Further to protecting kids in contact sport, I have a question.
My son is 10, he does martial arts. He also does Krav Maga. Krav is not a martial art it’s a form of Israel military self defence.
Parts of it are changed, altered as the response to an attack is aggressive and designed to injure, so you can make an escape rather than become involved in a fight. He can defend against knife attacks, get out of head locks, block and counter to the throat or escape from the grip of someone holding his coat etc. During sessions they will spar with only a gumshield and gloves. No head guards. It’s controlled aggression but even so it results in a bloody nose or fat lip, often one will be in tears. What’s the reason ? Because in real life, in the street or playground they don’t have soft hats on and need to experience been hit in the face so ultimately they can stay focused and respond if ever the time comes. They are taking knocks to the head. I allow this, I see the reason, my son enjoys the sparring most and he is a gentle, soft natured child. Does this make me irresponsible or a bad parent who risks my sons future health ???
