Inside the outrageous world of child cage fighting: Tiny boys who are trained to attack each other in America’s baby MMA arenas
- Children's MMA or Pankration is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States with an estimated 3 million kids involved
Excerpt and images from Daily Mail article by JAMES NYE
Originally Published on 5th November 2013
A New-York based photographer, Sebastian Montalvo, traveled across the country and compiled a photographic essay in which he attempts to shine a light onto the ferocious sport, giving names and faces to the little children whose parents are encouraging their fighting spirit.
Supporters compare it's benefits to boxing and traditional martial arts and claim that it encourages self-discipline, fair play and exercise.
Critics call it barbaric and fear for the children's safety and the effect on their behavior.
Effort: Kristofer "The Arm Collector" Arrey, 7, chokes Mason Bramlette, 7, during 2013 California State Pankration Championships Youth Division. Pankration is a version of the popular Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)-style fighting that is adapted for children
Tears: Mason "The Beast" Bramlette, 7, cries after receiving a punch during 2013 California State Pankration Championships Youth Division
Parker, Arizona, United States: Kristofer "The Arm Collector" Arrey, 7, and Cross Betzhold, 6, prepare for their bout at a United States Fight League Pankration All-Star tournament held at the BlueWater Resort and Casino
Parker, Arizona, United States: Kristofer "The Arm Collector" Arrey, 7, pins Cross Betzhold, 6, against the cage during a United States Fight League Pankration All-Star tournament held at the BlueWater Resort and Casino
San Bernardino, California, United States: Mason "The Beast" Bramlette, 7, is choked by his opponent during a Pankration tournament held at Adrenaline Combat Sports and Fitness
Sacramento, California, United States: Mason "The Beast" Bramlette, 7, trains at the Ultimate Fitness Gym before the 2013 California State Pankration Championships Youth Division
San Bernardino, California, United States: Mason "The Beast" Bramlette, 7, is weighed in before a tournament at Adrenaline Combat Sports and Fitness in San Bernardino
Training: Mason "The Beast" Bramlette, 7, and Justin Ramirez, 7, train before a fight in a Pankration tournament held at Adrenaline Combat Sports and Fitness
Parker, Arizona, United States: A Pankration fighters enters the cage during a United States Fight League Pankration All-Star tournament held at the BlueWater Resort and Casino
Chula Vista, California, United States: A participant in a Pankration tournament in Chula Vista (left) and (right) Parker, Arizona, United States: Cross Betzhold, 6, is inspected before his fight in a USFL
Riverside, California, United States: Kriss Arrey, 7, and Justin Ramirez, 7, receive trophies after winning a Pankration tournament organized by the United States Fight League in Riverside
More tears: Sacramento, California, United States: Daniel Arrellano, 6, cries after being defeated in the 2013 California State Pankration Championships Youth Division. Arrellano finished second in the age 5-7 under 55lbs category