Saturday, May 31, 2008

And Up it Goes Again...

I don't want you to miss out on this, so I'll bump this post up from time to time.

Make sure you check it out the free resources at The Martial Arts Vault as soon as possible!

Once inside The Vault you will find lots and lots of free, cool and very useful (as in educational) stuff about self-defense and the martial arts.

You may also find the occasional rebates to my e-books etc in addition to the free things. Enjoy!

Martial Arts Save Boy

Canada -- Bclocalnews.com reports about a 9-year-old boy who used his martial arts skills to escape a man who grabbed him.

The kid broke free and sent the man to to the ground and then the limping off with a kick to his knee.

Great going, kid!

An Alford Plea

Virginia -- Dailypress.com reports about a 60-year-old Newport News karate teacher who was charged with attempted sexual battery (and later assault) in September 2006.

A 15-year-old girl, employed at the man's karate academy, initially accused him of trying to kiss her.

In February 2008 the case was dismissed, after the man entered an Alford Plea on an assault charge in February 2007.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Brandons Third Nationals

To me, it's inspirational stories like this that really drives home the message about the true value of martial arts.

Story:
Four years after taking up karate, 12 year-old Brandon Earnshaw will compete in his third consecutive National Karate-Do Federation championship, according to timesfreepress.com.

Big deal, you say? Well, it is if you happen to be autistic like Brandon, and given the fact that when he took up the art four years ago, he couldn't stand on one foot without losing his balance and falling.

Need a Friend

Do you need a friend? If so, then maybe you should consider contacting this Wearside (UK) man who is serving an 11-year prison sentence for a samurai sword attack in 2003.

According to sunderlandecho.com, the 27-year-old man has posted a "lonely heart-style advert" on the Internet, where he is appealing for would-be pen pals to get in touch.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Taekwondo Smugglers

California -- It is alleged that at least six people were brought to the U.S. and forced to work at two nursing homes in Long Beach, according to latimes.com.

The workers were recruited in the Philippines promising legitimate employment in the U.S. A 39-year-old taekwondo instructor would designate the recruits to be his "students" - traveling to USA to participate in martial arts competitions.

The instructor reportedly taught the group just enough taekwondo moves and terminology to fool immigration officials.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

73 And a 2 Dan

Pennsylvania -- Spending time with her grandson ... that's why 73-year-old Jeannie O'Connor took up karate in the first place, according to wfmz.com.

Her grandson dropped out, but not this Oklahoma grandmother. She is now a 2. dan black belt and she figures she may earn her 5. dan by the age of 85.

Way to go mam!

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

He Admitted Abuse

A former karate instructor from Niagara Falls, New York has admitted to having illegal sexual contact with a student.

The man, 51, was teaching at a local karate school when the incident -- which involved a young male student -- happened.

The man will be sentences in May, and he is now facing up to seven years in prison, according to wivb.com.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Sex Abuse Victim

UK -- Between the age of 12 and 14, a Birmingham resident (now 24) was sexually abused by a trusted family friend during private karate lessons, a court was told according to birminghammail.net.

Allegedly, the boy was told the man had "special powers" - that he could read minds. This, said the prosecutor, had contributed to the power he exerted over the boy.

When the victim turned 14, the abuse stopped. The victim then went "off the rails", and he turned to drink and drugs, the prosecutor said.

Friday, May 02, 2008

Fraud Claims Fedor

Korea -- A local sambo leader has been indicted by South Korean prosecutors for fraud after allegedly --without rights -- having used the publicity rights of famous Russian MMA fighter Fedor Emelianenko, according to koreatimes.co.kr.

A "shoddy" honey commercial that went on air on Korean cable television featuring his image is said to have triggered the lawsuit. The MMA champion sought $1.6 million in compensation from the president of the (Korean) Sambo Federation and the head of a local agency.