» Yikes here come the Sparring Classes!! The Chatter

Yikes here come the Sparring Classes!!

August 8th, 2008 · No Comments

Ok so my precious bundle of joy is now a fast growing 9 year old. He is a green belt in karate and is now going to have to start sparring!!

First of all, what happened to that precious little baby that was so cuddly and sweet?? He grew into the squealing, hugging, dancing child we took to Disney for the first time when he was three http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg1NF53sPw4 Then he became the brave boy who left his Mom behind and went to Kindergarten to play and sing. Now he is 9 and like a young gentleman. It has all flown by so quickly and every minute has been a joy (even the trying ones!) Now my baby is going to have to stand in a ring and kick and punch another mother’s baby and have them attack back!!! WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!!!!!

Don’t get me wrong, I like karate and all of the good things it teaches. But I am one of those Mom’s that wants to put my child in bubble to make sure he never gets hurt. Now I am being asked to choose Karate sparring gear to protect my baby. Everytime I think about sparring I see bloody noses and broken bones. I am not sure that I am cut out for this!

My son, is thrilled to be ready to start sparring. He is bugging me daily to buy his sparring equipment. I have NO CLUE what is the best or safest or how much he needs. Can’t I just wrap him like the Staypuff Marshmellow man in bubblewrap so that each punch and jab will be deflected? Sure it will be hard for him to walk and stay upright but he will be safe!!!

I am now faced with the decisions of to buy a face cage, face shield or just a plain helmet. Do we go for the chest protector that also covers the collarbone and spine or one he can actually move in while wearing???? I would love to find a site or blog or other Mom’s who have travelled this slippery slope and can give me advice and guidance. I have tried typing in the words “safe sparring equipment” and “what are the differences in sparring gear” to local search engines but the results have all been shopping sites. I need help and (probably tranquilizers) soon because I know the next step is weaponry!!