John Wayne Parr, an eight-time world champion, has responded to the backlash he received from individuals criticizing the footage of his eight-year-old daughter participating in kickboxing.
Parr decided to engage in the online conversation by posting responses to those accusing him of poor parenting.
He began his statement by saying, “I am Jasmine’s dad, I’ve spent 5 years in Thailand, won 3 world titles there, and a total of 8 internationally. I understand Muay Thai far better than those who consider it violent; do not judge until you’ve at least put on a glove to feel its weight.”
Parr recounted the turmoil that led him to “go viral,” as he put it.
“I have been kickboxing for a long time, and many people criticize me too,” he shared.
“Essentially, it’s water off a duck’s back.”
“However, when it involves my daughter, I feel compelled to protect her fiercely because she is my blood, and it’s disheartening to see an eight-year-old receiving such harsh criticism for excelling in something she loves.”
Describing his daughter Jasmine, Parr stated she possesses “the heart of a warrior,” and raised concerns about the media’s intentions behind covering her debut public fight.
“Your entire focus should be on promoting sports, and she’s a sporting prodigy,” he asserted.
“She could be a legend if given the opportunity. Why cut her down? What purpose does that serve?”
“Had she been a boy, if it were Kostya Tszyu’s son … the response would be celebratory, with high-fives and accolades.”
“She isn’t a Barbie girl; she enjoys spending time with her dad, training, having fun, and staying fit and healthy.”
Parr expressed particular frustration over questions surrounding his parenting, stating that the comments made by television presenter Karl Stefanovic had caused greater distress.
“You express concern over my girl crying in the ring, yet she has shed more tears since Stefanovic’s remarks were broadcast live across Australia than she did during the brief moment she felt overwhelmed in the ring,” he continued.
Parr referred to images showing his daughter visibly emotional during the opening round of her Gold Coast fight.
“However, she pulled herself together and fought better than Anthony Mundine and Danny Green…I’m serious, when was the last time either of them stepped up and fought anyone of note?”
Despite the negative attention, Parr noted that Jasmine was enjoying her moment in the limelight.
“At eight years old, she is not like a two-year-old… she can read… whenever someone spouts nonsense, she simply turns to me and says, ‘Dad, what are they talking about? I wasn’t scared.'”
“She believes she is like Bindi Irwin and is thriving in this environment. She articulates herself remarkably, never misses a beat, and displays wisdom beyond her years, as though she has been in front of the camera forever.”
When questioned about whether his dedication to Muay Thai might be influencing his perception of the controversy, Parr’s response was straightforward.
“What kind of question is that? Obviously (my passion) will influence her; it’s my life.”
“We enrolled her in gymnastics, and for a while, she cried more trying to get her to do that than she does at Muay Thai training.”
Parr felt that the misunderstanding of martial arts among the Australian public contributed to the media’s treatment of the story and emphasized that there is much more to the sport than commonly perceived.
“No one seems to grasp that it’s not a violent sport; it’s an art,” Parr exclaimed.
“It is the art of Muay Thai, not some form of street violence. It is truly a beautiful spectacle to experience.”
With that, Parr took one last jab at his critics online.
“Martial arts can be an undeniably positive influence, benefiting anyone if approached with an open mind instead of staying home on the internet, neglecting real conversations with their children.”
by Buford Balony
