04/17/2026
I'm writing a rebuttal / alternative to the recent article "Batter Up" in the Brazos Monthly. I grew up playing 'team sports' because that was really all we had circa 1959-1970. We played our own version of "Sandlot" everyday in Cincinnati, Ohio because the old Reds ruled in Crosley Field!
The main point that I want to make is this: some kids may be TEAM sports kids...and some, like me, may be more INDIVIDUAL sports oriented. However, I did not realize that until after I quit playing team sports in college because I finally got fed up with the coaches and THE SYSTEM.
Once I got onto the karate mat at Mr. Foreman' Karate Institute in Muncie, Indiana I fell in love with martial arts - and have not looked back! That led to coaching junior high and high school wresltling up in Indiana. I loved it because the kids had 'wrestle offs' and they decided what weight class they would wrestle! Today girls wrestling is the fastest growing of all girls sports in the USA! If you are interested in wrestling for your little one, ages 3-4 and up, please contact Coach Dice at the Brazoria County Wrestling Club (979)417-1262.
I'm also writing this article for ALL of the martial arts schools and studios in the Brazoria County area...because we know that we not only deliever FUN (which was the number one thing that all TEAM sport don't deliever), but we also help our students gain real confidence and real life abilities and life skills - that may not be found in team sports, especially if the coach(es) are not well qualified.
We encourage our students to grow at their own pace. Martial arts training is a journey, not a destination. These are "arts" that last a lifetime. We help today's children become tomorrow's leaders!
The article states that participation rates in team sports have dropped off due to the cost of select sports (i.e.: the privatized model - travel teams or club sports), because we all know MY KID is going pro!!! NOT!
When I was in college (1973-78), there were a few of my professors that told us the USA would follow the European model and switch over to more club / travel team sports for college recruitment - and they were right! The article states that many parents "dip into five figures per year to maintain their club participation." I know, we did it for our kids!
Participation in our schools and studios does not come close to five figures. It may not seem cheap, but you don't want cheap for investing in your child's future. Did you buy that really cheap cell phone or car? Probably not! How much are those mani-pedi's? Do you pay for ink?
Try and find "the right fit" martial arts school for both you and your child and let them try it for a year. You might be surprised at how much fun they have and how much they will grow as a young person.