My youngest daughter has been in martial arts since she was 7 years old. I enrolled her primarily as an alternative to medicating her after she was diagnosed with ADHD. Best decision I ever made, by the way. She loves MMA, but she does not compete. Her main focus is TKD, but she likes to throw various other styles into her regimen as well. It keeps her physically fit, has taught her self discipline, how to remain focused, maintain control of herself and (as an added bonus) can defend herself in MOST situations. Of course, she has been taught along the way, how to keep herself out of most situations where she may need to defend herself. She currently holds a 4th degree black belt in TKD (which she achieved at 17 years old), a yellow belt in BJJ, is proficient in several weapons and is a certified instructor. Sorry….the last sentence was probably not necessary, but I AM a mom and can’t resist an opportunity to do a little bragging. ;-)