Nutrition in Combat Sports

10 Children in Combat Sports 153
cess in a real-life fight. Traditional training drills such as basic techniques and katas
may be absent from training in modern martial arts. [4]
Many styles have evolved to incorporate a more competitive aspect, transforming
these martial arts into sports. Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964, and
taekwondo was first introduced as a demonstration sport at the Seoul Olympics in
1988. Karate, while not an Olympic sport, holds tournaments on local, national, and
international levels. Schools that participate in competition may fall anywhere
along the spectrum from traditional to modern. The risk of injuries in these competitive
martial arts appears greater in a tournament setting. [5]
Another feature that distinguishes some martial arts from others is the use of
weapons. Use of weapons plays a significant role in the various styles of kung-fu,
while in many karate styles empty-hand techniques prevail. Although some research
suggests that the risk of injury from use of weapons in the martial arts is low, [5]
these vast differences make it impractical to consider the martial arts as a single
entity when discussing risks and benefits of participation in childhood.
10.2 Programs for Children
Many clubs offer martial arts classes for very young children, although they generally
are not ready developmentally for martial arts training until 6–9 years of
age. [6] At this stage, they have acquired fundamental basic skills such as running,
kicking, and throwing. Their motor skills, posture, and balance, along with the
acquisition of these fundamentals, permit the child to start combining and varying
these fundamental skills. Training in striking martial arts must be noncontact.[ 6]
Clubs that offer classes for very young children (i.e., 2–5 years of age), often
referred to as “Little Dragons” or “Little Tigers” programs, provide an opportunity
for these youngsters to acquire some of the more fundamental skills appropriate for
their age, such as running, jumping, rolling, and kicking. They can begin to develop
balance, as well as socialization skills in a supervised setting, while being introduced
to the martial arts culture. As in any organized activity for children, the ability of the
instructor to positively engage young children must be evaluated by parents before
considering enrollment. The focus of any program for this age group must be fun,
playfulness, exploration, and experimentation. Competition should be avoided. [6]
10.3 Benefits of Combat Sports Participation in Childhood
There are many benefits to participation in the martial arts in childhood, such as
development of discipline, respect, strength, muscular endurance, coordination,
agility, balance, and flexibility. [7–9] Martial arts in the pediatric population may be
used to develop self-defense skills, and to increase confidence and decrease risk of
injury, particularly in children who must deal with a hostile environment. [10]