxing was in generations past as far as a spectator sport.

As for an actual means of fighting it is useful in that there is no set style but rather a mix based on whatever the kid was good at.

I wish it had existed when I was a kid. As it was I had to learn different styles on my own

(Kenpo = straight punch to the face
Aikido=Joint pain and redirection of opponent energy)

[sakabatou]

6. You learn more in the martial arts than boxing

[HopeHoops]

7. If he WANTS to learn boxing and you trust the school - go for it. As for karate...

We started our three daughters when they were about 4 and now, at 16, almost 18, almost 20, they are all 2nd degree black belts - you'd never know it to look at them, but don't fuck with them. My wife's a 3rd degree black belt now (and just under 4'11" and all of 95 lbs). She's a kindergarten teacher by day with an early childhood and elementary B.S. as well as an elementary M.S. - she teaches regular karate class four nights a week as well as a pre-school karate class two nights a week and she takes them as young as 3 1/2. On occasion she has had to tell a parent a kid needs to wait because they aren't socially ready yet, but those kids usually only take a few months before they are ready.

As with any contact sport, you have to trust the program. If they use adequate safety gear and expect all students to obey the rules, then safety shouldn't be a concern. Accidents happen, sure, but you have to put it in context.

Boxing is no more of a "combat" sport than karate and if a student has the right attitude they will understand that both can be reserved for self-defense rather than being seen as a means to bully. It sounds like Randy-kid already understands this so I would encourage Randy-wife to visit the boxing school with you and Randy-kid to observe a class and discuss her concerns with the instructor(s). That can go a long way toward altering the discussion.

There's far more to a fighting skill than being able to kick someone's ass. That's a nice ace up your sleeve, but the confidence such programs instill, not just in your ability to fight but in YOURSELF, is perhaps the most powerful weapon at your disposal - the one that will give you the opportunity to diffuse the situation before it becomes physical. Being a small and insecure boy meant I was always getting picked on and bullies had no problem making it physical because I was obviously afraid and didn't retaliate. That changed when my parents split up and I moved in with my dad. He and my step-mom were gone from early morning to late at night because they commuted to DC. I let my hair grow, copped an attitude, and didn't let ANYONE fuck with me regardless of how large they were. I'm 48 now and still have long hair and the same attitude. I don't start anything, but I if someone starts with me I WILL make it clear that this is not wise. I'm that way even if my wife ISN'T next to me :evilgrin:

[RSillsbee]

8. Boxing is excellent for cardio and muscle tone.

And the training is far more intense and realistic than most traditional martial arts schools. Your son will be in top shape and non violent or not it doesn't hurt to know how to defend yourself if needed.

ETA Most gyms that teach kids are going to make sure they're waring headgear, mouth guards and cups when they spar and they'll have a softer glove.


Part of learning how to fight is learning how to get hit. It's also not a bad life lesson

[DerBeppo]

9. Try MMA instead

Far safer than boxing and gives a much wider variety of athletic skills.

[Bucky]

10. It's great discipline and good for large motor coordination. I say yes.

I mean, make sure it's the kind where the kids wear the leather helmet and he only punches in his class. But boxing is only dangerous at the professional level or for those who make it their main sport.

[AngryAmish]

12. Never

I used to box in my youth. It was great. But the data is clear - too much head trauma.

Knowing how to fight is a useful skill for a lad. But sparring is just too dangerous. Even in amateur boxing.

[nyson13]

13. I think if he wants to do it you should let him

As long as he is not using what he learns to hurt others

[nyson13]

14. I think if he wants to do it you should let him

As long as he is not using what he learns to hurt others

[RandomThoughts]

16. Define hurt.

I am due beer and travel money, and the world should be more just and compassionate.