Children and martial arts

I have been involved in martial arts since 1992. I am a Third Dan in Traditional Karate and am President for the Traditional Karate Federation of Malta which is one of Malta's most prestigious karate organisations.

I thought I had seen it all, done it and even bought the T Shirt. That is until I went to see a "martial art festival" which was held at the Cottonera Sports Complex on March 18.

I was shocked and disgusted to see two 10-year-old boys enter the ring and proceed to hit the living daylights out of each other. What shocked me even more was the attitude of the parents and spectators who were all shouting encouragement for the children to hit each other harder and faster. At this point one of them got kicked in the chest and went down.

The doctor promptly put him on a stool, gave him some breathing exercises and allowed the now crying boy to continue this organised street fight.

As far as I know, children are not allowed to work in this country and dog fighting is against the law. However, it seems we allow children to hit each other senseless under the false name of "light contact fighting".

In the last European Karate Championships which were held in Malta (June 2005) I had a rib broken, and this was in a no-contact competition, but of course I am an adult and I entered this competition out of my own free will, knowing that accidents happen.

Shame on the organisers of this so-called martial art festival and shame on the parents who enjoyed seeing their children being harmed and hurting other children..

I appeal to the minister for sports and to the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport (who are doing a wonderful job) to send a representative to these competitions, check what is happening and stop the competition at the slightest abuse.

As regards other karate federations, we have a number of competitors but I am happy to say that they all do a wonderful job with children and, yes, karate is safe for your kids.

Finally, a note to parents: You have a duty to protect your children and you should not feel embarrassed to ask the instructor of your children any questions you might have. For example, how dangerous is this activity? Are you trained in first aid? Are you a qualified coach and, if yes, who gave you your qualifications?

Having a black belt round your waist does not mean that you can safely teach children.