Norman Schneider, 12, of Raytown, Missouri, places his hand over his heart...READ ON
Norman Schneider, 12, of Raytown, Missouri, places his hand over his heart during the national anthem before his first official Youth MMA fight.
Coach Audra Saldana takes photos of Brian Owens, 11, middle, posing on a...READ ON
Coach Audra Saldana takes photos of Brian Owens, 11, middle, posing on a scale after his weigh in before the U.S. Open Youth National at Isle of Capri in Boonville, Missouri.
Shaniyah Carlson, 15, carries the American flag to the cage before her 13th...READ ON
Shaniyah Carlson, 15, carries the American flag to the cage before her 13th official Youth MMA fight during the U.S. Open Youth National.
Crowds gather around the cage as Brandon Apodaca, 15, right, competes against...READ ON
Crowds gather around the cage as Brandon Apodaca, 15, right, competes against Noah White in mixed martial arts during the U.S. Open Youth National at Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville, Missouri.
Shaniyah Carlson, 15, top, competes against Teddy Mandala, 14, during the...READ ON
Shaniyah Carlson, 15, top, competes against Teddy Mandala, 14, during the U.S. Open Youth National. Youth MMA fights are similar to adult matches, except for shorter rounds and limited moves for safety.
Family and friends help Teddy Mandala, 14, remove the tape and hand wraps...READ ON
Family and friends help Teddy Mandala, 14, remove the tape and hand wraps after she lost her first official fight during the U.S. Open Youth National.
Youngrae Kim Photography
Youngrae Kim is a South Korean documentary photographer and a National Geographic Explorer who focuses on stories about the intersection of humans, culture and the environment.