Florida -- A 61-year-old world history teacher, who also taught taekwondo, was shot and killed in North Port when he stepped outside to see who rang his doorbell around 10 p.m.
Police said the victim's wife told them there was just gunshots and no conversation, according to wpbf.com. The woman said she saw two people wearing masks and dressed in dark clothes running from the area.
The victim was an original faculty member at a charter middle and high arts school in Palmetto, and he taught taekwondo at the same school. Because of his martial arts skills, he was known around the school as "Master Ellis".
According to bradenton.com 17-year-old Jason, one of the man's taekwondo students said: "He wasn't just a teacher. He was family. He didn't do it for the money. He didn't do it just because it was his job. He loved every single person. He would talk to us as we needed him. He would take time out of his class to talk with us about personal problems."
Second dan black belt Taylor Lesoine, who had been Ellis' student since the seventh grade. said: "Being with a master, it changed me for the better. I owe almost all I am today to Master Ellis."
Too sad...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Charged: Karate Teacher
Update, December 19:
The former karate instructor has been sentenced to prison after having pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two 16-year-old girls.
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Update, November 2:
After pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two female students, both teenagers, the Highland Park karate school teacher is facing a three-year prison sentence.
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New Jersey -- The owner of a karate school in Highland Park has been charged with sexual assault against a teenage girl (16), according to woodbridge.patch.com.
The same man was charged again approximately 14 days later with two more counts involving two other girls, both 15.
Prosecutor's Office Investigators reportedly discovered that the man had allegedly assaulted the girls more than once and over a period of several months.
The former karate instructor has been sentenced to prison after having pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two 16-year-old girls.
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Update, November 2:
After pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two female students, both teenagers, the Highland Park karate school teacher is facing a three-year prison sentence.
----
New Jersey -- The owner of a karate school in Highland Park has been charged with sexual assault against a teenage girl (16), according to woodbridge.patch.com.
The same man was charged again approximately 14 days later with two more counts involving two other girls, both 15.
Prosecutor's Office Investigators reportedly discovered that the man had allegedly assaulted the girls more than once and over a period of several months.
"No Longer My Son"
UK -- A former judo champion has disowned her son after he left her with career-wrecking injuries by deliberately dragging her along the road with his car in Newton-le-Willows, according to sthelensreporter.co.uk.
The woman emotionally told the courts they could "throw away the key" after her 24-year-old son Robert had admitted to dangerous driving and wounding.
The 42-year-old former national and European judo gold medalist - having temporary custody of her two grandchildren at the time - suffered serious head injuries while trying to get the two children out of her son's vehicle as he drove off telling her mother he would never bring them back.
The woman emotionally told the courts they could "throw away the key" after her 24-year-old son Robert had admitted to dangerous driving and wounding.
The 42-year-old former national and European judo gold medalist - having temporary custody of her two grandchildren at the time - suffered serious head injuries while trying to get the two children out of her son's vehicle as he drove off telling her mother he would never bring them back.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Fights Draw Gangsters
Canada -- During a recent MMA event in Nanaimo, a number of people with connections to gangs or organized crime attended, according to police and canada.com.
Police claimed up to 50 individuals with gang or organized crime connections - outlaw motorcycle groups specifically - were identified during the event. In excess of 2,000 fans from the Island and Vancouver reportedly attended.
Police claimed MMA, which is drawing younger men in particular as a fan base, tends to attract individuals who have ties to organized crime.
Police claimed up to 50 individuals with gang or organized crime connections - outlaw motorcycle groups specifically - were identified during the event. In excess of 2,000 fans from the Island and Vancouver reportedly attended.
Police claimed MMA, which is drawing younger men in particular as a fan base, tends to attract individuals who have ties to organized crime.
False Drug Test Sample?
Nevada -- A complaint has been filed against MMA veteran Thiago Silva. The complaint alleges that the fighter's drug test sample from his battle with Brandon Vera on UFC 125 was inconsistent with human urine, according to bloodyelbow.com.
Silva has been suspended until an April 7 hearing in which he will be up for suspension and fine in accordance to the NSAC by-laws. NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer has stated that he will be asking the NSAC to overturn the UFC 125 decision against Brandon Vera to a no-contest.
Silva has been suspended until an April 7 hearing in which he will be up for suspension and fine in accordance to the NSAC by-laws. NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer has stated that he will be asking the NSAC to overturn the UFC 125 decision against Brandon Vera to a no-contest.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Even More Kung-Football
China -- Dailymail.co.uk has an article which touches upon an issue we have heard of before - how the Chinese are setting out to improve their rather trite and low performing soccer/football sport with the help of Shaolin monks. And hey, why not?
Wanna Show Your Kung Fu?
China -- If you're interested in a place to show off your kung fu skills, it appears that working for a Chinese company in China may be just the right thing for you :-)
In this well-written and entertaining post from hypervocal.com, a Western female employee describes how her company is attempting to have her participate in what is being described as an "athletic games competition", a very Chinese thing according to her coworkers.
A text message sent to her was like this:
"Hi there, anybody are good at dancing or Kongfu? We're recruiting some talents performing at the opening of [company name] games."
So again, if you're into kung fu - or would like to get into the art - and you like these sort of after-hours get-togethers (quite similar to karaoke), well then perhaps working in China is the thing for you?
In this well-written and entertaining post from hypervocal.com, a Western female employee describes how her company is attempting to have her participate in what is being described as an "athletic games competition", a very Chinese thing according to her coworkers.
A text message sent to her was like this:
"Hi there, anybody are good at dancing or Kongfu? We're recruiting some talents performing at the opening of [company name] games."
So again, if you're into kung fu - or would like to get into the art - and you like these sort of after-hours get-togethers (quite similar to karaoke), well then perhaps working in China is the thing for you?
Inexperienced Fighter Dies
Thailand -- An inexperienced, 48-year-old Muay Thai boxer and farmer died after collapsing in a fight for which he was set to be paid just 400 baht (approximately US $13).
The father-of-two had reportedly agreed to the fight, even though he had fought only two times before. The man struggled to with the expenses of his daughters' education while caring for his wife's elderly parents and disabled brother, according to bangkokpost.com.
My heart goes out to these poor, hard-working people. How utterly meaningless and sad.
The father-of-two had reportedly agreed to the fight, even though he had fought only two times before. The man struggled to with the expenses of his daughters' education while caring for his wife's elderly parents and disabled brother, according to bangkokpost.com.
My heart goes out to these poor, hard-working people. How utterly meaningless and sad.
Master, at 91
UK -- He was born in 1919, yet 91-year-old Cristobal Campos is reportedly super fit and gives far younger people a run for their money, according to sunderlandecho.com.
Mr Campos who took up taekwondo at the age of 80 after watching his grandsons, said he had been practicing the martial arts for 11 years.
"I'm a fourth dan black belt. It helps me keep active and is good for self-defense. I am known as Master Campos."
The great-grandfather, who lives in West Boldon and originally hails from Spain, tops up his taekwondo training with weekly sessions at the gym.
Great going sir!
Mr Campos who took up taekwondo at the age of 80 after watching his grandsons, said he had been practicing the martial arts for 11 years.
"I'm a fourth dan black belt. It helps me keep active and is good for self-defense. I am known as Master Campos."
The great-grandfather, who lives in West Boldon and originally hails from Spain, tops up his taekwondo training with weekly sessions at the gym.
Great going sir!
Monday, March 28, 2011
"Calligra-Fu"
China -- Adding another dimension to martial arts, a Chinese man named Ba is here seen combining kung fu moves and calligraphy in front of onlookers at a park in Kaifeng, Henan province.
The 60-year-old man - dressed in traditional robes - is using a long and heavy (2 metes - 5kg) brush and water to create his intricate calligraphy. The signs can only last a few minutes before they vanish in the sun, according to metro.co.uk.
As in Japan and Korea, there's a deep cultural relationship in China between calligraphy and martial arts. Warriors and martial arts masters are expected to balance their lives by also being schooled in aesthetic practices like calligraphy.
The 60-year-old man - dressed in traditional robes - is using a long and heavy (2 metes - 5kg) brush and water to create his intricate calligraphy. The signs can only last a few minutes before they vanish in the sun, according to metro.co.uk.
As in Japan and Korea, there's a deep cultural relationship in China between calligraphy and martial arts. Warriors and martial arts masters are expected to balance their lives by also being schooled in aesthetic practices like calligraphy.
Fee "Hikeido"
Australia -- Following a fee increase imposed on Melbourne University sports clubs, the kung fu club has reportedly accused the campus sports association of racism and lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission, according to watoday.com.au.
The University Sport claim the increase it was unavoidable due to a revenue shortfall caused by a government ban on collecting union fees from students.
Kung Fu Club students says the clubs most affected are international students - predominantly Asian - who are being shut out of campus sports following the fee hike.
According to policies, a club which is not competing must pay a per-hour room hire fee. On the other hand, free training space is provided free to the clubs which are preparing for competition.
The complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission allegedly includes a support statement from other campus martial arts units, including the aikido and karate clubs.
The University Sport claim the increase it was unavoidable due to a revenue shortfall caused by a government ban on collecting union fees from students.
Kung Fu Club students says the clubs most affected are international students - predominantly Asian - who are being shut out of campus sports following the fee hike.
According to policies, a club which is not competing must pay a per-hour room hire fee. On the other hand, free training space is provided free to the clubs which are preparing for competition.
The complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission allegedly includes a support statement from other campus martial arts units, including the aikido and karate clubs.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
13 Assassins
There's a new Japanese samurai-type action movie coming up, called 13 Assassins - looks like a must see for us martial arts buffs... Seems to be getting good reviews too.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Domestic Violence Charge
Canada -- A well-known figure in the Vancouver MMA community has been hit with weapon assault charges in an alleged domestic violence case, along with a number of other firearms charges, according to theprovince.com.
The 45-year-old man, a former professional fighter, is currently a trainer at a mixed martial arts gym, which operates in Vancouver and Richmond.
The 45-year-old man, a former professional fighter, is currently a trainer at a mixed martial arts gym, which operates in Vancouver and Richmond.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Just Carry on!
Seriously, this guy is the embodiment of cool - losing his pants during what appears to be a kung fu competition and just keeps right on going - finishing off in style :-)
Children Beaten
New Jersey -- Montclair Police recently charged an employee at a karate dojo with aggravated assault.
The 57-year-old man allegedly disciplined two students, a 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, by forcing them to stay in the push-up position while he whipped them, according to northjersey.com.
The 57-year-old man allegedly disciplined two students, a 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, by forcing them to stay in the push-up position while he whipped them, according to northjersey.com.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Seniors Kicking Out
Here's a nice and inspirational article about 68-year-old Jimi Hadley from Oklahoma City who is in full swing doing taekwondo and kumdo (Korean kendo).
Apart from the utter rubbish of someone being graded second dan black belt (and apparently soon testing for third) after just four years or so of training, this is a good read. It shows that you do not necessarily need to start thinking about the couch even though you're considered a senior citizen.
This is one active and inspiring woman for sure!
Apart from the utter rubbish of someone being graded second dan black belt (and apparently soon testing for third) after just four years or so of training, this is a good read. It shows that you do not necessarily need to start thinking about the couch even though you're considered a senior citizen.
This is one active and inspiring woman for sure!
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Martial Arts Maniacs
Sunday, March 20, 2011
MMA Fighter, Trainers Halt Robber
Mmatorch.com has a great article about MMA fighter Jon Jones, and how he and his trainers, Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn, subdued a robber in New Jersey just hours before an UFC 128 title fight.
Great going guys; well done and a big round of applause!
Great going guys; well done and a big round of applause!
Friday, March 18, 2011
School Board Member Arrested
Pennsylvania -- A 31-year-old school board member from Dickson City has been arrested for allegedly buying cocaine, according to thetimes-tribune.com/news.
The man, reportedly owner and teacher at a karate school in Dickson City has resigned from the Mid Valley School Board.
Police said the man was arrested after county detectives observed him visiting a "known South Scranton drug house" and pulled him over.
The man, reportedly owner and teacher at a karate school in Dickson City has resigned from the Mid Valley School Board.
Police said the man was arrested after county detectives observed him visiting a "known South Scranton drug house" and pulled him over.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Drunken "Expert"
Canada -- In Sarnia, a 41-year-old man - said to be a martial arts expert - has plead guilty to causing a disturbance in June 2010.
Lfpress.com reported the man called police during the night, saying he was intoxicated and had some important information he wanted to share.
Officers however, never received the information. They were instead confronted by a screaming man, armed with a sword in one hand and a liquor bottle in the other.
Police reportedly had to use a Taser on the individual, since the man told them he wasn't going to let officers arrest him without a fight.
The man allegedly became agitated when he didn't think officers were paying attention to him...
Lfpress.com reported the man called police during the night, saying he was intoxicated and had some important information he wanted to share.
Officers however, never received the information. They were instead confronted by a screaming man, armed with a sword in one hand and a liquor bottle in the other.
Police reportedly had to use a Taser on the individual, since the man told them he wasn't going to let officers arrest him without a fight.
The man allegedly became agitated when he didn't think officers were paying attention to him...
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
More Toekwondo?
Hm... I do wonder... Is this a break-fall gone terribly wrong, a solo wresslin' session or simply more toekwondo?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Jujitsu Master Murdered
Malaysia -- Police speculates whether or not a family feud can be the motive behind the murder of a ju-jitsu master in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Police have ruled out robbery as a motive, according to mmail.com.my.
The 42-year-old man was found dead by his wife in a room at his second floor martial arts center Thursday night.
The man's was gagged and his hands and legs were bound together. It is believed the victim was attacked and suffocated by at least three men.
The 42-year-old man was found dead by his wife in a room at his second floor martial arts center Thursday night.
The man's was gagged and his hands and legs were bound together. It is believed the victim was attacked and suffocated by at least three men.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Cage Fighter Jailed
Illinois -- Police had to use tear-gas and Taser to end a five-hour standoff with a professional MMA-fighter Friday at an apartment complex in Warrenville, according to beaconnews.suntimes.com.
The 33-year-old army veteran had reportedly barricaded himself inside his second-floor apartment around 3 p.m. Friday.
Police at the scene said Friday that the man was apparently "mentally ill, (with) some problems going on in his life." The man's mother, who came to the complex, told police her son hadn't been taking his prescribed medication recently and had become "increasingly agitated".
The 33-year-old army veteran had reportedly barricaded himself inside his second-floor apartment around 3 p.m. Friday.
Police at the scene said Friday that the man was apparently "mentally ill, (with) some problems going on in his life." The man's mother, who came to the complex, told police her son hadn't been taking his prescribed medication recently and had become "increasingly agitated".
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Practicing Being a Ninja
Well, what can you say ... apart from the rather obvious: Ninja; count on one of the men in black to act really, really weird - often times in public.
Pennsylvania -- A 28-year-old man has reportedly been charged with endangering the welfare of a child after leaving his young son at home alone while he was out "practicing being a ninja," according to examiner.com.
The ninja-clad Scottdale resident was allegedly observed by a police officer while wandering the streets in the cold weather (23 degrees Fahrenheit; -5 degrees Celsius) on March 3. When approached he apparently explained that he was "acting out his fantasy of becoming a ninja martial artist".
Not surprisingly, he furthermore explained that it was hard to find people his age to act out his fantasy of being a ninja (well, duh...).
Our wanna-be ninja/nut case informed police that his 4-year-old son was being looked after by his mother while he was "playing ninja."
However, police found that the man's mother was in fact not watching the child. Rather, the air-head in black had left his young son at home alone at 1:30 a.m. while he was out wandering the streets dressed as a ninja warrior.
What can you say, apart from the usual wow...
Pennsylvania -- A 28-year-old man has reportedly been charged with endangering the welfare of a child after leaving his young son at home alone while he was out "practicing being a ninja," according to examiner.com.
The ninja-clad Scottdale resident was allegedly observed by a police officer while wandering the streets in the cold weather (23 degrees Fahrenheit; -5 degrees Celsius) on March 3. When approached he apparently explained that he was "acting out his fantasy of becoming a ninja martial artist".
Not surprisingly, he furthermore explained that it was hard to find people his age to act out his fantasy of being a ninja (well, duh...).
Our wanna-be ninja/nut case informed police that his 4-year-old son was being looked after by his mother while he was "playing ninja."
However, police found that the man's mother was in fact not watching the child. Rather, the air-head in black had left his young son at home alone at 1:30 a.m. while he was out wandering the streets dressed as a ninja warrior.
What can you say, apart from the usual wow...
Friday, March 11, 2011
Accused of Grand Theft
Florida -- A 39-year-old personal trainer from New Port Richey, who is now said to be a karate instructor, has been arrested on charges of billing a gym for workouts he never provided.
The man, who no longer works at that gym, has been charged with grand theft, according to tampabay.com.
But... but... Ummm... Isn't a martial arts instructor supposed to be a person of morals and high ethical standards? We are not supposed to do these kind of things, right? Right....?
The man, who no longer works at that gym, has been charged with grand theft, according to tampabay.com.
But... but... Ummm... Isn't a martial arts instructor supposed to be a person of morals and high ethical standards? We are not supposed to do these kind of things, right? Right....?
Karate Teacher Charged
Update, February 6 2012:
The karate school owner was sentenced to five years on probation after pleading guilty to third degree rape in November 2011.
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Update, November 3 2011:
The Endicott karate teacher has pleaded guilty and charged with rape in the third degree. He will reportedly be sentenced in February, 2012.
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New York -- Police in Endicott said they were searching for more victims after a 39-year-old karate teacher has been charged with rape.
The charges were brought forward following the man's alleged sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student. The girl was also an employee at a the karate studio, according to wicz.com.
The karate school owner was sentenced to five years on probation after pleading guilty to third degree rape in November 2011.
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Update, November 3 2011:
The Endicott karate teacher has pleaded guilty and charged with rape in the third degree. He will reportedly be sentenced in February, 2012.
----
New York -- Police in Endicott said they were searching for more victims after a 39-year-old karate teacher has been charged with rape.
The charges were brought forward following the man's alleged sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student. The girl was also an employee at a the karate studio, according to wicz.com.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Judoka Fails Doping Test
Hungary -- Four-time Hungarian national judo champion, Attila Ungvari has failed two doping tests, according to the The Hungarian Judo Association and sportsillustrated.cnn.com.
After winning the gold medal in his weight division at a World Cup competition in Budapest in February, the fighter tested positive for a steroid - stanozolol.
The first positive test was found after a competition in Azerbaijan in January. Authorities say the results of B samples will be available in a three weeks time.
After winning the gold medal in his weight division at a World Cup competition in Budapest in February, the fighter tested positive for a steroid - stanozolol.
The first positive test was found after a competition in Azerbaijan in January. Authorities say the results of B samples will be available in a three weeks time.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Instructor Charged With Sex Crime
Maryland -- The 24-year-old owner of a martial arts studio in Edgewater is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female student he met while teaching in Stevensville, according to hometownannapolis.com.
The Chester resident, who claimed to be not guilty to the charges, allegedly assaulted the victim sexually at his home in March and April of 2010. The man was an instructor at a martial arts school in Stevensville at the time.
The accused is reportedly a black belt holder in taekwondo and open style karate, as well as a purple belt in (Gracie) Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
The Chester resident, who claimed to be not guilty to the charges, allegedly assaulted the victim sexually at his home in March and April of 2010. The man was an instructor at a martial arts school in Stevensville at the time.
The accused is reportedly a black belt holder in taekwondo and open style karate, as well as a purple belt in (Gracie) Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Accused of Fraud
UK -- In Northern Ireland, a 47-year-old respected judo coach from Belfast is accused of fraud by falsely claiming Disability Living Allowance while teaching and competing in judo.
The man reportedly came third place in an over-40s section at the Commonwealth Games in 2006, according to belfasttelegraph.co.uk.
The man reportedly came third place in an over-40s section at the Commonwealth Games in 2006, according to belfasttelegraph.co.uk.
A "Blackbelter"
Philippines -- A drunken 31-year-old man, bragging about how he was a "karate expert" and "blackbelter" was reportedly hacked to death with a bolo (a weapon similar to a machete) by his neighbor in a village on the east coast, according to sunstar.com.ph.
The incident took place around 8 p.m. Thursday, local police said. The victim was passing near the residence of his neighbor, on his way home, when he challenged the suspect to a fistfight, bragging about being a "blackbelter".
The suspect grabbed the bladed weapon and hit the victim several times, killing him on the spot, according to police.
The incident took place around 8 p.m. Thursday, local police said. The victim was passing near the residence of his neighbor, on his way home, when he challenged the suspect to a fistfight, bragging about being a "blackbelter".
The suspect grabbed the bladed weapon and hit the victim several times, killing him on the spot, according to police.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Karate Fail
I do know - at least partially - how this feels. Let's put it this way: Not all demonstrations have been a walk in the park... :-)
Drug Test Failed
California -- Following a positive drug test, 32-year-old MMA fighter James (The Sandman) Irvin has been suspended by the California State Athletic Commission, according to tsn.ca.
The fighter's December 2 test reportedly returned positive for an anabolic steroid used to increase muscle growth.
The light-heavyweight fighter have previously failed a drug test after losing to Anderson Silva in Nevada in July 2008.
The fighter's December 2 test reportedly returned positive for an anabolic steroid used to increase muscle growth.
The light-heavyweight fighter have previously failed a drug test after losing to Anderson Silva in Nevada in July 2008.
Karate Instructor Jailed
Florida -- A 26-year-old, former karate instructor from Orlando has been convicted of having sex with one of his students, according to cfnews13.com.
The victim told deputies the instructor had sex with her a number of times at the karate school - starting in 2006. She was reportedly 14 at the time.
The man was sentenced to 14 years in jail after he entered a no contest plea to charges.
The victim told deputies the instructor had sex with her a number of times at the karate school - starting in 2006. She was reportedly 14 at the time.
The man was sentenced to 14 years in jail after he entered a no contest plea to charges.
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