Saturday, December 29, 2007

Bangalore IT/BPO Companies

India -- According to dnaindia.com, following recent incidents that have questioned the safety of women, Bangalore IT/BPO companies in have decided to train their employees in martial arts.

Several large companies are now part of the martial arts bandwagon that was initiated five years ago.

"When up against tough situations, the training gets out of a potential trap," an engineer said. "I'm now better placed to handle problems," says a software professional who is into kickboxing.

A HP spokesperson says, "After the Pratibha Murthy murder, we introduced 'Give it to them' where employees are trained to fight attackers."

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Throat Cutting Gesture

UK -- A 52-year-old karate instructor has been locked up for allegedly threatening to slit the throat of the dad of his victim shortly before he was due to appear in court, according to hartlepoolmail.co.uk.

The man was captured on tape allegedly making the throat cutting gesture with his hand in a hallway at a Crown Court.

The karate black belt was due to be sentenced after watching the youngster (who was aged under 13) as she undressed and showered. However, the hearing was adjourned after the victim's family made the claim about being threatened.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

A Karate Nurse

UK -- Theargus.co.uk has a truly weird story about a 63-year-old nurse, who worked at Moorgreen Hospital in Southampton. The man failed to turn up for work for two days and then lied to bosses that he had been kidnapped by robbers.

According to reports, he admitted that this had been a lie during subsequent disciplinary proceedings.

The hearing was also told how the nurse performed karate chops in front of shocked colleagues at an aggression management class.

Throughout the course he allegedly demonstrated a series of potentially lethal blows and kicks to students who were supposed to be learning defensive restraints.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Nanchucks

Nanchucks? They are obviously talking about the deadly lamb chops... Some folks also call them numb nuts (wonder why...).

Story:
Australia -- Police in Perth say a 38-year-old man attempted to board a bus while under the influence of alcohol, according to abc.net.au.

The bus driver refused to allow the man onto the bus and it is alleged he attempted to hit the driver with nanchucks.

Police say a 60-year-old woman was injured during the incident and required treatment in hospital.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

A Warriors Strength

I urge you to read this story from greenbaypressgazette.com! Not exactly about martial art as such. However it speaks volumes about a young man's warrior spirit - something that we like to boast about within our arts.
Cadet Thomas Avolio - I salute you.

Story:
Cadets at the Air Force Academy are taught that a warrior's strength can sometimes be measured in his ability to get up and fight again.

In April 2006, cadet Thomas Avolio fell 200 feet while climbing Eagle Peak in southwestern Colorado. He suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, a fractured skull, a broken left ankle, a broken wrist and damage to the optic nerve in his left eye.

He was in a coma at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs for 3 1/2 weeks."The doctors weren't exactly enthusiastic about his chances. He had a very small chance of living, let alone executing a full recovery," the commander of Avolio's squadron at the academy said.

Next month, Avolio, 22, of Des Moines, Washington, will return to the academy. He plans to graduate with the class of 2009 with a degree in political science.

Q Train Hero

New York -- Q train peacemaker Hassan Askari has a brown belt in karate and probably could have taken out a couple of the thugs harassing Chanukah revelers if he struck the first blow.

But that isn't his style.

"I didn't fight them because you're not supposed to unless it's self-defense," the slightly built college student and waiter said, according to nydailynews.com.

Instead, the 20-year-old man tried to push the admitted hate criminal and his band of bullies away from the two couples being menaced by the group.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Teacher Sued

Canada -- A man who sued his martial arts teacher after his knee was injured while the teacher was demonstrating a move has been awarded damages of more than $155,000, according to canadianpress.google.com.

Court was told that the Campbell River man suffered a ligament tear and damage to the cartilage of his right knee as a result of pressure applied by the teacher on January 23, 2003.

Martial Arts Type Poses

What the ...? I guess the victim here was supposed to be really scared by this brave dude "performing martial arts-type poses".

Oh yes Sir - air-fighting ... Just as impressive as air-guitar. "Look at that guy go - he's awesome! What a player!"

Best part though is this: The victim suddenly realized he knew the "poser" :-)

Story:
Ohio -- A 45-year-old man told deputies he was awakened by a knock on the door in the early hours of the morning, according to timesreporter.com. When he opened the door, he was attacked by a masked man. After a struggle, the victim was able to get the door shut, but it was kicked in, and the attacker and a second masked man entered the residence.

The victim was forced to the floor, and the intruders demanded money and drugs. The victim gave them $100.

While he was being held on the floor, one of the intruders held a .22 caliber rifle on him while the second intruder performed martial arts-type poses. The victim said he realized he knew the man doing the poses.

The man was taken from his residence at gunpoint by two men early Sunday then driven to Carrollton where he was able to escape from his captors, according to a Sheriff's spokesman.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Chi Running

Um... I do wonder. Maybe this stuff is healthy because they're running really, really slow (in some circles also known as walking :-)

Story
North Carolina -- Doctors estimate that 70 percent of all runners will suffer a range of injuries that could sideline their training, nbc17.com reports. But local runners say an approach to running that incorporates the mind/body energy of Tai Chi is helping them avoid injuries.

What is called 'Chi Running' sets out to modify the way we run and calls on some of the basic concepts in Tai Chi.

Key elements include:
- Good posture, with emphasis on tightening the core, or abdominal muscles - Leaning forward, not standing upright while running - Picking up the feet while running, instead of pushing off the ground - Relaxing arms and legs.

Two People Slashed

Canada -- In Milton, police have arrested a woman after two people were slashed with a samurai sword, according to thestar.com.

Police said the victim allegedly was having an argument with his girlfriend when she grabbed a sword that was on display in the apartment and struck him on the shoulder, arm and head.

When the victim's brother heard the commotion, police say he told the woman to leave. That's when she reportedly headed across the street to the gas station and began smashing windows.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

The Ninja Hunt

New York -- The Staten Island "ninja burglar", who is now thought to have robbed eighteen homes on the island in the past seven months, acquired his honorific in September, when he encountered a Dongan Hills resident named Phil Chiolo while raiding Chiolo's home.

He was dressed all in black, with a black face mask, Chiolo said, and he carried nun-chucks, which he used to club Chiolo in the chest, head, and shins before Chiolo was able to retaliate by stabbing at him with a steak knife.

Chiolo, who suffered a welt near his collarbone, said the other day that he is fine, but Staten Island has since gone ninja mad, with the burglar enjoying a kind of romantic outlaw notoriety. Other victims have likened him to a gazelle or a cat ("very athletic, very quiet, and very fast"), capable of scaling walls and leaping noiselessly out windows. (No one has heard him speak.)

A Gracie Found Dead

Sao Paulo newspaper O Globo recently reported that 33-year-old MMA fighter Ryan Gracie was arrested for stealing a car, after mugging and hitting a 76-year-old man. According to the news article, Gracie soon after crashed the vehicle into a parking barrier.

Following his arrest, Gracie was taken to be tested for drugs and returned to prison about 3 a.m. He was left alone in his own cell, and at 7 a.m. the following morning he was found dead during a routine check.

It is not the first time Ryan Gracie has had trouble with the authorities, according to O Globo. Gracie was allegedly arrested in September 2006 for aggravated assault, making threats, and resisting arrest.

Monday, December 17, 2007

A Self-Taught Fan

I Wonder how often I've heard this phrase: "(...) he would have incapacitated the victim if he had to." :-)

Story:
UK -- A court was told that a 39-year-old self-taught kung fu fan who attacked a police officer with moves learned on the Internet blamed the TV programme Panorama, according to burnleycitizen.co.uk.

The man allegedly claimed he thought the officer was not allowed to stop and search him and was assaulting him.

The man, a "law-abiding" loner who has been learning karate from the Internet, then attacked the officer, putting his martial arts kicks into practice.

When later interviewed, he said he would have incapacitated the victim if he had to. But it was he who was incapacitated by the officer, and a member of public dashed to the officer's aid.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Stabbed to Death

"A Black belt in martial arts"....?

Story:
A Foster Township man will face a charge of criminal homicide for allegedly stabbing his live-in girlfriend to death in October, a Pennsylvania judge have ruled.

The 31-year-old woman displayed a knife first while the two were fighting and he was wounded during the incident, according to the man. He said he soon lost control, stabbed her repeatedly and then called 911.

Though the man has said the stabbing occurred in self defense, prosecutors don't buy it. The man has a black belt in martial arts and admitted the woman wasn't holding the knife in a threatening way.

No Charges

Florida -- Prosecutors have declined to file charges against a nationally renowned MMA fighter who was arrested in October after investigators alleged he organized "illegal cage fighting" matches in St. Lucie West, according to palmbeachpost.com.

31-year-old Din Thomas - who made a name for himself while competing in the UFC - was arrested on October 31. Police at the time said he organized and promoted an unsanctioned and unlicensed match on October 19 that drew more than 150 spectators.

He was accused of violating a Florida statute that governs "prohibited competitions," a third-degree felony that could have carried a maximum five-year sentence. However, the Assistant State Attorney filed paperwork Friday dismissing the charge on which Thomas was arrested.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Sword Killer

Maryland -- Police said a man tried to kill himself Saturday after killing his wife with a sword, according to nbc4.com.

The incident reportedly happened at about 2:30 p.m. at a martial arts studio in Clinton.

Police said a man attempted to hang himself after killing his wife with a sword, but he survived. The man was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Jailed for 14 Years

UK -- After being found guilty of raping one of his students, a 43-year-old karate instructor from Worthing has been jailed for 14 years, sussexexpress.co.uk reports.

The man was found guilty of rape, indecent assault, sexual activity with a child, assault causing actual bodily harm and other offenses against the girl between March, 2004, when the girl was 13, and April, 2006.

In addition, the jury also found the instructor guilty of two counts of intimidating a witness.

During the four-week trial, the court had heard how the man boasted of his sexual relationship with the young girl and was described by some as "an aggressive and highly manipulative man".

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Another Sword Killing

Australia -- Four people have been charged over the gruesome murder of a man whose dismembered torso was discovered by the side of a road in northern Victoria, according to news.com.au.

The body of the 26-year-old Shepparton man was found at 6 p.m. Tuesday beside a road at Cosgrove, east of Shepparton.

Police believe he was killed with a samurai sword and they searched an irrigation channel and a tip for other body parts.

Dragged to Death

Washington -- According to witnesses, a martial arts enthusiast and MMA fighter who was dragged to death "just snapped and was completely out of control" before he was killed, spokesmanreview.com reports.

A sheriff's spokesman said witnesses reported 20-year-old Jerid S. Sturman-Camyn had been drinking heavily along with his father, when the two engaged in a playful fight that got out of hand at a hunting camp near Ione, Washington.

A Newman Lake resident allegedly placed a noose around Sturman-Camyn's neck and attached the other end of the 22-foot rope to the trailer hitch of a pickup after Sturman-Camyn threatened his son and others with an ax.

More martial arts related stories at Your Martial Arts Resources.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Just Returned Home

Here's a story from nzherald.co.nz.

New Zealand -- The man who allegedly attacked and bound an elderly woman before setting her house on fire was caught at a nearby property by a martial arts expert who had just returned home from karate.

Nearly two hours after the house was set alight, a man was caught at a house 500m away in another street.

The homeowner, who wanted to be known only as Brett, said the man turned up at his home asking for a taxi to be called about 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Teacher Kicking Student

Update (August 2008): "A karate teacher in Suffolk has been found not guilty of child abuse stemming from charges that she kicked students more than 200 times during a November, 2007 class." As reported by inrich.com.

----

Virginia -- Wtopnews.com reports about a 47-year-old female martial arts instructor who has been arrested for kicking an 11-year-old student more than 200 times, causing internal injuries and possibly breaking a rib.

A police spokesman said the teacher issued a challenge November 7 during class at a Suffolk dojo to see how many kicks to the abdomen students could take.

Students got into a push-up position while the instructor kicked, stopping when the student either said to or went to his or her knees.

Whispering Nin-Yobs

Florida -- Authorities are looking for a 'ninja' they say helped fellow 'ninjas' rob a man in his Port Orange driveway, according to wftv.com.

The victim told police three man dressed as ninjas held him down, covered his mouth and took his wallet, cell phone and cash.

The robbers were allegedly wearing gloves and had guns. The victim said everything was covered except their eyes, and the ninja robbers spoke in very low tones.

Friday, December 07, 2007

Peeping Karate Teacher

UK -- The mother of the victim of a Peeping Tom pervert today spoke of the trauma and agony suffered by her daughter and family. And she called on the courts to jail the karate pervert.

The mother of his schoolgirl victim said her daughter still suffers nightmares more than a year after the incident took place, according to hartlepoolmail.co.uk.

The 52-year-old karate instructor taught at clubs throughout the region, previously including Hartlepool.

Judo at 75

UK -- Despite turning 75, Teesside pensioner Colin Ward, who holds a black belt in judo, shows no signs of slowing down, according to gazettelive.co.uk.

After taking it up as a young Navy recruit stationed in Singapore, the Marton man has now been practising the martial art for 55 years.

He is using his experience to help train younger judo enthusiasts at a leisure centre judo club in Ingleby Barwick. The retired rigger, credits judo with keeping his body and mind in good shape.

MMA Fighter Dead

Texas -- A mixed martial arts fighter has died, about six weeks after he was knocked out in a sanctioned bout here, according to dallasnews.com.

35-year-old Sam Vasquez of Houston was injured October 20 and died Friday. The Harris County medical examiner's office said it could be several days before the official cause is determined.

Confuse-Us Speaks #19

Here are some "Fast Facts" from wildcat.arizona.edu :-)
I suppose some of these reporters could try and ease down on the medication.

"Karate was invented in India. It was not introduced to Japan until about 1917."

Could anyone please break this gently to the good folks in Okinawa...? I'm quite certain they are unaware of this major shift of historical events.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

He Beat Meningitis

UK -- A Workington boy who beat meningitis has now achieved his black belt in karate, according to timesandstar.co.uk.

13-year-old Sonny Smith, of Harrington, competed for the belt on Sunday and passed the test.

He was given a slim chance of survival after contracting meningitis when he was seven and it left him tired and weak.

Sonny started attending karate classes with his friends at the martial arts center and his confidence and strength grew.

She Saved the Day

UK -- Teenage brown belt Rebecca saved the day when her parents were attacked by a Taser-wielding junkie as they picked her up from a karate lesson dailymail.co.uk reported.

The 13-year-old put her martial arts skills to the test after a drug-crazed yob lunged at her 53-year-old mother with the weapon, as she waited in the car for her daughter.

The girl, who was still wearing her white suit, jumped onto the 29-year-old attacker, as he was trying to drag her mum from their car.

The prosecutor said: "Rebecca pulled the suspect away and shouted 'What do you think you are doing?'" She jumped onto his back, but in the scuffle he turned round and zapped her with the gun.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Compulsory School Subject

Japan -- yomiuri.co.jp says the government's plan to make martial arts a compulsory subject at middle schools has a small snag - not enough physical education teachers have the skills or experience to properly instruct students in these arts.

In a bid to improve the abilities of teachers in charge of martial arts at public middle and high schools, the government plans to set up "martial arts promotion associations" comprising experts in martial arts education in each prefecture from next academic year, according to sources.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Embezzlement

A 53-year-old Virginia Beach karate studio owner has been sentenced to jail for embezzling money from a charitable organization he helped build.

At his trial, prosecutors said the man pocketed money from the sale of bingo cards on at least two occasions in 2006.

In 2000, the school owner helped start the group, which teaches martial arts to underprivileged children and adults. The man volunteered to sell bingo cards and supplies. The proceeds were to pay member schools for training students.

Sealed With a Kick

A disabled Kuwaiti man has filed a complaint accusing his expatriate wife of having an extramarital affair with an unidentified person, according to arabtimesonline.com.

The man allegedly said he suspected the behavior of his wife and came home unannounced to find her with another man.

The husband told police he tried in vain to catch the lover but his wife who is a karate expert flattened him with a kick.

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Nekkid Wresslin

Oregon -- A southeast Portland man said he wasn't dressed for a confrontation with a home intruder.

Craig Grover said he and his wife were sleeping Thursday night when they heard someone enter through their front door.

Grover said he went into the kitchen to investigate, and that he didn't take the time to get dressed.

"I was 100 percent nude. I approached him from behind and we fought in the kitchen. I didn't have clothes on whatsoever," said Grover.

Grover said the karate lessons he has taken helped him take down the intruder and hold him captive in the front yard until Portland police officers arrived.

Beating the Odds

New York -- You'd never know that Mark Cummings has just half a heart.

"I consider myself pretty healthy," Mark says. "I'm doing better than a lot of people without a heart problem."

23-year-old Cummings will achieve a longtime goal when he receives his second-degree black belt and the title of "sensei" at a ceremony in West Winfield at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Cummings had multiple birth defects - including dextrocardia, a condition in which the heart is on the right side of the body that doctors felt would kill him by the time he was 3-months-old, and complications from three operations that led to another in which two steel rods were inserted into his back.

Read this and other inspirational stories at your-martial-arts-resources.com.