MMA in the Family Zone: Is the Sport Changing its Tough Image in Germany?
MMA Shifting Towards a More Family-Friendly Spectacle?
By Michael Bauer, Prague
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link
In Germany, MMA events may soon become a family affair, with children in the audience. But there's a catch. Despite lower age limits for training and participating in MMA, the sport can only be viewed by those aged 18 and above due to tough youth protection laws. However, promoter Oktagon aims to bridge the gap between the two countries and make MMA a spectacle open to all ages.
MMA enthusiasts of all ages can start their fighting journey at a young age, with wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu classes available for children as young as four, and MMA training starting at 11. In contrast, the Czech Republic allows children to watch MMA events in person. Oktagon, the leading MMA promoter in Germany, is determined to redefine the sport's image in its home country, just as it did in the Czech Republic.
Pavol Neruda, co-founder of Oktagon, shared his thoughts on the matter in an interview with ntv/RTL, "In the Czech Republic, people have recognized that the sport can be very inspiring. Even children there understand that MMA is a competitive sport, not a street fight." Initially, there were concerns about the sport's novelty, but anti-bullying campaigns led by fighters helped change MMA's image in the Czech Republic.
Despite initial challenges, Oktagon has been successful in expanding into Germany. However, they first faced regulatory hurdles in Slovakia, where free-TV broadcasts were only allowed after 8 PM. Neruda stated that this restriction was quickly lifted. The main challenge in Germany was the varying regulations across states, with some events prohibited and others only open to adults aged 18 and above.
MMA's FSK 18 rating in Germany is not due to the sport itself but the graphic images it produces during live broadcasts. Unlike boxing, which can be shown on TV as early as 10 PM, MMA's edgy image has earned it a later time slot on TV.
Oktagon is working to change perceptions and push for regulations more in line with the sport's worldwide recognition. "A very new and popular sport that is growing bigger every day," says Neruda, going on to highlight the sport's acceptance in countries like the USA, France, and the UK. "Therefore, the regulations should also be adjusted in Germany."
Bringing MMA back to free TV would be a significant move towards increased education and awareness. According to Neruda, "That would change a lot. People might be afraid at first, but the way we present MMA is very family-oriented. We can explain that it's a sport, how fighters prepare, show respect, and don't stand in the cage to kill each other."
Source: ntv.de
- *Did You Know?
- MMA is a rapidly growing sport, with increasing popularity worldwide.
- Anti-bullying campaigns involving MMA fighters have helped change perceptions of the sport in places like the Czech Republic.
- In Germany, MMA events may soon become more accessible to families with changes in regulations and broadcast times.
Mixed martial arts, once perceived as a tough sport, is aiming to redefine its image in Germany, aspiring to be more family-friendly, just as it successfully did in the Czech Republic. Pavol Neruda, co-founder of leading MMA promoter Oktagon, hopes to bring MMA back to free TV, which could increase education and awareness about the sport and help change people's initial apprehensions about it being too edgy.
