Is Wrestling and Ultimate Fighting Appropriate Television for Your Child?

Children these days are exposed to more and more of these sports. Wrestling has always been around with the WWE (formerly WWF) while Mixed Martial Arts is on the rise with such organizations as the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and Pride Fighting.

Do we censor this viewing for our kids? I think we better or at least view it with them.

Do I let my children view this material?

Yes, but only with my finger on that remote buttons. I'm prepared to change channels when something appears to be going in an inappropriate direction.

Is wrestling appropriate programming for kids?

Wrestling no longer calls itself a sport but rather Sports Entertainment. This means they admit to being a soap opera with various story lines to attract the audience. Actual Wrestling has almost become secondary to the storyline.

The characters are no longer the All American Hero Hulk Hogan with the catchphrase 'Eat your vitamins and say your prayers". If only we as parents had that much power over our kids. Instead now we get "Degeneration X" with childish pranks and the overused catchphrase "Suck It".

Wrestling has grown from the sport with identifiable heroes and villains to something that resembles over exaggerated characters with no discernible definition of good or evil. Women used to actually wrestle, now it is a skimpy fashion show with the characters queued up to be published in Playboy.

Wrestling still on occasion displays athleticism in a match but rarely these days. This is the only time it appears to be appropriate.

Is Ultimate Fighting Any Better?

The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) the most watched organizations in the Mixed Martial Arts genre tries to maintain its identity as a sport but still tries to create characters out of real fighters. They try to be there own sport with a mix of boxing and the flair of wrestling thrown in.

The blood, pain and injuries are real however. These men do not act hurt unless they are. Women are starting to enter this sport slowly as fighters but there are still the scantily clad ring girls seen in boxing carrying the ring round cards between rounds. The occasional swear also gets the bleep in the excitement.

If a child appears to appreciate technique and style and has genuine interest in Martial Arts it may be appropriate for them but cheering for more blood just shows they are not ready.

Are there Redeeming qualities?

Yes, if child get the urge to become more active and there interest in sports increases. We as parents though have to channel this energy and direct it in a positive direction. The following examples can be seen as positive consequences of interest in these shows.

WWE wrestling should not be confused with Olympic wrestling as a sport even though some athletes have made the transition. If a child is interested however many schools offer wrestling in their curriculum and the potential for university scholarships are there.

A child's interest in Ultimate Fighting can be beneficial if channeled in the right direction and program. One of my children has been in Karate and the other has shown interest in training in the Martial Arts. Remember martial art is not all violence, but also can teach self-discipline, promote confidence building, and provide exercise. I know a friend who has a teenage daughter who is still active in martial arts and has he no worries about her security on dates or at night.

Remember keep that hand on the Remote!