Community Journal Entry: I’m just like any other parent supporting their kids’ dream
When people find out I am a mother to kids who all do combat sports, they often look at me like I have three heads.
ENTRY #13 — Caroline Romero, Canada
September 12, 2019
In Canada especially, boxing, jiu jitsu, MMA, all have connotations of danger attached to them. As a parent of these children, I see the literal blood, sweat and tears that lie behind their participation in these sports.
Our oldest son, Anthony Romero, is a professional MMA fighter. He began training in Tae Kwondo at the age of 5. He progressed to jiu jitsu, kickboxing and MMA.
As parents we started him in martial arts because we wanted him to have the ability to protect himself. Never ever did we suspect that he would take it on as a career.
Our middle son is a Golden Gloves Champion boxer. He followed in his older brother’s footsteps, starting at age 4 in jiu jitsu, but along the way developed a love for boxing. He had his own in-house trainer in his older brother. The boys have a special bond through their love of sport. Even when we are on vacation, they bring their equipment for training by the pool or on the beach.
Our daughter, the youngest, can give her brothers a run for their money in jiu jitsu. As a baby, she sat watching them on the mat and by the age of 3, she was right there with them. She is also a competitive gymnast.
As parents to these children, we take on a great deal of responsibility.
For example, my son has an MMA fight coming up this weekend. We are busy gathering sponsor logos together to order his banner, keeping track of ticket sales, and creating grocery lists of foods he can eat during his weight cut. I won’t even get into what it’s like having an athlete doing a weight cut living in the house.
Why do we do this? We see the love and passion our kids have for the sport. We see their dedication day in and day out. Our kids love to be in the ring and it’s their favourite place in the world.
Truth is, we are just like any other parent supporting their kids in something they love to do.
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The Scrap’s Caroline Romero is a journalism graduate and has 3 children involved in combat sport. Make sure to follow her son Simon Romero on his Behind The Grind podcast on YouTube.
Best women’s BJJ rash guards are produced with materials that absorb your sweat. I want to learn game despite my best effort, I, unfortunately, is succeeded in that mission due to foot injury and cracked health. Healthy body is very necessary for the players.