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The evolution of Mixed Martial Arts

Published

5 years ago

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BY MARCEL MARIAK

A combat sport’s journey from obscurity to fame

Combat sports and fight competitions have been part of human cultures for thousands of years. From the ancient martial arts such as Pankration and Wushu, which were created for war; to the more contemporary, competition focused martial arts such as boxing and Muay Thai, almost every identifiable human culture has developed or adopted some sort of unique fighting style.

In recent times, with the evolution of communication and broadcast systems such as radio, television, and the internet, we are able to experience martial arts from all over the world from the comfort of our own homes. While some martial arts such as boxing, freestyle wrestling, and Taekwondo have been well received and recognized by the general public; other fighting disciplines have remained hidden in the shadows.

A glaring example of such a case is the sport of MMA. For the past few decades, while boxers performed for thousands of fans in packed arenas, mixed martial arts competitions in North America were largely held as underground, unsanctioned events. A major factor contributing to the lack of popularity of mixed martial arts was the public’s negative perception of the sport in its infancy.

Delicate beginnings
There is no conclusive origin of the sport of MMA. While members of the combat sports community regularly disagree about its beginnings, the most widely accepted origin of MMA is that it evolved from the Brazilian combat sport of Vale Tudo in the mid-20th century. Vale Tudo gained popularity in Brazil as a no-holds-barred fighting competition. Competitors wore no gloves or shin guards and could strike with any part of the body as well as grapple. The sport gained extreme popularity as martial artists from various disciplines competed against each other to prove their art was superior.

While practitioners of many disciplines found success in Vale Tudo competitions, one martial art was undoubtedly dominant: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Developed by the Gracie family, BJJ uses technique and leverage instead of brute force; allowing its practitioners to control and defeat a more physically imposing opponent. Quickly, BJJ began to gain a massive following in Brazil. Eventually, the Gracie family decided to travel to the United States to spread their system to the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, while BJJ was loved and welcomed in Brazil, America at the time was living in the age of Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Karate Kid movies. The simple truth was that nobody wanted to roll around on the ground and practice submissions. People weren’t interested in a subtle and effective art; they wanted to wear Karate Kid headbands and break boards while screaming like a banshee. As a result, BJJ had a tremendously difficult time picking up speed in America… something had to change.

Behold! The Ultimate Fighting Championship! The Gracies figured that if no-holds-barred fighting worked in Brazil, it would work in America as well. The first ever UFC event was held on November 12th, 1993. It was a tournament style event where practitioners of all martial arts disciplines could fight for the championship. Of course, Royce Gracie, the BJJ representative, dominated his opponents and won the tournament. More events began to be held, and Jiu Jitsu fighters were consistently winning the tournaments. This success caught the public eye and BJJ in America began to grow.

Rising popularity
While BJJ was entering the mainstream in the United States, the sport of MMA was being pushed into obscurity. While martial artists viewed MMA as an amazing way to learn combat sports and improve their skills, the general public saw only a brutal, gladiatorial event where competitors tried to maim each other for the entertainment of the audience. As a result, while many outstanding individuals by the likes of “Big” John McCarthy, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, and Bas Rutten were helping the sport develop, MMA continued to be a niche market in the late 90s and early 2000s.

It was only in the mid to late 2000s that various big names in the sport of MMA began to break through into the mainstream media, and the general public began to see mixed martial arts as a sport rather than a bloodbath. Influential personalities which helped spread the sport of MMA include Jon Jones, Chael Sonnen, Michael Bisping, GSP, and most notably, the brash and confident Conor McGregor.

A vision for the future
While MMA has come a long way since its Vale Tudo days in Brazil, there are still issues in the sport’s community that need to be resolved. Problems such as disputes over fighter paycheques, and the legalization of the sport in various states are still preventing the stunning sport of MMA from reaching its true potential as an internationally (or even Olympically) recognized combat sport.

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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Dani

    July 21, 2020 at 4:44 am

    I can’t see MMA getting to the Olympics. Though it is packed with technique, for those that can’t see that, it comes across as a little brutal. I don’t think the Olympic committee would want to see fighters getting KO – though I wonder what the KO percentage is compared to other combat sports.

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Sports

While 2024 didn’t bring consistent wins, it showcased the West Indies Cricket team’s passion and potential

Published

2 weeks ago

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January 2, 2025

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BY KRISHNA MISTRY

The West Indies 2024 cricket season has come to an end. This year was filled with ups and downs for the team, but the team has showcased resilience, raw talent, and challenges thrown at them in the entire season. The season was filled with remarkable individual performances and team dynamics.

The West Indies kick-started the season with a tough tour of South Africa, where they struggled against the Proteas’ fast bowlers. Despite their competitive standpoint, the Caribbean was met with a series loss due to their weak batting. The team instantly bounced back when playing against Bangladesh, winning the series two to zero. Captain Kraigg Braithwaite stood out, playing his eighty-sixth consecutive test match, breaking Sir Garry Sobers’ record of eighty-five.

His steady performance, along with Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s promising contributions, were key to the team’s success. The bowlers, led by Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph, performed well, with newcomer Jayden Seales showing great potential. However, inconsistency in the batting lineup remains a problem that needs addressing.

The ODI season was dominated by the ICC Cricket World Cup. The West Indies entered as underdogs and faced tough competition. They started with a thrilling win against Afghanistan, thanks to a century by Nicholas Pooran.

Unfortunately, the team struggled against stronger opponents like India and Australia. Shai Hope, the ODI captain, delivered solid performances, but the team’s lower order couldn’t provide enough support. The lack of an experienced finisher was a major issue throughout the tournament. Despite their early exit, there were positive signs. Spinner Akeal Hosein was reliable in the middle overs, and all-rounder Romario Shepherd’s contributions with both bat and ball were valuable.

In T20 cricket, the West Indies experimented with their lineup, preparing for the T20 World Cup next year. Young players like Brandon King and Johnson Charles showed promise, with King scoring a memorable century against Pakistan in an exciting match.

Captain Rovman Powell’s leadership combined aggression with composure, helping the team win a home series against New Zealand. However, their performances were inconsistent, especially in the away series against England and India.

One of the season’s highlights was Obed McCoy’s emergence as a reliable bowler in the final overs. His ability to handle pressure added strength to the bowling attack. Meanwhile, Andre Russell’s return sparked discussions about balancing young talent with experienced players.

There were some events occurring on the field, involving Alzarri Joseph; this incident led to a two-match suspension and a response from the head coach, Darren Sammy, reminding fans and players of the importance of professionalism.

Joseph’s behaviour has drawn serious attention from Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the lead coach, Darren Sammy, who issued a statement that describes Joseph’s behaviour as “unacceptable.”.

Sammy, a former West Indies captain known for his steady leadership and sportsmanship, vocalized his opinion about the standards expected from his players. He expressed that, while cricket can be aggressive, it must be channeled in a way that upholds the game. Sammy’s comments connect with the West Indies’ goal of discipline with ranks, especially as young players like Joseph take responsibility.

Joseph’s absence in the final matches posed a challenge for the team, particularly within the bowling department, as his pace and accuracy were vital.

Despite this setback, the West Indies bowlers adapted quickly to fill the void of Joseph in the last two games. This incident highlighted the importance of players maintaining composure on the field.

As the season ended, attention turned to improving the structure and development of West Indies cricket. Cricket West Indies highlighted the need for: better grassroots programs, coaching, and player management to bring the team back to the top.

While 2024 didn’t bring consistent wins, it showcased the team’s passion and potential. With young talent emerging across all formats, the focus now is on building consistency and success. Fans remain hopeful as the West Indies work to turn their moments of brilliance into lasting achievements.

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West Indies memorable triumph over England: A valuable learning experience

Published

4 weeks ago

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December 19, 2024

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Photo Credits: Randy Brooks

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

The West Indies cricket team has started their tour, and things have been heated. The team recently celebrated their win against England in the One-Day-International (ODI) format.

On November 6th, 2024, the West Indies won by eight wickets, highlighting players like: Keacy Carty and Brandon King, whose powerful centuries led the West Indies to victory.

However, the team’s success was overshadowed by the on-field incident involving Alzarri Joseph. This incident led to a two-match suspension and a response from the head coach Darren Sammy, reminding fans and players of the importance of professionalism.

As the series began, both teams were ready to go head-to-head. England was looking forward to dominating the ODI, after some challenging series. While West Indies was focused on demonstrating that their young squad was able to hold its own on the international stage.

Players like Carty and King have displayed great batting, each reaching the century mark, which established a lead in the final ODI that England could not overcome.

Carty’s innings showed us his patience and precise shot selection, highlighting the controlled aggression that provided stability when the team needed it the most. King, known for this power-hitting, complemented Carty’s style by scoring rapidly and keeping the English bowlers on their feet.

Together, the duo scored centuries that underscored the West Indies’ batting lineup. Their contributions were significant to securing the series win, proving that the team’s batting can match the level of its past legend.

The series was not without any incidents. Alzarri Joseph, one of the team’s leading pacers, became involved in a controversial on-field incident, which eventually led to his suspension for the final two ODIs. While the details of this incident have not been fully disclosed, Joseph’s behaviour has drawn serious attention from the Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the lead coach, Darren Sammy, who issued a statement that describes Joseph’s behaviour as “unacceptable.”

Sammy, a former West Indies captain known for his steady leadership and sportsmanship, vocalized his opinion about the standards expected from his players. He expressed that, while cricket can be aggressive, it must be channeled in a way that upholds the game. Sammy’s comments connect with the West Indies’ goal of discipline with ranks, especially as young players like Joseph take responsibility.

With Joseph’s absence in the final matches, it posed a challenge for the team, particularly within the bowling department, as his pace and accuracy were vital. Despite this setback, the West Indies bowlers adapted quickly to fill the void of Joseph in the last two games. This incident highlighted the importance of players to maintain composure on the field.

This controversy revealed the areas where continued growth is necessary, specifically in fostering an atmosphere of discipline and respect on and off the field. With young talent emerging, the West Indies’ future appears promising. Coach Sammy’s call for professionalism will likely influence how the team approaches future training and international events, reinforcing a culture that prides itself on sportsmanship alongside skills.

This series win has offered fans a glimpse into the team’s potential as they strive for consistency. The victory over England has provided a strong foundation for the team as they look forward to the upcoming series and tournaments. They will soon be heading to Bangladesh at the end of this year with eight games.

For now, the Caribbean should celebrate this well-deserved victory that is both a triumph and a learning experience, which will play a crucial role in shaping the West Indies’ future in international cricket.

At the end, this ODI series was more than just a win, it was a statement from the West Indies cricket team – a bold reminder that they remain a team to watch, and as they grow, they may reclaim their place amongst cricket giants.

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Sunshine Girls: Battling challenges in the Horizon Series

Published

1 month ago

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December 4, 2024

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Photo Credits: (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

Netball season has started, and you know what that means: the Sunshine Girls are back. The Jamaica Sunshine Girls have started their netball season and are currently playing in the ongoing Horizon series.

On November 20th, 2024, the Sunshine Girls played their second match of the series, where they lost a hard-fought match 55-47. Despite their best efforts, the team is now faced with a mountain of pressure to turn this series around in the upcoming matches.

The team started strong with their dynamic gameplay and strong team cohesion, setting a competitive tone. During the opening match, both Jamaica and England were neck-and-neck, but due to England’s adaptability and sharp shooting, they had an advantage.

Learning from this, the Jamaican head coach emphasized the importance of refining their defensive strategies and seeking offensive opportunities. With a home-court advantage and immense support from fans, the Sunshine Girls are determined to bounce back. Key players like Jhaniele Fowler and Shamera Sterling are expected to lead due to their experience in outmaneuvering England’s disciplined team.

Fowler shared her disappointment after a devastating game, “We’ve been in tight situations before, and this is just another hurdle for us to overcome,” Fowler stated during a post-match interview. She emphasized the need for more clinical finishes in the shooting circle and better synergy between the mid-court and defensive units.

Fowler started her netball journey at a young age, showing exceptional talent due to her height and natural athleticism. She began playing in the Southern Steel Club in 2013, where her first international career began in New Zealand’s ANZ Championship. Fowler was an outstanding player, leading the league to many goals and winning multiple awards for her contributions.

In 2018, she changed clubs and began playing with the West Coast Fever, being a game-changer for the club. Her consistency and high-scoring ability made her one of the league’s most valuable players. Fowler has broken many records for the most goals in a season multiple times, setting herself as a foundation in netball.

Fowler has proved herself as a cornerstone of the Jamaican Sunshine Girls, one of the top-ranked teams in the netball world. Fowler has played many crucial roles in helping Jamaica secure many top games.

Fowler’s success has inspired new generations of netball players in the Caribbean. Not only is she known for her athletic achievements, but also for her: humility, professionalism, and commitment to her team and fans.

Sterling is known for her exceptional defensive skills and athleticism. She is considered one of the best defenders in the industry and is known for her ability to disrupt opposition play with her: agility, timing, and court awareness.

Her journey from Jamaica to the top levels of international netball showcases her: talent, work ethic, and determination. Sterling continues to be a dominant force in netball, embodying the strength and skill of the next generation of Sunshine Girls.

Both athletes represent the pinnacle of Jamaican netball, each elevating the Sunshine Girls. Together, they symbolize the blend of offensive brilliance and defensive mastery that defines Jamaica’s unique approach.The next match in the series is an opportunity for the Sunshine Girls to redeem themselves. The team will be focused on minimizing turnovers, tightening their defence, and staying composed in high-pressure matches.

The Horizon Series is a great opportunity for the Sunshine Girls to not just showcase their athleticism, but also a testament to the growing love of netball in the Caribbean. Fans are eagerly waiting for the Sunshine Girls to rise to the occasion and reclaim dominance on the international stage.

Sunshine Girls possess a flair and creativity that many of their opponents can’t, which catches their opponents off guard. The team can be seen implementing many things in the rest of the series to fill the holes in the team. Stay tuned for the Sunshine Girls’ progress in the Horizon Series and for the rest of their netball season.

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