This is where the greatest French champions of the discipline train. At the MMA Factory, in eastern Paris (12th arrondissement), their victorious portraits adorn the walls up to the ceiling. After the announcement Tuesday evening, by the Ministry of Sports, of the next framework for MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) by the boxing federation, the first step towards its full recognition in France, there is still as much excitement. Normal, it's Wednesday, the day of the little ones. And many of them - 238 in total - take courses from the age of 4 and up to 18.
Behind a fence, in the 80 square meter cage lined with foam rugs, the kids of the “baby MMA” (4 to 7 years old) get excited and then fall silent. "We will make a game, provided there is silence," said Samir Faiddine, one of the teachers, calmly.
The passion of MMA in heritage
The little twenty kids including four girls do not fight, just flexibility exercises, displacement. The base. Things get a bit serious starting with the next category, that of “Kidz” (8 to 11 years old).
Like Elijah, 9, who started last October: "I have always loved combat sports," said the elementary school student. I tried judo but what I learn here is more interesting. "Her attraction for MMA comes from Adèle, her mother, who also joined the room a few months ago:" Elijah is hyperactive. Since he is there, he concentrates better on a daily basis. A sports session is better than all psychotherapy sessions. "
Angel, 39, has been an experienced MMA practitioner for 25 years. His passion, he passed it on to Naely, his 7-year-old daughter, who signed up 3 years ago: "It gives him confidence, discipline, and a certain balance," says papa poule. If she comes, it's because she wants to. My daughter also does classical dance. All of this contributes to his awakening. MMA is not a dangerous sport, except for those who have neither the technique nor the skills. "
For two and a half years, Anas, just over 18, has had time to improve: "And also to calm down, because it is the most complete sport," smiles this fan of Demetrious Johnson, one of the American stars of discipline, which he admires for his humility. I am more afraid of the stress of competition than of blows. "We have a lot of nuggets," concludes Samir Faiddine. Lots of little ones already have the faculties, even at 10 years old. For quite some time, the biggest have been talking to me about the legalization of our sport. I tell them not to ignite. There are still many things to take into account. Pride would be if one of them wins a world title in Paris anyway… ”