Student's first MMA match and stigma of girls competing

[J. Pickard]

I have 6 students competing in their first MMA match this weekend. ages 10, 10, 12, 13, 26, and 49 years old. They have been working hard and training 5 days a week for the past year in preparation for this day. I have had some people that seem genuinely appalled by the idea of a 10 and 12-year-old girl fighting in MMA (It's a semi contact point ruleset created by the USFL, no KO's or risky subs) but nobody seems turned off by boys of comparable age doing MMA. Why do you suppose there is still so much stigma around girls in contact sports? I have found that these girls (who used to be bullied and one who was suicidal just a few years ago) are way more confident than before, have a better sense of love for themselves, are no longer bullied and are noticeably happier in general (it's even been noticed by their teachers). Do you think people would be less turned off by girls in traditionally "boys" sports if they saw how positive of an effect it has on them?

 

[HighKick]

I have 6 students competing in their first MMA match this weekend. ages 10, 10, 12, 13, 26, and 49 years old. They have been working hard and training 5 days a week for the past year in preparation for this day. I have had some people that seem genuinely appalled by the idea of a 10 and 12-year-old girl fighting in MMA (It's a semi contact point ruleset created by the USFL, no KO's or risky subs) but nobody seems turned off by boys of comparable age doing MMA. Why do you suppose there is still so much stigma around girls in contact sports? I have found that these girls (who used to be bullied and one who was suicidal just a few years ago) are way more confident than before, have a better sense of love for themselves, are no longer bullied and are noticeably happier in general (it's even been noticed by their teachers). Do you think people would be less turned off by girls in traditionally "boys" sports if they saw how positive of an effect it has on them?

There is still a fair amount of "macho" stigma out there these days. Honestly, I am Much more concerned about the emasculation of young men. If a female wants to compete against other females in a rules bound environment I am 100% for them all the way.
I wish you and your crew all the best.

 

[Buka30 4]

I have 6 students competing in their first MMA match this weekend. ages 10, 10, 12, 13, 26, and 49 years old. They have been working hard and training 5 days a week for the past year in preparation for this day. I have had some people that seem genuinely appalled by the idea of a 10 and 12-year-old girl fighting in MMA (It's a semi contact point ruleset created by the USFL, no KO's or risky subs) but nobody seems turned off by boys of comparable age doing MMA. Why do you suppose there is still so much stigma around girls in contact sports? I have found that these girls (who used to be bullied and one who was suicidal just a few years ago) are way more confident than before, have a better sense of love for themselves, are no longer bullied and are noticeably happier in general (it's even been noticed by their teachers). Do you think people would be less turned off by girls in traditionally "boys" sports if they saw how positive of an effect it has on them?

I think your students are lucky to have you.

I hope everyone has fun competing. Best of luck to them all.

As for anyone being appalled - I hope they get a flat tire on Christmas Eve.

 

[Prince_Alarming114]

So how did they do? Your students are lucky to have you.

 

[J. Pickard]

So how did they do? Your students are lucky to have you.

They did great! Since it was a point MMA match under USFL rules, it was done as a bracket with each match being best of 3 rounds so some got more than one fight. 4 victories, 2 second place! The 10 and 12 year old girls were in different weight classes so thankfully didn't have to fight each other. the 10 year old won her first match by points, lost the second by submission. The 12 year old won her first match by points and the second match by TKO. The 49 year old had no one in his age group so had an exhibition with a 20 year old. He won the first round and almost the match by submission but time ran out before the tap, ultimately it was a split decision loss for his exhibition. The 26 year old won the first round by submission and lost the second by TKO (he just got too gassed and one good kick finished him). The 10 year old boy only had one fight and won the first round by points, lost the second, but won the 3rd by points. The 13 year old boy also only had one fight and he won by submission 2 rounds in a row. Overall it was a great day! No injuries except a few bruises and everyone had fun.

EDIT: One of the parents took a ton of pics, so when they send them to me I might share a few.

 

[J. Pickard]

I only got permission to share a few pics, faces obscured for safety of the kids. I only got a few pics of the action, here is what I have

 

[HighKick]

I only got permission to share a few pics, faces obscured for safety of the kids. I only got a few pics of the action, here is what I have

WELL DONE!

 

[Prince_Alarming114]

WOOOOOOO! Fighting like a girl is now a complement. Truth.