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ShareKUWAIT: Martial arts often conjures images of brave and mighty warriors using their skills in hand-to-hand combat and/or weapons to vanquish their adversary and protect loved ones. Such notions usually attract men and women from all walks of life, pushing them to pursue a path of discipline, honor, and self-growth. When it comes to children, the martial arts; when taught young and right, could utilize their innate capabilities, pushing kids from all ages to become top martial artists in their own respect, or maybe, if the situation required, could defend themselves and others.
In Kuwait, many parents would seek to enlist children in martial arts dojos of various disciplines whether it was karate, kickboxing, ju-jitsu, judo, or more recently Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Speaking to KUNA, Under 92 Kg champion of the now defunct Gladiator Fighting Championship (GFC) Mohammad Al-De’ee affirmed that there was a misconception that the martial arts were used to inflict violence upon others.
However, he continues, even if some actually do that, the vast majority of martial artists were outstanding people that seek peace and the betterment of their societies. When it came to children, Al-De’ee said that in the hands of a capable and well-mannered instructor, children with confidence issues and shyness would excel and become disciplined people willing to help themselves and others. He reiterated the point that enlisting children in various martial arts dojos in Kuwait was on the rise due to parents’ eagerness to see their kids become better persons.
MMA Champion and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu (BJJ) instructor Hussam Qashou indicated that parents bring their children to dojos, especially in the summer break with soaring heat preventing most outdoor activities. The increasing interest in martial arts throughout the Arab world has bred some world champions and brought in media attention, he said, adding that there’s nothing better than teaching children something worthwhile and beneficial.
Mohammad Al-Muzaini - a parent - said that he enrolled his children in Kajukenbo, a hybrid martial art that originated in Hawaii, in addition to karate, kudo, kenpo, and boxing.
Muzaini pointed out that his children - Fahad, 9, and Rakan, 7, - had benefited greatly from Kajukenbo, noting that in the meantime, they were preparing for a tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada, which gave his children more reason to train and develop their skills. Muzaini and his children also expressed joy in discovering Kajukenbo, saying that the ginormous benefits of martial arts would last anyone a lifetime. — KUNA
