The Daily Opinion

Schools Put Girls Off Playing Sports

No, it’s not because they would much rather be making their man a sandwich in the kitchen, it’s because of their treatment at an early age. I think that all of us will remember those old-fashioned PE lessons where some old man/woman who obviously couldn’t teach would scream and yell things at the fat kids because they couldn’t bench press one of their peers over the banister of the stairs. And this is apparently what has put many girls off of sport.

The research carried out by Loughborough University measured the differences in attitudes to sport between girls and boys. The figures showed that around 60% of girls and boys aged eight did at least five hours of exercise each week.

However, for 14-year-old girls this had been halved down to 31%, whereas 50% of 14-year-old boys completed at least five hours of exercise a week. In other words, this means that girls are generally being put off sport by the time they reach the middle of their high school education.

Common complaints included things like many girls weren’t confident of their sporting ability in PE lessons, they didn’t like exercising in front of boys, and they felt that teachers generally didn’t pay attention to those with less sporting ability.

All of these things are valid complaints as we all know that those who are useless at the conventional sports, such as hockey and football, are going to be laughed at by their peers. This only leads to a lack of self-confidence and a reduction in their desire to continue with sports of any kind.

Let’s look at another complaint. They don’t like exercising in front of boys. In the past this wouldn’t be a problem as being a gentleman was more of the done thing. That doesn’t happen now because now you have sex-charged maniacs who think that it’s ok to sexually harass members of the female gender. I’m not talking about rape or anything physical, I’m talking about the verbal abuse and the other comments that girls all around the world, and of all ages, have to put up with on a near daily basis.

And finally, the fact that teachers generally won’t pay attention to those girls who are no good at sport is something that has persisted for generations. The only way many of these teachers can motivate those who are not interested is to scream at them, and that only pushes them further away. The solution to this problem is that you need to find teachers who can actually teach PE lessons, as screaming is the sign of a teacher who can’t teach without descending to the motivational techniques of the white supremacist who drives a vehicle to work which runs off the bodies and broken dreams of an African-American family.

Screaming teacher — WHICH PART OF NON-STOP 16 MILE RUN DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?!?!

As the research suggests, people need to accept that not everybody is interested in competitive sports. But it’s still important to remain as fit as possible, and this doesn’t have to come as a result of competitive sports. Walking, cycling, and dance classes are all perfectly valid forms of exercise.

Moving away from the main point, though, I will admit that the reduction in the number of people carrying out regular exercise is going to be partially down to the fact that our society isn’t one that encourages physical activity. Most of the technical advances of the last 30 years have been great, but they have also been simultaneously directing people towards doing less physically.

So all of this can’t be put at the feet of what happens in schools.

Film Review: The Avengers

Note: Spoilers assemble…

A Shakespearean God from the realm of Asgard blasts his way through a top-secret facility, using an oddly shaped sceptre to brain-warp those he decides will be of some use in his scheming plans, and steals a bright blue cube of immense energy and power. This bright blue cube of immense energy and power will destroy our entire world if utilised in the incorrect fashion, and that’s all you really need to know in order to enjoy this film, which, for a movie with a running time of over two hours, is remarkably fresh and breezy.

The god in question is Loki (Tom Hiddleston), primary antagonist from last year’s comic-caper Thor, one of several antecedents for the combined delight that is The Avengers (or if you’ll humour me, Marvel’s Avengers Assemble). It all began in 2008 when Robert Downey Jr’s revitalised career mirrored the start of something new, something exciting. The result is a well-tuned, well-acted, exceptionally-scripted blockbuster that has issued a strong, robust, and loud message, not just to its flocking audiences, but to a certain Chris Nolan: “Your move, Mr. Wayne…”

The task of bringing the outlandish egos of Iron Man (Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), and The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) together to form one cohesive narrative has fallen kindly at the feet of cult-hero (and god) Joss Whedon. You’ll have to forgive me at this point; I grew up on a healthy diet of American pop culture, of which Whedon’s Buffy The Vampire Slayer was a strong contributor, and to this day, I would gladly give up my first born child for this man. I try to avoid inane bias in my reviews, but sometimes there is too great a force, and this is one such occasion. I shall reliably inform you that the man is a genius. An underrated, relentless, wit-tastic genius.

That being said, this movie should not work. It just shouldn’t. There is so much going on at any one moment in time that it’s very hard to comprehend what one character just said before you’re whisked away on another matter. Take the scene aboard the heli-boat-copter for instance; they’re trying to figure Loki out, what he wants, what he plans to do etc, then all of a sudden, we’re thrust into a brand new world where S.H.I.E.L.D, led by the one-eyed Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), are suddenly the enemies, planning on utilising that bright blue cube of immense energy and power in their favour by constructing weapons of mass destruction. However, Fury isn’t exactly up to date on this plan. I know – confusing, right? It’s a comic book film in every sense, and it’s superior to every other comic book film that has taken to our screens (I don’t include The Dark Knight in this instance as it transcends the genre) and if you don’t walk into the screening with your disbelief well and truly suspended…then what’s the point, may I ask?

Don’t compare this film to The Dark Knight Rises – it’ll be like comparing American Beauty to Pan’s Labyrinth – because these are two differently dexterous directors who have engaged in two differently dexterous styles of film. With The Avengers, you will have fun; sublime fun. There are a lot of explosions, but the on-screen action is directed with aplomb and swiftness – Whedon never forgets his constraints on time and space, and is able to move our attention to where it truly matters, delivering one hell of a final act that is brash, loud, and utterly brilliant.

I could talk forever about the script, which is full to the brim with witty one-liners and dripping with banterous dialogue. Fans of Whedon will know how strong a writer he is, and his style has not been diluted by the money-starved executives behind the scenes. The film is really quite hilarious, and one of the only negatives I could come up with for the film is that you may occasionally struggle to hear the dialogue through the raucous laughter sounding out around you.

Take a film like Inception – I know I said not to compare to Nolan, but I’m not comparing styles – it doesn’t utilise all its characters, it fits them into the story well enough, but we never get a true sense of who they are. Why on earth is Ariadne helping out Cobb? What does she stand to gain? Eames? Is he in it for the money? The Avengers’ main strength is its character moments, even the smallest nuance of a smile or gesture – it gets it absolutely spot on, and is what makes the film so enjoyable. A film about characters that will never exist in our world suddenly become so relatable, so easy to connect with, that we root for them to the very end, part with our well-earned money, and eagerly anticipate the inevitable sequel.

I can’t stress enough how good this movie is; for fans of Joss Whedon’s existing works, I’d be stunned if you hadn’t already seen it, and for those who have little idea of who he is, get ready to have your minds completely, whole-heartedly, unequivocally…blown.

Book Review: The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern

In a world where magic is real but sold as an illusion, two children are unwittingly bound together in a lifelong challenge. Prospero the Enchanter and the grey-clad Mr A.H have been setting unsuspecting students against each other for years, possibly even centuries, in a quest to prove whether natural talent or academic study produces the best magic. But this time the challenge affects too many people and the rules must be changed. Aesthetically the book encapsulates all the magic that the pages within promise. Sitting down with the red hardback with black-edged paper, you instantly know that you are in for a treat.

The critics have questioned the strength of the plot and the depth of the characters, but as Morgenstern says, “People see what they wish to see. And in most cases, what they are told that they see.” So, if you can go into this book with a desire to believe and a powerful imagination then you will not be disappointed. The reader must accept the magical world of the Cirque de Reves, not question it, as the logic behind it all is never explained. This is a novel for believers, not for critics.

The Night Circus is full of all the magical little treats that real life circuses seem to disappoint on. Caramel popcorn, chocolate mice and performing kittens are just the surface of it. The overpowering love between competitors Marco and Celia is somehow more believable than the ever so popular Twilight romance, despite the supernatural surroundings, and is the centre of the plot. There is a rich tapestry of interweaving characters that reflects the interweaving tents and acts within the Cirque de Reves perfectly. If only it was possible to actually visit this midnight circus with all its mysterious delights.

The magic between the pages is not something that could easily be translated to film, but I’d certainly be first in line if it ever was adapted.

UFC 145 Update

JONES TAKES IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones answered any remaining critics with a virtuoso performance on Saturday night. He completely shut down arch nemesis Rashad Evans in every facet of the game. The win erased any doubt over the legitimacy of his championship reign.

Remember that it was Evans, not Jones, who was originally supposed to face Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128 in Newark, New Jersey. When Evans injured himself, the UFC opted to substitute Jones rather than delay the championship bout until the rightful number one contender healed. That decision sparked controversy inside one of the most successful mixed martial arts teams in the world – Jackson-Winklejohn MMA – and ultimately left a cloud of doubt lingering over Jones’ reign.

Jones not only cleared the skies with his win. He firmly placed himself in the middle of the vaunted pound-for-pound debate with fellow mega stars Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva. If one just considers fights since January 1, 2011, it is tough to argue that anyone other than Jones deserves to be considered the sport’s single best competitor.

Let’s take a look at the comparables.

During that span, Jones has five annihilation wins in five fights. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Shogun Rua, Lyoto Machida, and Rashad Evans were all reigning or former champions at the time they faced him. Yet, “Bones” Jones literally outclassed each of them, making it seem like they didn’t belong on the same level as him. Oh yes, before dispatching with all those elite stars, Jones thrashed then-undefeated star prospect Ryan Bader.

GSP and Silva are also undefeated over the last 16-plus months. But the two have combined for only three fights during that period due to injuries. GSP’s lone victory was a decision win over Jake Shields, who arguably has been the best fighter in the world outside of the UFC for the past few years leading up to the GSP fight. While GSP’s win was impressive, it was just one win. Had the champion also faced and defeated Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit, then one could make a great case for GSP being the sport’s most accomplished fighter since January 1, 2011. One win isn’t enough.

Silva only holds two victories during that span. He made former champion Vitor Belfort and perennial top contender Yushin Okami look amazingly ordinary in those two bouts. That in itself is an amazing feat. Add to the mix that Silva, who is currently in the midst of a 14 fight UFC winning streak, holds just about every UFC championship record imaginable, and it is tough to argue that anyone other than Silva deserves the top spot based on a complete body of work.

But we aren’t looking at entire careers right now. We are just looking at the last 16 months. Nobody in the sport has accomplished more than Jones during that period. Nobody has faced tougher competition. And nobody has made more successful title defenses.

2011 was undoubtedly the “Year of Jon Jones.” 2012 might not be any different.

HENDO NEXT UP FOR THE CHAMP

It doesn’t take long for UFC officials to add a sobering dose of reality to a champion’s victory party. Dana White announced after Jones’ dominating win over his bitter rival that Dan Henderson will be up next. For those who don’t have a long memory, this is the same Dan Henderson who won the PRIDE 183-pound and 205-pound belts. He remains the only man in history to simultaneously reign over two divisions of a major fight promotion. This is the same Dan Henderson who savagely knocked out Fedor Emelianenko in a heavyweight bout. Yes, the same Fedor who was once thought to be the most dangerous man on the planet. It is the same Dan Henderson who represented the United States in two separate Olympic games.

Anyone who thinks that his better days are behind him at 41 years old need only look back to UFC 139, where Hendo survived a back-and-forth war with former champion Shogun Rua in what many believe was the best fight in UFC history. We will break down the fight from every angle as it approaches, but Hendo might just be the toughest matchup for Jones so far in his illustrious career – at least on paper that seems to be the case.

IS MACDONALD-GSP THE NEXT JONES-EVANS?

Rory MacDonald won’t turn 23 years old until July 22. Yet, he is already a veteran of five UFC bouts. His only loss among them was a dramatic, come-from-behind win by Carlos Condit at UFC 115. Had he survived seven more seconds, he would be a perfect 5-0 right now, because he was ahead on two of the three scorecards at the time of the stoppage.

Condit is the reigning interim UFC welterweight champion, just in case you forgot. That tells you just how good MacDonald really is. The question now is whether this guy is the future of a division currently ruled by his mentor and training partner Georges St-Pierre?

Several youngsters have entered the UFC amidst tremendous hype. None more so than Vitor Belfort, who, at 19 years old, won a UFC heavyweight tournament. He instantly became one of the sport’s favorite sons. His lightning-fast hands, Gracie pedigree and good looks made him an instant star in the sport’s early years. Yet, it took Belfort seven more years before he finally won his first UFC title. And he wasn’t able to successfully defend it.

Belfort has had a great career and remains one of the very best fighters in the sport, but he has never quite lived up to the tremendous hype that followed him during his early years.

Jon Jones didn’t enter the UFC with the same wave of popular support as Belfort. Some could argue that he competed under the radar for his first several fights before finally getting everyone’s attention with his destruction of Brandon Vera two fights before capturing the 205-pound championship. There is little doubt that Jones has exceeded all but probably his own expectations at this early point in his career. Of course, the expectations for him now are through the proverbial roof. Unless he becomes the next Anderson Silva (or first Jon Jones), I’m not sure whether people will view him as fulfilling his destiny or not.

That brings us to Rory MacDonald. This guy is definitely the real deal. His near-miss with Condit and win over Nate Diaz are vivid evidence of that truism. Expectations for him are building like those for few other 22-year-old fighters in the sport. I’m not so sure he will be able to live up to them any time soon.

That isn’t by any means meant to be a knock on his skills. MacDonald has plenty of those. It is instead the reality of competing in a division that is currently ruled by an all-time great who remains squarely in the prime of his athletic career. GSP turns 31 next month.

Unless GSP starts to decline due to injuries or accumulated cage mileage, it is tough to imagine anyone derailing his career in the short term. Condit certainly has a shot at it. Maybe Johny Hendricks and Nick Diaz, too. But none of those guys will be betting favorites against the champion.

It is equally tough to imagine MacDonald staying out of the welterweight title picture during the next couple of years. So it seems that GSP and MacDonald two are on a collision course, much like Evans and Jones when the two were both training under the same roof. I know I’m getting way ahead of myself. GSP is currently recovering from an ACL tear and MacDonald is not yet considered a true welterweight contender. He’s also gone on the record saying that he won’t fight his training partner. But I have no doubt that GSP will be back as good as before and MacDonald will enter contender status by the end of the year or possibly early in 2013.

So when the time comes…if the time comes…will GSP and MacDonald compete as teammates? Will one of them leave Zahabi MMA and Tristar Gym as their collision course starts to draw near?

Those questions will make MacDonald’s rise through the division that much more interesting in the coming months and years, in my opinion.

THE TIME IS NOW FOR BROWNE

The UFC heavyweight division is about as deep as it has ever been with guys like Junior dos Santos, Cain Velasquez, Frank Mir, Alistair Overeem, Mark Hunt, “Minotauro” Nogueira and others. The UFC now has the luxury of putting on non-title marquee matchups, just like it does in other divisions, to sort out the championship challenger queue.

Travis Browne is ready for one of those marquee matchups.

Five fights into his UFC career, Browne already owns a couple of bonus checks for Submission of the Night and Knockout of the Night. He also has a draw on his record against the well-respected Cheick Kongo – a fight that many believe he should have won. Still undefeated through 14 professional fights, “Hapa,” as he is known, is now ready for the big time.

UFC NEWs

Alistair Oveream is out of the big Heavyweight Fight and has been replaced by Frank Mir who is The best Submissionist in the division. Silva and Sonnen is on and from what people are saying it could not come sooner as Sonnen has continuously mocked the champ.

There is so great stuff coming up and we are teying to get an Interview with UFC Star Olly Thompson in the very near future.
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EDUCAR JUI JITSU WITH CLAUDIO SILVA

A seminar has been held to raise cash for poor children living in slums in Brazil.

The charity event was organised and run by Claudio Silva, the WFC/EFC champion and BJJ black belt, and was held at the Diesel Gym 2, The Docklands, Canary Wharf, London, on Saturday, March 31st.

Called Educar Jiu Jitsu, the charity was started by Claudio and a friend.

Darren said: “Being in South America it’s commonly known that a lot of these countries have a serious issue with gangs, drugs and worst of all murder.
“It is generally the poor that sell drugs for bigger operations, but really they just get a pittance for it. And as this has spread across the Country the problem has increased crime and murder. Murder being one of the high statistics.
“Educar Jui Jitsu has been set up in order to get these children from the slums before they go down that route by teaching them Mixed Martial Arts. Its aim is to give them focus and steer them away from the life that inevitably awaits them. It is not a surprise that they end up doing this as most have no other means off surviving.
“The seminar lasted two hours and was a great thing to be part off. Claudio told us a bit about the lives that people lived in the slums and how his family struggled financially as he was growing up.
The benefit system in England helps people who need money, although not much money, and at least we have this as our means to fall back on. These children do not have this.” He spoke about his MMA career and how he learned his art in his home country of Brazil. Then he asked everyone to pair up and find a partner. The next forty five minutes we were shown many basic BJJ moves and watching as Claudio showed the techniques that he has mastered.

“Then whilst standing around he pulled a surprise out for one of his students. It was a blue belt for student Ryan McDonald. Then he presented Jeff and Geddi with their purple belts. Well done again guys. We know they worked hard because Claudio insists that until they hundred per cent ready it’s not safe to hand these out.
“We carried on with a bit of BJJ then we got photos and chat with everyone. I thought the day had finished until I heard everyone cheering and that’s when I found out about the tradition of whipping (Running The Gauntlet).

And they did whip really hard and the noise was horrendous.

“Claudio raised a nice bit of money for the charity that day. If anyone can help you can donate anything you have that you do not need gloves, gis, mats, bags and anything usable in a Gym. You can also donate via paypal on our website… These young kids you help could be thanking you one day with a UFC title in there hand so if you can donate anything please call Claudio on 07741 782398 or email claudiobjj@hotmail.co.uk
Claudio is also available to do Seminars so get in touch via us or call Claudio direct it’s a great show and a good experience for all levels off competitor.
And if you within Travelling distance of his Diesel Gym please get down and learn BJJ of the best.

The gym is located in The Docklands @ Canary Wharf, Tiller Leisure Centre, Tiller Road, Isle of Dogs, Docklands, London, E14 8PX.

CSMMA ULTIMATE CONFLICT 2

Ultimate Conflict 2 was held at The Mandalay Hotel, 36-40 London Road, Guilford. It was a top lineup as usual from The Guys at Colosseum Sports Ltd. The Beautiful Aphrodite Ring Girls Lucy Diamond, Daria Merc, Laura Williams, Ejay Smith, Sadie Mensah, Charmaine Johnson, Kirsty Williams and Emma Smith all kept the night lively from the start and they all performed great. The ring announcer was Bret Freeman who always does a great job. He was accompanied by Cherelle Jay who was interviewing and the ref was Leigh Remedious who did a fine job and the fight medic was Micheala Parker(A & E Nurse and owner of Fight Medics UK). C.A.U.K. were there and managed to get interviews with fighters Tolly Plested, Denniston Sutherland and Steve Dossett. Long time and respected Martial Artist Brian Dossett was at the venue and kindly added to the list of Interviewees with Referee Leigh Remedios completing this collection of great interviews. A collection of photographs and reviews of the fights under their belts, C.A.U.K. believe we have a great combination that will give a picture of the day that you will enjoy as much as we did.

FIGHTS/RESULTS
WC Boxing- Gavin Crouch (Team Fury) took on Louis Kamara (Maximus Gym). Round 1 Louis strikes early with some good head shots and Crouch replies with some sweet body shots. Louis caught Crouch with a heavy right which knocked him down. Crouch hit back but could not connect. Round 2 both fighters come out with a ferocious speed and great attacking. Again Louis catches Crouch with a Leg shaking Right hook. Both furiously exchange blows and when the bell goes I have it a round each. Round 3 Louis comes out with some great shots a couple nearly finishing Crouch but he held on well. Louis got the decision with a well-deserved win.
MMA Semi Pro- Michael Maroudas (Team Fury) took on Mark Keggy (Independent). Some furious punching from early on. Keggy was defending really well but Maroudas finished the fight early via choke hold.
MMA Semi Pro- Nathan Jones (Combat Company) take on Matthew Dakin (GBMMA).Nice early punch lands from Dakin then Jones gets a great take down and his held off at half guard. Dakin defends well. Dakin breaks but Jones gets a ground and pound but again Dakin defends well. Jones gets a Choke on but the round ends. Dakin gets a great early take down but jones secures a Head lock and gets the submission.
MMA Semi Pro- Lennie Scudder (1st Gen) take on Steve McDonald. Lennie got a great early victory via submission in Round 1.
WC Boxing- Kirsty Davis (Ipon) takes on Anna Ayres (Maximus Gym). Anna starts well on her debut but the experience of Davis showed early as the she won by TKO in round 1.

K1 Pro Feather – Alan Cooper (Independent) take on Jamie Trankle (Maximus Gym). Some great early kicks from Cooper. Some big blows exchanged. Both cut but Trankle starts finding his rhythm. Cooper fights back and gets knocked down for a second time and this time it is all over. Trankle wins.

K1 AMM- Clive Charles (Pete Mercer Gym) takes on Max Holloway (Combat Company). These two battled for Three Rounds. Both did great and were very attacking even in the last round. Holloway got the decision and won the fight.
MMA Semi Pro- Josh (Wee Man) Bangert (Hemel Martial Arts) take on Josh Lappin (Colosseum). They get tight to the cage early on. Bangert gets a great early takedown. On the ground Bangert holds strong and attempts to Ground and pound but Lappin defends well. Lappin gets a big slam and grounds and pounds. Bangert holds guard. Both come out strong in round two. Lappin defends well and lands a guillotine which Bangert breaks from. Wee Man had a big following. Weeman controls well on the then gets an Armbar just as the round ends. Wee Man won on decision.
K1 Pro- Hovo Tadevosyan (1st Generation) takes on Marcus Powell ( Red Dragons). They both come out strong with Hovo landing some early big kicks. Hovo attacks the whole first round with Marcus having to defend well. Round two Powell becomes more attacking with Hovo doing some good defending. Hovo lands a good spinning heal kick but Powell a lot more active in this round. Round three. Hovo strikes early with Powell getting a few combinations going and some great Knees being exchanged. Hovo gets the decision wins via Decision.

HW Boxing- Ian Hawkins (Monster Gym) takes on Sam Hamerston (Independent). Big Ian started with a few nice jabs then from nowhere Hamerston KO’d Hawkins with a Massive hook.
K1 Pro Middle- Earl Brown (SWS Gym) takes on Dave Rintoul (GB MMA). Rintoul strikes early and gets a guillotine but Brown shows extreme strength and pulls of a massive slam to break the hold. Brown goes down and Rintoul gets on top. Brown lying on his stomach starts receiving some heavy blows to the head and the fight is stopped and Rintoul wins via TKO.

MMA Pro- Reece Watson (Hemel Martial Arts) Takes on Steve Dossett. Dossett came to the ring with a Cowboy Costume. Early blows from both. Some great exchanges from both sides. Some big Knees landed on Dossett. Dossett lands a nice right but it’s returned with a Devastating Kick to the ribs from Watson. Watson wins via TKO.

K1 Pro Middle- Jimmy ”Justice” Miller (Independent) Takes on Karl Langley (Independent). Justice was told about the fight the day before so great of him to step in. Was great start from both? Langely lands some nice lower leg kicks. Justice defended well but Langley was stronger in the first. Round two Jimmy lands a nice jab. Some good combinations from Langeley. A big right catches Justice followed by a devastating Knee that saw Justice go down and could not get back up. Langley wins by TKO round two.
Colossuem did a great job with the Event. There was a good crowd on the night and as usual at MMA events there was no trouble outside the ring. This is one of many events that Colosseum are promoting and I know the guys are working very hard to arrange more this year. If you have not already joined Cageamateursuk and colosseum facebook groups please do to be kept up to date on future Events. Well done to everyone involved it was a great night with the top names in MMA on the card.