Canada -- After completing a four-year sentence for sexual assaults, a high-risk offender was released from prison on June 23. Now, Ottawa police say they can't locate the former judo instructor, as he provided authorities with a false address.
The 64-year-old man was convicted in 2004 for the sexual assaults of two boys, 11 and 14, some 25 years apart.
The first abuse, something the man would not admit, was against one of his judo students (then 14) in the mid-1970s.
According to documents, a parole board noted how the offender was "very knowledgeable" about ways to put himself in a position of trust - specifically using volunteer programs and sports clubs to seek out victims.
Since he had served his entire sentence, the man was reportedly free to leave prison without conditions, in spite of the parole board's concerns.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Senior Friendly Martial Arts
There are many myths within martial arts. One of them is seeing the arts as a youngsters only activity.
This is probably something that will change over time, as more and more people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s take up various forms om martial arts - not only tai chi.
Here is a great article ('Senior citizens and martial arts do mix') from Germany about the many potential benefits of doing martial arts for those of us "out of kindergarten" :-)
Martin Halle, a noted sports medicine physician at the Technical University of Munich, Germany says that "Strength, coordination, and endurance diminish in old age." And he adds: "These are precisely the things that martial arts can train very well."
As long as you consult your doctor -- a good advice no matter your age -- and know about the few risks involved in some of the arts, you're absolutely good to go!
This is probably something that will change over time, as more and more people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s take up various forms om martial arts - not only tai chi.
Here is a great article ('Senior citizens and martial arts do mix') from Germany about the many potential benefits of doing martial arts for those of us "out of kindergarten" :-)
Martin Halle, a noted sports medicine physician at the Technical University of Munich, Germany says that "Strength, coordination, and endurance diminish in old age." And he adds: "These are precisely the things that martial arts can train very well."
As long as you consult your doctor -- a good advice no matter your age -- and know about the few risks involved in some of the arts, you're absolutely good to go!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Another Molester
California -- A 51-year-old man has been charged for allegedly molesting six young male students at his Westminster karate school between 1999 and 2005.
Fearing he would molest them, the man's alleged victims (10 to 14 years of age) told officials how they tried to avoid his office, where most of the alleged acts occurred, according to myfoxla.com.
They boys reportedly also said that during practice, the instructor would boast about his strength and how he was able to break a person's neck.
In other words, not just a scumbag, but a real "tough guy"...
Fearing he would molest them, the man's alleged victims (10 to 14 years of age) told officials how they tried to avoid his office, where most of the alleged acts occurred, according to myfoxla.com.
They boys reportedly also said that during practice, the instructor would boast about his strength and how he was able to break a person's neck.
In other words, not just a scumbag, but a real "tough guy"...
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Karate is Violence!
I suggest you read this drivel to gain more insight into how some people actually sees karate, and other martial arts, as violence - nothing more.
Even though this ehmmm... "insightful, thoroughly investigated and well balanced" article is from Sierra Leone, I think the gentleman here is actually not alone in his belief that "Karate is to fight - nothing more nothing less."
Without obviously knowing anything about the martial arts (rather than perhaps watching too much video...), he goes on to say: "As far as I know Karate is a violent discipline. It is like Boxing, Judo and Wrestling." Have this man been smoking illegal substances?
"In fact my own understanding of Karate is that it was meant for 'Self Protection'," he goes on saying. "Talk to anybody about Karate, the first thing that person tells you is 'Fight'."
So yes, I guess the millions of others are wrong - it's just about violence, you beast! Ah, the bliss of ignorance :-)
Even though this ehmmm... "insightful, thoroughly investigated and well balanced" article is from Sierra Leone, I think the gentleman here is actually not alone in his belief that "Karate is to fight - nothing more nothing less."
Without obviously knowing anything about the martial arts (rather than perhaps watching too much video...), he goes on to say: "As far as I know Karate is a violent discipline. It is like Boxing, Judo and Wrestling." Have this man been smoking illegal substances?
"In fact my own understanding of Karate is that it was meant for 'Self Protection'," he goes on saying. "Talk to anybody about Karate, the first thing that person tells you is 'Fight'."
So yes, I guess the millions of others are wrong - it's just about violence, you beast! Ah, the bliss of ignorance :-)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Bad Drugs
Utah -- A 25-year-old martial-arts fighter, described as "quite large and intimidating", has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a woman and driving her around Provo for about two hours,. The man reportedly held a shotgun to her head and threatened to kill her.
According to deseretnews.com, the 24-year-old woman had sold a smaller quantity of drugs to the man. When he found the drugs were bad he came to her house to confront her.
The woman escaped her kidnappers Saturday night by jumping out of the car which at the time was going 40 mph.
According to deseretnews.com, the 24-year-old woman had sold a smaller quantity of drugs to the man. When he found the drugs were bad he came to her house to confront her.
The woman escaped her kidnappers Saturday night by jumping out of the car which at the time was going 40 mph.
Police Sidekick
Malta -- A man who died on April 22, said that while in police custody, he was brutally beaten and thrown off the bastions by police officers, according to timesofmalta.com.
Before he died, the man told how he had been beaten and taunted by two policemen. He admitted to retaliating against one of the officers, pushing him against the metal door at the lock-up.
It is said the officer -- who may have been trained in martial arts -- flung a side kick at the man. This allegedly broke four of the deceased man's ribs and punctured a lung. It is reported that the deceased man then consciousness and that he came to in hospital 10 days later.
Before he died, the man told how he had been beaten and taunted by two policemen. He admitted to retaliating against one of the officers, pushing him against the metal door at the lock-up.
It is said the officer -- who may have been trained in martial arts -- flung a side kick at the man. This allegedly broke four of the deceased man's ribs and punctured a lung. It is reported that the deceased man then consciousness and that he came to in hospital 10 days later.
John Was Hoooked
New York -- "It was instantaneous and amazing," John Belcastro's mother said in response to how her son was hooked on karate the moment he was introduced to the art.
The 7-year-old Long Island boy suffers from autism and he has been doing karate - one-on-one lessons at Calla Karate in West Brighton for 14 months.
A Willowbrook psychologist who has referred several patients to Calla, said the practice has become more common. It (martial arts) has been informally used with children with autism and ADHD for the last few decades.
The 7-year-old Long Island boy suffers from autism and he has been doing karate - one-on-one lessons at Calla Karate in West Brighton for 14 months.
A Willowbrook psychologist who has referred several patients to Calla, said the practice has become more common. It (martial arts) has been informally used with children with autism and ADHD for the last few decades.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
A Young Karate Senior
UK -- Mick Young recently turned 70. The elderly gentleman states that he can't stop his karate training now because he want to stay flexible - adding that it is a good work-out for older people.
The inspirational Ipswich senior took up the art 26 years ago to help his son getting fit, played football until he was 64 years old.
Mr Young holds a third dan black belt in karate and he is teaching youngsters at the local community center, according to eveningstar.co.uk.
Mr Young, people like you is a great inspiration to the rest of us - keep up the good work!
The inspirational Ipswich senior took up the art 26 years ago to help his son getting fit, played football until he was 64 years old.
Mr Young holds a third dan black belt in karate and he is teaching youngsters at the local community center, according to eveningstar.co.uk.
Mr Young, people like you is a great inspiration to the rest of us - keep up the good work!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Asbergers Syndrome
Wisconsin -- Postcrescent.com recently had an inspirational piece about young Scott Schultz who suffers from Asberger's Syndrome (a form of autism).
Scott took up karate at a church in New London when he was 10.
His physical abilities began to improve after a couple of years of hard work - eventually becoming one of the best students. Finally, after 5 years of training, Scott recently was awarded his black belt.
Scott took up karate at a church in New London when he was 10.
His physical abilities began to improve after a couple of years of hard work - eventually becoming one of the best students. Finally, after 5 years of training, Scott recently was awarded his black belt.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Post-Op Karate Chop
India -- Two police officers and two security guards got to taste some impromptu karate and stick-work recently at a hospital in Hyderabad, according to timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
The 25-year-old patient allegedly suffered from a post-operation psychosis following a minor surgery.
A around 5 a.m., the karate black belt came out of his hospital ward, and grabbed a stick lying nearby. The man then reportedly began some 'stick-swinging exercises'.
The two guards and two police officers where hurt when they came to get the late-night workout under control.
The 25-year-old patient allegedly suffered from a post-operation psychosis following a minor surgery.
A around 5 a.m., the karate black belt came out of his hospital ward, and grabbed a stick lying nearby. The man then reportedly began some 'stick-swinging exercises'.
The two guards and two police officers where hurt when they came to get the late-night workout under control.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Another Round in Court
A martial arts teacher was convicted in May after being accused of pulling a gun on a group of golfers in 2005, according to latimes.com.
Now, the longtime instructor for the Orange County Sheriff and former reserve deputy, is seeking a new trial.
It is said that a court bailiff talked with jurors during their deliberations about a gun that was a key piece of evidence in the case.
The instructor holds a black belt in taekwondo and was sworn in as a reserve deputy in 2002. Right after the incident, it was reported that his sheriff's credentials were revoked.
Now, the longtime instructor for the Orange County Sheriff and former reserve deputy, is seeking a new trial.
It is said that a court bailiff talked with jurors during their deliberations about a gun that was a key piece of evidence in the case.
The instructor holds a black belt in taekwondo and was sworn in as a reserve deputy in 2002. Right after the incident, it was reported that his sheriff's credentials were revoked.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Prison Kumite
I'm not quite sure what I think about teaching karate to prison inmates, something which is obviously being done in South Africa. What is your thought about this?
I'm not at all saying it's a bad or stupid thing - I just hope they know what they're doing. Under any circumstance it is at least a very interesting experiment...
Here in Norway a similar project was cut short not too long ago.
Story:
"We expect just over 80 inmates from the correctional centre facility to participate in the grading, said the deputy president of Karate South Africa. "It will be from white to brown belts."
"Karate is growing in leaps and bounds at many correctional centres facilities throughout the country, he added. "We appreciate the support from the authorities."
I'm not at all saying it's a bad or stupid thing - I just hope they know what they're doing. Under any circumstance it is at least a very interesting experiment...
Here in Norway a similar project was cut short not too long ago.
Story:
"We expect just over 80 inmates from the correctional centre facility to participate in the grading, said the deputy president of Karate South Africa. "It will be from white to brown belts."
"Karate is growing in leaps and bounds at many correctional centres facilities throughout the country, he added. "We appreciate the support from the authorities."
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