Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Daddy Knows Best...

Is this for real ... seriously? I mean, can anyone be this totally messed up?

Story:
Nevada -- In order to make her daughter obtain the "ideal weight" for MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), a Las Vegas man allegedly chained her to a bed and beat her with a wooden stick.

Police who arrested the father, said he kept her chained on and off for two weeks in order to keep her from the kitchen.

Claiming her daughter was 25 pounds overweight, the man reportedly believed he was acting in his daughter's best interest, according to wwmt.com.

Monday, January 26, 2009

He Sees Possibilities

I urge you to read this article! In particular about how this man's teacher pinpoints the very essence and beauty of teaching martial arts properly.

Story:
Canada -- 49-year-old Randy Kurzeniski lost complete sight in both eyes six years ago, according to canada.com. Since then, the orange belt has gained an understanding of himself through karate and winning several titles with perfect scores in weapons kata (forms).

"You have other treasures, and that's the beauty of the martial arts world," he said. "We have four other senses, and focusing on the others - auditory and tactile - those are truly treasures."

Fighting, a Part of Life

Florida -- Bradley Schneider from Miami was born with Down syndrome. For him and his mother, fighting is not simply a part of karate, but also a part of life, according to cbs4.com.

Bradley's passion for martial arts has earned him a black belt. And just because he has Down syndrome doesn't mean he has special needs. He says there's more to the art than the physical things. "Focus on what you are doing," he said.

The 19-year-old has so much skill, he's even taking on some teaching at the studio. He's showing younger kids that they can achieve anything they put their minds to.

Accused of Molesting Minor

Florida -- A local South Fort Myers karate instructor is accused of molesting a minor between the ages of 12 and 16, according to news-press.com.

The 36-year-old instructor is a Cape Coral resident and third-degree black belt. He was the chief instructor at a karate school which closed January 17, allegedly because of financial reasons.

Finding Focus With Karate

Canada -- Eighteen-year-old Duncan Wessels from Metchosin, BC was diagnosed with autism and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) as a child and he took up karate in the fourth grade after sitting in on a class, according to bclocalnews.com.

Through studying karate he has learned to use the sport as an outlet. "When things are stressful, it relaxes me," he said.

"Moralistically karate has helped me out a lot," he said. "It has given me self-confidence, discipline and respect."

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Accused of Molestating Boys

California -- A 36-year-old Burbank taekwondo instructor has been arrested January 6 on suspicion of molesting two boys.

Now, Burbank police are saying that there may be more victims out there, according to cbs2.com.

Sword Attack on Girlfriend

Well, well - what have we got here, if not another nut-case "martial arts expert" with anger management problems. Probably too much t'ai chi...

Florida -- A 37-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after attacking his partner with a samurai sword, according to tampabay.com. His girlfriend, 39, feigned she was dead to prevent her partner to slash her again with the sword.

The woman was able to escape the home in Clearwater after being cut in the forehead late Sunday night around 11 p.m., according to reports.

The man has previously been arrested two times for domestic battery against the woman (August 2005 and October 2006). Both charges were later dropped, according to court records.

Monson Arrested

North Carolina -- Jeff Monson, the 37-year-old MMA fighter wanted on suspicion of spray-painting the Washington State Capitol Legislative building, has been arrested by authorities.

He was allegedly brought in after trashing a girlfriend's home and grabbing the woman following an argument over the weekend, according to theolympian.com.

Another stand-up citizen and prime martial arts role model it seems...

Boxer With Self-Defense Move

Ireland -- 42-year-old former British world boxing champion Steve Collins told a court in November how he had used a 'martial arts self defence manoeuvre', according to rte.ie.

Collins claimed he used the technique on a doorman at the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin in June 2006 after after being refused entry through a VIP entrance. He also claimed he did not punch the man.

Mr Collins told the jury he 'knew what he was talking about' when it came to the issue of self-defense. He said he had been taught by a 'California martial arts expert' and that he used a special technique to break the doorman's grip.

Monday, January 19, 2009

"US Marshal" Arts Expert

There are absolutely "martial arts experts" I wouldn't trust. And I would guess these are the ones who would be the cream of the crop (or the bottom of the dung if you prefer): The ones who says so themselves ... "I'm a martial arts expert." Oh dear me :-)

Story:
Washington D.C: The dcexaminer.com reported about a man who has been charged with impersonating a U.S. Marshal. I urge you to read this story in full to realize just how weird these nutcases can be.

Sporting a U.S. Marshal Service hat and jacket, the 58-year-old weirdo -- who later claimed he "wanted to make a difference" and that he was a "martial arts expert" -- was reportedly caught trying to buy insignia clothing at the agency's headquarters in Arlington (Virginia).

Saturday, January 17, 2009

"Mortal Kombat" Sentence

Yeah, sure ... the "18-year-old martial arts expert" syndrome. How about a drunk martial arts idiot?

Story:
Colorado -- An 18-year-old man, claiming to be a martial-arts expert, was recently sentenced to 36 years in prison, according to cbsnews.com

The drunken young man and his 17-year-old girlfriend were baby-sitting the a child on December 6, 2007. The couple reportedly kicked, hit and slammed the teenage girl's 7-year-old half-sister to the floor - apparently acting out the video game "Mortal Kombat".

Friday, January 16, 2009

Fugitive Cage Fighter

Canada -- A 20-year-old fugitive Colorado cage fighter and former state champion wrestler living illegally in Canada, has been detained by authorities.

The man is said to have beaten up his 37-year-old girlfriend, who met the man online, two days after she paid a $5,000 bond to free him.

The man repeatedly snuck across the border even though he had been instructed by authorities that his U.S. criminal record made him inadmissible to Canada, according to canada.com in November 2008.

Mixed Martial Arts Graffiti

Washington -- MMA fighter and grappling expert Jeff "The Snowman" Monson is a self-declared anarchist. The 37-year-old Olympia fighter has now been hit with a malicious mischief charge after spray-painting an anarchist symbol on the state Capitol, according to theolympian.com.

The charges are reportedly based on photographs published in a December 2008 edition of a well-known sports magazine. The graffiti was sprayed on columns on the north side of the Capitol on November 26.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Defibrillator Saves Student

New Jersey -- Three township police officers and a local karate instructor are credited with saving the life of a 13-year-old boy who went into cardiac arrest during karate class Saturday morning in Hamilton, acording to nj.com.

The boy was participating in exercises at karate institute around 11:30 a.m. Without warning, he fell to the floor unresponsive in front of the class.

The female instructor could not detect the young student's pulse, so she started performing CPR while a 911 call was made.

Three officers arriving shortly after applied a defibrillator. After one shock, the boy's heart restarted.

Schoolboy Dies in Siberia

Russia -- A schoolboy collapsed and died during a Kudo martial arts competition in the southwest Siberian city of Kemerovo, according to en.rian.ru.

The Fifteen-year-old competitor of Novosibirsk lost consciousness during a fight and he died in spite of being given first aid.

Friday, January 09, 2009

"Rampage" Pleaded Guilty

California -- Former MMA champion Quinton Jackson recently pleaded guilty to felony police evasion against traffic in addition to a misdemeanor reckless driving.

30-year-old "Rampage" was ordered to complete community service for leading the Costa Mesa police on a chase in which he rammed three cars on July 15, narrowly missing pedestrians and cyclists.

The mixed martial arts fighter apologized for his actions and claimed he was delirious from a lack of sleep and food when he fled police.

MA "Expert" Accused of Rape

UK -- A 39-year old shooting instructor and former martial arts competitor from Chobham is accused of raping a nurse in a kitchen while her toddler was in the next room, according to getsurrey.co.uk.

The 44-year-old victim was allegedly grabbed around the throat and shoved backwards so hard that the glass door of an oven was shattered to pieces.

She said the defendant was a martial arts enthusiast who previously had competed on a national level. Jurors were told the alleged sex attack happened on September 20, 2006, while the woman was living on a houseboat.

Nothing Stops Her

Texas -- 9-year-old Cat Farrior lacks chest muscles, but that doesn't let stop her from taking home trophies in the art of the bo (a martial arts staff), according to newsok.com.

The sixth-grader has turned martial arts practice into her own physical education component after other sports activities reportedly failed her.

The karate student was born with a rare condition called Poland's syndrome, in which chest muscles are absent or underdeveloped.

Her instructor planted the idea of studying the bo staff in the youngster's mind since she couldn't spar for fear of dislocating her shoulder.

Potbelly "Ninja"

Florida -- Luckily it's back to the regular ninja stupidity again after a brief stint with quite insane naked MMA activities :-)

A man, dressed in a black ninja outfit, was caught on surveillance cameras trying to steal the ATM machines outside a bank on December 29 (2008) and then another bank on January 6, according to palmbeachpost.com.

Would you be the least surprised if I told you the man - sporting a "noticeable pot belly", according to reports - was unsuccessful both times?

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

First Talk - Then Fight...

Florida -- One New Year's Day, a discussion about martial arts and "extensive knowledge" of the art supposedly led to physical violence, according to naplesnews.com.

A 46-year-old South Fort Myers man ended up in hospital five days later with severe injuries, as a result of the altercation.

The victim told officials a man, known to him only by a first name, beat him after he turned to watch a television about 9 p.m. in a bar. Reports says the victim was punched on the right side of the face and head and knocked to the ground.

Once on the ground, he was repeatedly kicked and punched in the face, back and rib cage by the attacker, according to the report.

Assault and Drug Charges

Texas -- In El Paso, a 25-year-old local martial arts instructor - who supposedly received media attention winning a "world title" in 2001 - was arrested in November 2008 on suspicion of marijuana possession and assault on a public servant, according to kfoxtv.com.

The man was reportedly pulled over on the Interstate an Sheriff's officials said he was behaving nervous and suspicious. He was then asked to step out of his vehicle. Officials say the man suddenly assaulted the deputy and attempted to escape on foot.

The deputy caught up to the suspect and arrested him. He then found 58 pounds of marijuana hidden in bags on the back seat.

Sheriff's officials said the man has been arrested several times on suspicion of possession of marijuana. They added that he he continues to work with children - despite his criminal and violent history.

Naked MMA at Wal-Mart

Georgia -- A man who claimed he wanted to be a mixed martial arts fighter was found nude Sunday at a Wal-Mart in Covington, according to newmedia.covnews.com.

The man allegedly told police he wanted to practice his "tap outs", and was looking for someone to battle.

He undressed in the parking lot according to reports, stating he knew he could find someone to fight with if he were nude.

Wow... All this time I was led to believe ninja buffs were the only ones this crazy :-)

Saves Girl With Jiu-Jitsu

California -- A 9-year-old boy has been hailed as a hero after saving a girl and her dog from an attacking pit bull, according to bakersfieldnow.com.

Drew Heredia from Bakersfield said he and a 12-year-old friend were walking a small dog when the pit bull jumped their dog.

The 12-year-old girl reportedly intervened trying to save her dog. This prompted the pit bull to turn on her. The boy said he jumped on the pit bull and applied a choke hold he had learned at a
BJJ school.

The brave boy said he had to hold the pit bull for 20 minutes until an animal control officer arrived.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

He's Ready for School

UK-- He was given a 30% chance of survival before he was even born. But coming into the world at 24 weeks, this young Thornaby boy has defied the odds.

The four-year-old, who spent the first few months of his life fighting for survival, is heading for his first day at school, according to gazettelive.co.uk.

Samuel was left with a chronic lung disease. Still, he loves football and judo and is looking forward to school.

Mad at His Mother

California -- On November 7, 2008, an 18-year-old Shingletown resident accused of trying to kill his mother was given a five-year suspended prison sentence, according to redding.com.

The teenager was arrested when he was 17 on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the attack on his mother.

Investigators said that he grabbed his mother from behind at her home and attempted to break her neck.

The teenager, who reportedly has a background in martial arts, was mad at his mother because she locked his computer in her car as a punishment because of his behavior.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Sexual Harassment Accusations

Vietnam -- A female silat student has sent a complaint to the Da Nang Athletics Training Center claiming her instructor sexually harassed her, according to thanhniennews.com.

The silat student claimed that her coach was a bit drunk when he went to her room in the afternoon December 23. He then allegedly asked her to rub his back with a coin, something which is considered a local remedy for colds.

The man indecently touched the student and hugged her, she said in the complaint, also stating she fought back and ran out of the room.

Knee Arthritis and T'ai Chi

A study has been presented at the meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, according to presstv.ir.

The study is reportedly showing that traditional Chinese martial arts (t'ai chi) helps in alleviating pain in individuals suffering from severe knee arthritis.

It is said that practicing the slow t'ai chi for an hour twice a week not just reduce the pain in those suffering from severe knee osteoarthritis but also tackles depression and improves physical function.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

"Silattack"

Indonesia -- A large group of silat students from one particular clan allegedly attacked some innocent concert-goers in an ambush gone wrong. One person was killed and 16 badly hurt in the horrific attack, according to news.asiaone.com.

Authorities believe they had planned a surprise attack on the practitioners of a different silat school.

The attackers fled after the ambush, and many of the attackers are thought to be hiding in the woods near Mlideg village, East Java, not far from the scene of the attack.

Police reportedly found motorcycles and weapons, including knives, machetes and a samurai sword, abandoned nearby.

Taekwondo Club Held Responsible

Instructors and school owners beware...

Australia -- A former taekwondo club owner has failed to avoid paying half of $730,850 damages awarded to a former student who was hit by a car while training, according to news.com.au.

The accident occurred October 30, 1989. The student, eight years old at the time, participated in a class at a TKD club in Townsville. The childrens class was on a training run to a park in the suburb of Belgian Gardens.

The case has been watched closely by sports clubs and lawyers throughout Australia because of its ramifications in deciding duty of care, especially in junior sport and by motorists around children.

In 2007, Supreme Court found the victim, contributed to the accident by running on to the road. However, the court also found that even though the driver did not break any traffic rule he should have understood children's propensity to "move suddenly out on the road".

The instructor in charge should also have taken better care of the children in the group close to a busy roadway, the court ruled.

The owner-operator of the club was ruled to be responsible overall for the conduct of the classes and that he failed to ensure reasonable care was taken.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Dangerous Ju-Jitsu

Seems like someone is bound to get seriously -- and perhaps even intentionally -- hurt in Australian rugby. Canberratimes.com.au had a piece about this September 25, 2008.

Melbourne Storm captain Cam Smith was suspended for two matches for his grapple tackle on Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday. A Ju Jitsu instructor condemned Smith's manoeuvre as "very dangerous and rehearsed".

"He's initially holding him in a very dangerous headlock (called 'gyaku waki kubi garami' - or 'reverse armpit neck entanglement')," the instructor explained. The instructor explains how he then swaps arms and throws himself intentionally - doing what is called a 'sacrifice throw' - again a very dangerous technique.

"This appears to be both an intentional and rehearsed manoeuvre in collaboration with his teammates," the instructor said. He suggest their origins appear to be from a Japanese (rather than Brazilian) Jiu Jitsu expert.

Self Esteem, Autism, Martial Arts

Maryland -- When 13-year-old CJ Moore of Glenn Dale took up taekwondo in 2006, he was crying because he thought he couldn't do the sport.

However, the boy who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 didn't give up. Now he's a black belt and a role model for other younger students, according to gazette.net.

"The easiest part for him (...) was to focus; he does that really well," his father said. "He can block out almost anything and anyone."

Autism does not slow the youngster down. And his father is confident the taekwondo training helps his son.

"Without a doubt it has helped with his condition," Mr Moore said. "It helps with eye contact and social skills. He's determined."

Facing Prison Term

California -- A 27-year-old former martial arts business co-owner and karate instructor has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on his computer.

The Ramona man is facing up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 20, 2009, according to ramonasentinel.com.

The man reportedly admitted to owning a computer with a video file that showed two teenagers having sex with each other. The computer allegedly also contained other images of minors.

Friday, January 02, 2009

Angelina: MA Fan

Mother of six and famous movie star, 33-year-old Angelina Jolie, has claimed that she is a keen fan of martial arts and that she has started teaching it to her children, according to digitalspy.co.uk.

"I love martial arts," she said. "They are ideal for children because they teach them discipline and perseverance. In fact, my son is already starting to go to class."

A Big Hearted Student

New York -- Timesunion.com is spot on: When you're 12 years old, blind and learning karate - you definitely need a big heart. Oh, a big sense of humor helps too...

Young Tylor from Albany really shows a tremendous martial arts spirit - setting a great example for others to follow. Way to go buddy! And of course, kudos to your parents and instructors as well.

How can you not be touched and inspired by the pictures of this constantly smiling, young karateka?

Karate Teachers Worry Police

India -- Darsgah-Jihad-o-Shahadath (DJS) is a nondescript organisation which has been in focus by the Gujarat police for a few months, according to timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

Several agencies is reported to be looking into its association with the new radical wing of SIMI (The Students Islamic Movement of India). SIMI is considered by Indian officials to be an Islamist fundamentalist organisation.

DJS offers training in self-defense to its cadres. It operates from the Hyderabad and Secunderabad region.

"The organisation trains youngsters in martial arts especially karate and 'lathi'," a senior police official said.

In November 2007, a training camp for SIMI cadres was organised in Kerala. Police sources said many at this camp used pseudo names, hiding their real identity from one another.

The purpose of the training was allegedly to select individuals to be sent for further arms and explosives training outside the country. Also, another group would supposedly be set up to become involved in "mass murder" operations.

A "Different" Relationship

North Carolina -- January 19 (2008), I added a blog post here regarding a taekwondo instructor accused of having sex with a 15-year-old student.

Now, according to wral.com, it seems the former martial arts instructor was sharing a bedroom with another 15-year-old girl when he was arrested November 2007.

According to reports, this girl told police that she and the man admitted they "could be seen as different" but said their relationship was "just friendship."

Fighter in Hit-And-Run Trouble

Iowa -- 25-year-old UFC (MMA) fighter Josh Neer was arrested for a hit-and-run incident and high-speed chase in Des Moines early Thursday, according to sherdog.com.

According to reports, this was the fighter's second offense of 'operating a vehicle while intoxicated'. His alcohol blood content was measured to be .134. (at .08, a person is considered intoxicated).

He allegedly hit two vehicles, one of which was a police car, and then led police on a 15-minute car chase, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

Taekwondo Master Returns

South Korean-born taekwondo master Choi Jung-hwa -- accused of engaging in pro North Korean activities -- returned to South Korea in September 2008, according to iht.com.

Choi, directed by North Korea, is said to have hired two agents to assassinate President Chun Doo-hwan during a 1982 visit to Canada. The plot was detected and Choi immediately went into hiding in Eastern Europe and North Korea.

54-year-old Choi is son of (general) Choi Hong-hi. General Choi is widely recognised as the "founder of taekwondo". General Choi founded International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) in 1966.

The general emigrated to Canada in 1972, supposedly because of the South's staunchly anti-communist ruling military regime. His son followed two years later.

When the general died of a cancer in 2002, North Korean officials selected a North Korean to head the ITF. An angry Choi Jung-hwa consequently set up another taekwondo body in Canada, claiming this was the only legitimate ITF organisation.

Thursday, January 01, 2009

MA Instuctor Jailed

UK -- September 5, 2008 cambridge-news.co.uk had a news article regarding a martial arts teacher who was jailed after having sex with a 14-year-old pupil.

The 32-year-old bank worker was allegedly asked to take the girl in for private taekwondo lessons and the pair had sex twice at his home after they became close, a court heard.

Instructor in Dock

UK -- September 3, 2008 expressandstar.com had an article about a TKD instructor and school caretaker who admitted to possessing indecent images of young schoolgirls aged between 12 and 14.

The 32-year-old man was employed by Walsall Council until he was arrested after his girlfriend found 32 indecent photographs on his computer.

The court was told that the man until recently had taught taekwondo to children at community centres in Bloxwich and Willenhall.