To object to boxing for PE?

[drspouse]

Context: DS has ADHD, some aggressive behaviour, and is in a specialist SEMH school.
They go off site once a week for a physical activity (billed as Outdoor Ed, but so far we've had swimming, and it's now being switched to boxing at a local gym).
He's just about to turn 13 and has done no martial arts before. I would be happy with him doing another martial art but boxing carries risks I'm not happy with, plus I'm opposed to hitting people as a sport.

The problem is that if he doesn't go to the session (whether it's because he's ill, because he's misbehaved at school, or because we withdraw him) he won't be offered an alternative out of school. He'll just be left at school to do colouring.

I'm not clear if they get another PE session during the week, I don't think we technically have the right to withdraw him from lessons except sex ed and religious worship but I don't think the school would force him to go (they couldn't, even if they wanted to, frankly!).

I know boxing has helped many young men get out of the gutter, taken them away from a life of crime, blah blah, but I don't think hitting people should be a sport, especially for a child who thinks it's fun to hit people, who thinks any accidental injury is the other person's fault and he has the right to retaliate, etc. Telling him he doesn't, that there are rules in sport etc. etc. is not going to make a blind bit of difference IMO.

I assume they'd just be punching punch bags and not doing even mini fights, but there are also the risks if another child decides it's fun to practice on DS, especially as he has epilepsy and has recently had a minor skull fracture.

They almost never head the ball in playground football.

I did MMA for a few years before dislocating my knee and I have assisted with teaching kids classes. Martial arts is fantastic for learning discipline, patience, balance and coordination, breathing techniques etc. They will be hitting pads and punch bags, it's certainly nothing to worry about. Boxing is upper body and footwork only, no kicks/spins. Both my daughters will be starting MMA when they reach 4. People get put off by stereotypes but it's an amazing atmosphere and great fun for children. Instructors plan workouts for specific individuals around medical restrictions/medical history.

where does it stop? How do kids get a chance to discover a sport then?

People moan about compulsory rugby, compulsory dance, cross country running.. Some parents object on principle to ANY sport whatsoever. It's shocking.

If it meant throwing the kids on a boxing ring with only gloves and a gum shield, then yes, it would be a bit much. General boxing training on the other hand? Nothing wrong with it. Even learning to skip is a very useful fitness tool

Ha ha, can't see dyspraxic DS skipping! That might be a head injury risk in itself!

The idea of people punching each other makes no sense to me and I have no interest in it whatsoever but my child is not me so if they wanted to do this that is up to the

I think parents should only control so much and the sport does amazing good so I would have no issue as I doubt at that level there would be harm

Boxing in primary on my experience is not hitting each other! It's punch bag, pads, and different exercises to support coordination. It is very popular in a lot of SEN provision here because it can help with aggression.

So what do they do in the ring? I agree it has its benefits but the ops issue is the hitting of each other which she is not wrong about

Again I would have no issue with my child doing this but what is all the training for if not the ultimate goal of getting in a ring and boxing?

The only ring work I saw was in 6th class so age 12+ and was a trainer holding a body pad to practice.

It's for fitness, health, discipline and enjoyment. It's its own reward. No hitting of actual humans is required. You hit pads and bags in the same way you'd hit in a boxing match.