Martial arts body condemns child cage fighting

Child cage fighting should be banned, the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) has said.

NAKMAS has questioned whether any insurance provider in Britain covers the practice following reports this week showing children as young as eight taking part in the activity in front of an adult audience.

NAKMAS chairman Joe Ellis said children were not developed emotionally or physically for cage fighting or full contact karate.

“Cage fighting for children is a time bomb waiting to happen," he said.

"Cage fighting is far too risky for children, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. We have evidence that young children are also involved in full contact karate and the risks involved in this practice are identical to that of cage fighting.

“The fact that some adults find it entertaining to watch children beat each other up is disturbing. The practice needs banning in the UK and the organisers brought to their senses.

NAKMAS is writing to all local authorities asking them to consider banning the practise on local authority owned premises.

“Whilst NAKMAS is heavily involved in equality for all at national, regional and local level, and does not want any age group to be restricted from learning a combat or martial arts sport, cage fighting is too high risk for children.”

Meanwhile, Ellis urged premises owners to take a stance too and refuse to rent out their facilities to those wanting to carry out such activities.

He added: “Combat tournaments of any kind require risk assessments to be carried out and insurance in place to protect participants and the organisers.

“I would like to see proof that the organisers of these so-called cage fighters have adequate policies and procedures in place for provide this type of protection.”