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Kids Fighting Events: This Is How TFC Does It

The thrill and excitement of a real fight are something many young superhero fans dream of. Using your skills to bring a villain to justice—wouldn’t that be really cool? Of course, we don’t want them getting out there to fight criminals with their skills, so we’re offering the next best thing: kids fighting events at TFC.

A young fighter before the beginning of the kids fight.

Allowing kids to spar lets them apply their abilities in a safe and controlled environment. It gives them opportunities to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. It also gives them a taste of the thrill and challenge of going against an active opponent. 

Now, we understand that parents may have some apprehensions. In this article, we’ll go over everything there is to know about kids fighting events at The Fight Centre.

  • What are kids fighting events

    Much like in any other venture, the best way to enrich your skills is to learn by doing. The Fight Centre promotes this learning by providing opportunities for kids to apply their skills against an active opponent. 

    It’s one thing to practise techniques against a dummy. It’s another to practise them against a target that hits back.

    That’s why our (very well-trained) coaches regularly facilitate internal sparring sessions for kids. There are weekly boxing sessions, as well as occasional sparring events against kids from other gyms, and a biannual in-house kids fighting exhibition event.

  • Who can join these events

    As much as we’d love to give all kids the opportunity to try their hand, sparring requires a certain level of maturity. Kids from ages 10 to 12 and teens from 13 to 17 may take part with parental consent. If you feel that you’re not comfortable letting your kids join, we respect that. Still, we would encourage you to observe some sparring sessions to get an idea of how things usually play out.

  • Is it safe for my kids to fight

    Absolutely! While we want your kids to reach their full potential, their safety is of utmost priority. We match every child up with others who are of similar ages and sizes. Every match is supervised by qualified Muay Thai officials who act as referees. They observe and are ready to step in and stop a match as necessary. 

    The rules are also modified per age group for an additional layer of safety.

  • What are the rules

    Rounds for kids fighting events are shorter than for adults, typically 60–90 seconds, with a minute of rest in between. There are more restrictions in techniques and requirements for safety gear as well. 

    Two young girls decked out in full safety gear (headgear, chest piece, and shin guards) engage in an exchange of strikes.

    Everyone wears mouthguards, hand wraps, and gloves regardless of whether it’s Muay Thai or Boxing. In Muay Thai, kids must wear body shields, headgear, and shin guards to protect them whether they kick or receive kicks. Boxing, on the other hand, requires only headgear to protect heads from punches.

    Techniques may also be allowed or restricted depending on the age group and proficiency of the kids fighting in the event. Advanced fighters have more stamina and control over their techniques and power, which allows for more flexibility in restrictions.

    Here’s a quick summary of the rules:

    A table containing information on safety gear requirements and restricted strikes and targets for kids fight matches.

  • What were the past kids fighting events like

    Since the first in-house kids fighting event in 2015, all bouts have been declared as draws. To quote one of the co-founders, Jarvie:

    “There is plenty of time for our kids to have competitive bouts in the future if that’s what they want. We were aiming to create a day where the kids could have fun and show their parents what they were capable of, without the pressure of losing to one of their friends that they have to train with every week.”

    While all the bouts were draws, the event was no less exciting or rewarding for the young fighters. After all, the aim of the event was not to focus on winning or losing. Instead, it’s to create an opportunity for the kids to have fun, showcase their skills, and enjoy the thrill of combat in a safe and controlled environment.

    These in-house exhibition events are a great way for kids to understand the sport better and gain a sense of what it takes to compete.

    (The TFC community comes together to make every event a great success. The whole process makes it fun not just for the kids but the adults who take part as well.)

  • Why should I let my kids join

    We believe that at the ages of 6–12, kids should receive every opportunity to try lots of new things, develop their love for combat sports, and learn the discipline that comes with it. 

    A coach teaches a young student to protect the head.

    TFC approaches teaching kids with a focus on development, discipline, and understanding of the sport. With that comes the need for safe spaces to practise the skills they learn, which we provide through non-competitive sparring and in-house fight nights. 

    Over the years that TFC has been teaching kids, we have found that they learn more than just the skills they practise. Martial arts have many benefits, including developing a sense of confidence that spills over to all aspects of their lives. 

    To give a quick example, confidence in kids allows them to effectively manage their emotions and responses. In turn, this means they have an enhanced ability to deal with conflict and stressful situations. Such ability will serve them well—beyond the mats, beyond childhood, and far into their adult lives.

    It’s not just about giving kids some exercise; it’s a holistic approach that teaches them to build lifelong skills and the discipline to commit over time, even in the face of adversity.

  • Martial arts for kids at TFC

    If you’re looking for a safe and fun way for your child to learn and enjoy martial arts, look no further than The Fight Centre in Brisbane. The classes are specifically designed to help kids develop their physical fitness, mental toughness, and discipline while having fun.

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