Steve
Mostly Harmless
I believe that one of the biggest mistakes we can make is to presume that our goals are other peoples' goals (or should be). This is particularly true where kids are concerned in matters of finding creative or athletic outlets. If the kids' goal was to be a traditional martial artist or to get into the Olympics, you guys are absolutely right. Gymnastics, judo, TKD or wrestling would definitely be better suited... that is, unless XMA works its way into the Olympic canon.Very true.
I view XMA to traditional MA and MMA like I do graphic novels as compared with classical art architecture. Some of those guys and gals are excellent artists. They could be putting their time and energy into traditional style painting or architectural design, perhaps getting their work displayed in a national gallery or being asked to pen an important structure. Instead they are just drawing comics.
But that is what they enjoy. Perhaps later in life, they will have an interest in the more traditional arts. But for now, they do what they love to do and are physically able to do.
Daniel
As a side note, here, I'd much rather watch XMA than ice dancing... but that's just me.
I've learned that my kids' goals aren't my goals, just as every generation takes things we have held as traditional and made them new. It's a natural cycle. Rock and Roll was the death of music, and yet we still have contemporary "classical" music being composed. Some kids learn to play the electric guitar while others learn to play the cello. As long as they're learning something, I'm on board.