Israeli MMA League Promotes Youth Discipline as an Alternative to Violence

Israel’s IBY MMA league is using competitive mixed martial arts as a tool to combat rising youth violence, arguing that sport can give teenagers purpose, discipline and positive reinforcement instead of destructive behavior. The report says violence among teens, both inside and outside schools, has become a serious nationwide problem, and IBY believes boredom, lack of structure and no clear goal are major drivers.

The league says its model gives teenagers a place to release energy, compete, improve and earn respect for excellence, persistence and discipline. A recent example involved two 15-year-olds, Shaked Biton and Sandro Kraslidze, whose second fight in the league included trash talk before the bout. Sandro lost that rematch, after beating Biton in their first meeting. Despite the rivalry, the two are now close friends and train together at Elit Fighters Israel under coach Yuval Sasportes, which the league cites as proof that competition can lead to mutual respect and positive relationships.

IBY CEO Nir Azulay said, “We see MMA as one of the highest-level educational tools. In a country where youth violence is a troubling and growing phenomenon, we believe teenagers need a goal, a framework, and something positive to strive for. At IBY we are building a platform that rewards persistence, discipline and excellence, not violence and negative behavior. The story of Shaked and Sandro proves that even sporting rivalry can end in respect, friendship and real connection.”

Biton said school violence is negative and does not solve real problems, stressing that MMA has rules, discipline and respect for the opponent. Kraslidze said it is better to release aggression through sport than in street fights, adding that he has told violent teens MMA can help them move toward a better place. The article was published on June 16, 2026, at 13:24.