@ JackSons
2025-02-22 04:54:14
Anybody remember “slug-bug”? It’s a game I used to play as a boy. Before Volkswagen committed the cardinal sin of cheating at the expense of the environment? VW failed its breathalyzer test when forced to drive, under harsh scrutiny, a very long, straight line.
Prior to that faux pas, Volkswagen built a “wagon for the people”. They were ubiquitous. If spotted, you immediately blurted “slug-bug”, and then “socked” your buddy. Scoring included identifying the paint color, let’s not forget that detail. “Slug-bug blue.” Slug-bug black and blue. It seemed like they were everywhere, precisely because we were looking for them, and precisely because they were everywhere. It wasn’t simply confirmation bias.
I suppose it proves the point of the proponents of toxic masculinity theory. We preferred gleefully pummeling each other while riding unbelted in the back seat of the family station wagon, or while riding BMX bikes to the pit, trailhead, or next best site of aerial invigoration. It‘s what we did as kids. It wasn’t just the boys, but usually it was. Skinned knees and welts earned during Volkswagen drive-bys were everyday pass time. Ride bikes. Jump off things that were a little too high. Wrestle. Play tackle football, then “slug-bug” again ad infinitum.
Not so anymore. Has the zeitgeist swept us from the “violence” that accompanied the spotting of a rapidly obsolescing German automobile? Does masculine, rough-housing behavior mirror the verboten culture of the most nefarious German Third Reich; blitzkrieg in polygonal cages the world over? Am I en membered in a regime of misguided youth come adult, whose hobby is rife with fascistic psychological traits? Do bruised arms inevitably lead to black eyes and incapacitation? Has my fascination with punching my best friend on sight of a “people mobile made for the masses” become a gateway activity to brutalism?
Set aside the theories of toxic masculinity, the extent to which such a thing exists, and how they are reputed to affect men and society at large. A well crafted combat sports regimen is a healing prescription for all. Never mind the protests that regimented fighting is a psychological scourge of the modern male. Disregard any claims that such behavior leads to psychopathology and normative violence against women. Counter those politically correct WMDs aimed at traditional values. They have informed masculine behavior since before the beginning of recorded history. I strongly recommend enrolling your son in a Martial Arts program. A quality program benefits all parties.
*Your son’s hyperactivity and rough and tumble behavior is welcome here.*
Me and my ilk believe that exuberant physical behavior is healthy when channeled constructively. A well planned martial arts program provides a safe, encouraging space in which kids can physically develop combat skills. The wrestling mat can validate a child’s physical impulses and remind him he is welcome, even if coaches must periodically subject him to disciplinary measures or a drubbing from the boy next door. Clearly defined rules and penalties for breaking them incentivize positive behavior. Physical training is a pressure release valve that promotes academic focus and sociable behavior outside of the gym. Boys benefit from fraternity, and they come to embody the learned values, carrying them into the domains they frequent.
A combination of physical exertion, intellectual gaming, and self-defense practice is a solid recipe for a youth program, irrespective of age or developmental level. Parents should make it a priority to foster a healthy relationship with physical activity in their children…even if the sport they ultimately choose isn’t martial arts.
*MMA cultivates the mind and rewards problem solving.*
While martial arts may seem like a grossly physical discipline, physical problems require intellectual solutions. MMA is the thinking man’s sport. Youth will learn to reason during intense physical exertion. They will learn composure under stress. Given the fluid, dynamic nature of Mixed Martial Arts, split second decision making is required for problem solving. Practicing physical forms encourages kids to internalize mechanics. Striking combinations and obstacle courses promote sequencing. Round timers guide kids to perform on the clock.
Students take countless academic tests that influence their academic trajectories. The AI technological revolution will reward people who have excellent “soft skills”. Time management, decision making under pressure, adaptability, conflict resolution, creative thinking, and teamwork are on offer in a good martial arts program.
*MMA is a team sport.*
Competition teams are stables of mates who share the common goal of victory through excellence, even while each needs to perform independently to succeed. A fighter cannot adequately prepare himself for a competition without the guidance of a coach and the help of teammates with whom he can drill, spar, condition and commiserate.
Whether gymnasium or workplace, it’s difficult to keep competent help. Showing up on time. Doing what you’ve committed to do with consistency. Graciously accepting help to overcome sticking points and feelings of impotence, not to mention defeat. Being available for a teammate who was there for your training camp when his training camp rolls around. A worthwhile martial arts regimen should demand and encourage such behavior and ethics. Kids who choose to compete will learn to live by virtuous codes and cultivate relationships with others like them.
*Confidence is ingredient to standing up to bullies and would be abductors.*
Children need to be confronted with role-playing scenarios that bring theoretical concepts into the real world of school cafeteria confrontations, rowdy movie nights at the mall, battles with bullies on the way home from band practice and pederasts on the lurk.
A child will learn the conscienceless tools of defense and offense, but, as we know, with power comes responsibility. Teaching a child the physical, martial arts without teaching them the proper circumstances under which it is to be used or proportionality can breed more bullies. See ‘The Karate Kid’. Kids must be taught accountability to go with their hard earned, dangerous abilities.
*Failure is a good. In fact, it’s essential.*
Kids will ‘fail’ at life. They will fail in school and kickball. They will fail at video gaming. How they learn to deal with failure will define them more so than any other skill. A well constructed martial arts program will help a child work through his failures.
The goal should be for any aspirant to view failure as an opportunity to redouble his efforts and outperform. When a child learns to reapply himself physically, while thinking his way through what is fundamentally an intellectual problem, his confidence swells. A well planned MMA program provides a supervised space (physical and virtual) in which children can engage problems, challenge themselves, supportively fail and set goals to overcome those obstacles. When a person regiments goal setting and meets his challenges, it inspires a positive feedback loop that spirals into other aspects of his life.
*Martial Arts families share a community.*
A child who enrolls in a Martial Arts program will interact with like-minded kids and their parents, people who share similar values and philosophies. Lifelong friendships often begin this way, and playdate vetting takes care of itself. Billy and James both like to wrestle, and they enjoy Star Wars. This is the way.
Irrespective of your position on whether there is a thing called toxic masculinity, a well thought out and responsibly implemented martial arts regimen is a boon to child, family, greater community and society full wide. There are a variety of philosophies, intensity levels and art forms that fall under the “Martial Arts” catchall heading. Call around, ask questions and observe classes. Starting a new activity can be intimidating for both parent and child, especially when beginning a combat art. I recommend gentle encouragement. Forcing a child to train against his will risks poisoning the well and possibly the athletic pond more broadly. It’s a fine line to walk. Take one step at a time.