MMA Comes Home: Family-Friendly Mixed Martial Arts Revolution
Is MMA transitioning from a full-contact combat sport to a kid-friendly spectacle?
By Michael Bauer, Prague
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In a world where MMA is gaining popularity and shedding its 'hardcore' image, Germany's leading promoter Oktagon is on a mission to bring this high-octane sport back to the family table.
MMA events have long been hard-hitting, blood-pumping spectacles, reserved for mature audiences. However, in the Czech Republic and other countries, things are changing. Oktagon, the force driving the MMA scene in Europe, is leading the charge towards a more accessible and family-friendly MMA scene.
Youngsters as young as four can sign up for wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu classes, with MMA training open for kids as old as eleven. The difference lies in Germany's youth protection laws which restrict the viewing of MMA events to adults 18 and above. But the promoters at Oktagon are determined to bring MMA into mainstream German culture, aligning it with the FSK standards of its neighboring nations.
"Kids appreciate MMA as a sport," says Pavol Neruda, co-founder of Oktagon, in a candid interview. "They understand it's not a street fight." Although initial concerns surrounding the novelty of the sport were prevalent, anti-bullying campaigns highlighted the positive aspects of MMA, changing its image significantly.
Before setting its sights on the uncharted German market, Oktagon encountered challenges in Slovakia. Free-TV broadcasts were initially restricted to after 8 PM. However, these barriers were swiftly dashed away, according to Neruda. "TV partners and sponsors were fearful at first," he says.
German Trends - A Sparkling Star Apart
The story changed drastically in Germany. "It was surprising," confesses Neruda. Each federal state had its own set of rules, making navigation just as challenging for Oktagon as foreign waters. Events in Frankfurt were strictly off-limits, only accessible to adults aged 18 and above. In contrast, viewers aged 16 and above could attend events in Oberhausen. Moreover, the sport could only be broadcast on TV after 11 PM, a shock to the Oktagon CEO.
MMA is rated FSK 18 due to the violent imagery it portrays, not because of the sport itself. Unlike boxing, which can be broadcast on TV as early as 10 PM, MMA's darker side leaves viewers and decision-makers uneasy.
Time for Change
Oktagon aims to spark change, as they did in their home country. "Many regulations aren't designed for this new situation," says Neruda. "MMA is a rapidly growing and widely recognized sport in many countries such as the USA, France, and the UK. Therefore, it's crucial that Germany adapts its regulations to keep pace."
Bringing MMA back to free TV is a missing link in the educational puzzle. "That could change many things," says Neruda. "But it's essential to keep in mind that people may initially be hesitant." The way Oktagon presents MMA is family-oriented, emphasising respectful conduct, and displaying a sport about skill, endurance, and sportsmanship.
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Source: ntv.de
- Mixed Martial Arts
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By advocating for a more family-friendly MMA environment, Oktagon aims to break down barriers and broaden its reach. Some strategies for achieving this goal includes:
- Youth Programs: Offering workshops or classes for children, focusing on martial arts disciplines like jiu-jitsu or kickboxing, which are often part of MMA training.
- Family-Friendly Events: Organizing events that are accessible and enjoyable for families, such as offering special seating areas or activities for children during events.
By focusing on community engagement, safety measures, and educational programs, Oktagon expects to position MMA as a legitimate and appealing sport for families, just like in the Czech Republic and other nations.
"With Oktagon leading the charge, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is aspiring to become a mainstream sports option for families in Germany, similar to its status in countries like the Czech Republic. The promoters at Oktagon are introducing youth programs and family-friendly events, with martial arts classes available for kids as young as four and MMA training for those as old as eleven."
"As Germany adapts its regulations to keep pace with the increasingly popular MMA scene, Oktagon aims to bring MMA back to free TV, which could significantly change the way people perceive the sport. This shift in perspective emphasizes MMA as a skill-based, endurance-focused, and sportsmanlike activity, thus removing its 'hardcore' image and making it more acceptable for families."
