MMA Evolving: Family-Friendly Combat Sports in the Czech Republic vs. Germany's Strict Regulations
MMA Transforming from Full-Contact Combat to Family-Friendly Spectacle?
By Michael Bauer, Prague
In the heart of Europe, a vibrant contrast exists between the two neighboring countries, Germany and the Czech Republic, in their approach to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events. While Germany clings tenaciously to its strict youth protection laws, the Czech Republic has embraced MMA as a family-friendly sport for all ages. Streaming giant, Oktagon, is the promoter charging ahead, aiming to align the FSK standards of both countries.
Children in the Czech Republic can dive into the world of combat sports as early as four, with courses in wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu available, and MMA training offered from the age of eleven. In stark contrast, MMA events in Germany are accessible only to adults due to age restrictions. But Oktagon strives for change, aiming to transform the image of MMA from a violent, street-fighting spectacle into a respected sport watched by families across Germany.
In an interview with ntv/RTL, Pavol Neruda, co-founder of Oktagon, highlights the transition that MMA has undergone in the Czech Republic. "People have understood that the sport can be very inspiring," he says. Even children have embraced MMA, acknowledging it for what it is - a sport, not street fighting. The shift in perception emerged as people overcame their initial fears brought on by an unfamiliar sport. Antibullying campaigns with martial artists played a significant role in turning the tides.
Oktagon, with its roots in the Czech Republic, aimed to replicate the positive coup it had achieved at home while venturing into Germany. However, the path was not without challenges. The promoter faced significant regulations in Slovakia, where events could only be broadcast on free TV after 8 PM. But the barriers were quickly removed, according to Neruda. Advertisers and TV partners, initially cautious or fearful, grew more comfortable as they saw the growing popularity of MMA.
In Germany, the situation was more intricate. Oktagon started with a reality show focusing on the fighters' stories and, as a result, live events found their way onto major private channels in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Yet, each German state had its unique set of rules. Some events were banned entirely, while others required attendees to be at least 16 years old. In addition, MMA events could only be broadcast on TV after 11 PM - an unusual hurdle for Oktagon to overcome.
Unlike boxing, which can be broadcast after 10 PM, MMA has an FSK 18 rating due to its violent imagery and its media representation. However, this rating doesn't reflect the sport itself but the way it's portrayed. Oktagon endeavors to educate and dispel the misconceptions surrounding MMA. Neruda notes, "Many regulations weren't designed for this new situation. As a popular and rapidly growing sport, MMA should also be adjusted in Germany."
Bringing MMA back to free TV is a pivotal step in terms of education, according to Neruda. "It would change a lot," he says. Despite any apprehensions people might have, the way Oktagon presents MMA is family-oriented. "We can explain that it's a sport, how fighters prepare, show respect, and don't fight to kill each other," Neruda added.
Source: ntv.de
- Mixed Martial ArtsIn broader terms, martial arts as a category are increasingly considered family-friendly. These sports, often promoted as great alternatives to team sports for both adults and children, emphasize personal growth, discipline, and self-defense in a family-friendly environment[4]. While MMA may not immediately suggest a family environment due to its professional competitions, efforts to create a more inclusive atmosphere could pave the way for greater acceptance of MMA events as suitable family entertainment.
[4] Grant, P. (2021). The Mental Health Benefits of Martial Arts. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-martial-arts-2795638
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is being promoted as a family-friendly sport, with children in the Czech Republic allowed to start training as early as four years old. This shift in perspective, nurtured through initiatives like Oktagon's antibullying campaigns, presents MMA as a sport that fosters personal growth, discipline, and self-defense in a family-friendly environment, aligning with other martial arts.
The sports-analysis of MMA in Germany reveals that Oktagon aims to transform the image of MMA and ease the strict regulations by educating viewers about the proper sporting behavior and respect exhibited by fighters. This family-oriented approach could lead to increased acceptance of MMA events as suitable family entertainment, bringing the sport closer to the broader perspective of martial arts as a family-friendly category.
