KIDS KUMMA

Drawing from the combined knowledge of boxing, wrestling, jujitsu, judo and other martial arts, MMA is the world's fastest growing professional sport. However, not everyone is thrilled by the fact that MMA has taken the world by storm. Many concerned parents unfamiliar with it share a common concern: is it safe? and will it make my child violent if I let them participate? Is it a training ground for future bullies?

The first thing you notice when you walk into the Bodyshop Fitness K.U.M.M.A. class is that staff and students are in uniform. MFC Lightweight Champion, Antonio McKee is the creator and director of this program and is assisted by Judo expert David DunMixed martial arts (MMA) in its current form is a relative newcomer to the world of mainstream sports. Drawing from the combined knowledge of boxing, wrestling, jujitsu, and other martial arts, MMA is the world's fastest growing professional sport. However, not everyone is thrilled by the fact that MMA has taken Utah by storm. Many concerned parents unfamiliar with it share a common concern: is it safe? and will it make my child violent if I let them participate? In fact, just last week, while researching this article, dozens of teens at Collierville High School in Tennessee were being investigated for yet another incarnation of a secretive ring of underground fight clubs. CNN suggested a link between the violence and professional sport fighting. Was there really a connection between the rise in popularity of MMA and teen violence? I decided to go see for myself. After making a call, I got invited to attend a class for teens at Throwdown Elite training center in Orem. Was it a training ground for future bullies? I hoped not, because I was going to be practicing with them.

If you've never seen it, the first thing you notice when you walk into the Throwdown facility is that it's massive. While the uninitiated might expect it to look like a gladiatorial area with sweat soaked stone pillars, Throwdown actually has the look and feel of a day spa. It's ultra modern, chic, and with 21,000 square feet to work with, it's got just about everything you could ever want for your workout from your standard free weights to a Pilates room and an altitude chamber.

The class gathers to learn a new move and catch their breath
So far so good.
The class I am to join is held in large rectangular room with a wrestling mat on the floor. There are about 15 students in attendance. Today's head instructor is Adam Legas, who also happens to be
View a slide show and see what MMA training is like

Some of the kids take time out of their drills to tell me about what MMA meant to them. I asked one duo, Brett and Johnny, about whether or not they thought that parents had anything to worry about with mixed martial arts. "Some parents don't like it, because only they don't know what it's about," they said. "I think it's a good skill--it teaches you discipline." Another team of students, Trent and Chandler, had similar feelings. "It's a good way to get in shape and learn self defense. It's training you to be self confident. We're not learning how to go around beating people up."

I intercepted the father of one of the students who had come to pick up his son after practice for a few question. His name is Brad Smith, and he teaches at Utah Valley University. I asked him how he felt about letting his son participate in MMA. "During the summer you get a lot of hours in the day for these kids that are free, and this fills it with something positive." He said he was glad he son was able to participate. "There are lot of things in sports that cross over into life, like discipline, team work, and dedication. I'm not having him doing it to become a fighter; I'm doing it for life skills. He's learned how to conquer this and it helps him out in life." By the end of the practice, I am drenched in sweat--despite the fact that I have been slacking on most of the drills while interviewing people and taking pictures. I have to admit, it was a lot of fun, even if I embarrassed myself and got out wrestled by a bunch of teenagers. But was it dangerous? Were the kids or I at risk? Well, I did get a few minor mat burns on my knees, but other than that the only time I felt any danger was trying to pull out onto a ridiculous busy State Street after the class was over. The bottom line is this--take it for you will: After spending a pleasant, exhausting afternoon with the MMA club, I would feel quite comfortable to join them again if invited back, and I'm sure I would have an equally great time. On the other hand, you will never in a million years catch me asking to get invited to join a teen football practice.