What are the appropriate guidelines for young kids 8-11 in terms of sparring / training?

Question

How frequently should young kids age 8 to 11 spar? How many rounds should they do sparring? Should they compete at that young of an age?

Answer 1

Robert ~
Every child progresses at their own pace, some faster than others. I had my first fight at 8 years old and things progressed rather rapidly for me. The "Norm" is 3 two minute rounds for Junior fighters in accordance with the rules set forth by USA Boxing the amateur governing body in America and International competitions including the Olympics.

There are two common mistakes that happen with young kids in the gym 1) Being overprotective like dressing the kid from head to toe with pads and calling the sparring session if one of them gets caught with a good shot. The kid wants to seem as normal as anyone else in the gym, try not to single him/her out that can be embarrassing for a kid of any age.

2) Thinking the kid can take a lot more than he/she can, don't over do it. Remember they're kids and sometimes get lazy and need to be pushed, but in the same breath they're kids so if they do get tired or can't do something properly cut them some slack. After being around a kid for a awhile you should be able to tell the difference between the two.

Good luck, I hope this helped a little.

Answer 2

Children at this age can spar, if properly prepared.
They should have a degree of training before they start sparring. They need to practice punching techniques and learn control before they start sparring. Sparring is not a fight. It is practice. The intensity of the sparring practice varies depending on what the instructor is trying to teach at that time, and the expertise of the children.
The kids need to know how to control the strength of their punches. They can punch full strength at a punching target, but not at a sparring partner. The instructor should not permit anybody to hurt another on purpose. Reputable schools penalize and even expel students who are inappropriately aggressive, in class or out.
Nevertheless, kids will sometimes be hurt accidentally. If the parent or child can't accept this, they should find a different sport. But accidents happen in any sport and even while playing at home.
Appropriate competition at this age is excellent, again as long as the child is ready for it. There are rules in competition, and penalties for violating the rules.
I have two children who are black belts in Tae Kwon Do. They started at ages 4 and 5. The training in physical control made a dramatic difference in their home lives; in a short time they virtually stopped hurting each other or breaking things. They had control.

Answer 3

I train three amateur fighters at a gym in Chicago and though the guys i train now aren't that young, i've seen kids as young as seven training and sparring. I think it all depends on the trainer and his methods. Very young kids have short attention spans so you don't want to overwhelm them with too much at once, but i think maybe three of four rounds of controlled sparring a day with the proper equipment is a good start and you can increase from there. And they can compete at that age. Boxing teaches kids discipline, self esteem, confidence, good nutrition, and how to set and achieve goals that can really help them in their adult lives. Two of my fighters that i train now were both gang members just two years ago but have turned their lives around thru boxing. So i think the earlier kids start, the better.

Answer 4

As long as they are wearing the proper pads (arms, legs, chest, head, mouthpiece, and cup if needed) there should be no problem. I competed in Tae Kwon Do from age 8-14 and competed alot. Probably somewhere around 30+ tournaments including the junior olympics. I can tell you from experience, I never took a hit that caused an injury that is still with me. Come to think of it I never really got injuried.

BUT...

You should also make sure your kid has a very good instructor who knows not to match up little kids with big kids. And you also shouldn't be afraid to use your best judgement situation to situation. Ultimately you should make the final call.

Answer 5

I sparred last week, and i wore headgear, cup and mouthguard. I dont think they have to wear arm and leg pads to spar...ive never seen a boxer punch to the arm or leg...thats just silly!

Answer 6

Let em fight till they get severely brain damaged.. that way they won't be able to comprehend how messed up this world is we live in. Trust me if they retained the power of logical communication along with the brain damage they would thank you in the long run.