Australia -- in September 2005, a martial arts instructor, 38, raped and killed a 48-year-old Melton real estate agent.
The man had tricked the Realtor to a unoccupied property listed for sale under the pretence of being a potential buyer. Her body was found in the bath, covered in a garbage bag, when her concerned colleagues went looking for her.
Representing himself at the Court of Appeal, the man recently lost his bid to appeal against his conviction, according to news.com.au.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Legally Blind Third Dan
Colorado -- 64 year old Ron Roe from Denver recently tested for 3. dan in taekwondo in Aurora. What makes this something out of the ordinary is that Mr Roe is legally blind.
According to denver.yourhub.com, Roe took up martial arts training nearly 13 years ago. "I may be slow, but if I just keep going and never stop, I know I'll make it in the end," the black belt competitor said.
Very, very cool - congrats Mr Roe!
According to denver.yourhub.com, Roe took up martial arts training nearly 13 years ago. "I may be slow, but if I just keep going and never stop, I know I'll make it in the end," the black belt competitor said.
Very, very cool - congrats Mr Roe!
School Owner Sued
Indiana -- Customers claim a martial arts school owner failed to give them refunds after the business closed, and now the owner is facing a civil lawsuit.
The State Attorney General has brought the action forward to the owner of the martial arts business, which had studios in Hamilton and Boone counties, according to indystar.com.
19 former customers are reportedly listed in the lawsuit and the owner is said to have used long-term contracts, ranging from $2,900 to $5,760, with them. Furthermore, many customers paid up to $2,210 in additional program fees.
According to reports, this is not the first time the studio owner has been accused of misleading customers. In 2006, the State Attorney General filed a lawsuit, and the owner agreed to refund $20,000 to Mishawaka customers.
The State Attorney General has brought the action forward to the owner of the martial arts business, which had studios in Hamilton and Boone counties, according to indystar.com.
19 former customers are reportedly listed in the lawsuit and the owner is said to have used long-term contracts, ranging from $2,900 to $5,760, with them. Furthermore, many customers paid up to $2,210 in additional program fees.
According to reports, this is not the first time the studio owner has been accused of misleading customers. In 2006, the State Attorney General filed a lawsuit, and the owner agreed to refund $20,000 to Mishawaka customers.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Illegal Weapons Charges
UK -- A 33-year-old former heavyweight champion in judo has been charged with possessing a handgun and ammunition without a firearms certificate, according to blackpoolgazette.co.uk.
The man, who is is a gym owner and boxing promoter, is said to have been hiding the illegal items at his Ansdell, Blackpool home, hidden in a cushion.
The man, who is is a gym owner and boxing promoter, is said to have been hiding the illegal items at his Ansdell, Blackpool home, hidden in a cushion.
A Martial Arts Gang
Spain -- Spanish police are questioning four British martial arts "experts", aged between 40 and 55, following a kidnap and extortion attempt in Tarifa, southern Spain.
The British victim -- described as a "law-abiding man without criminal links" by Spanish police -- was reportedly rescued by shoppers as the four men bundled him into a car outside a resort supermarket, according to guardian.co.uk.
According to Spanish police, the four martial arts "experts" belong to a criminal organisation. Police said the believe the men travelled form the UK to collect an extortion "debt" on behalf of a criminal paymaster.
The British victim -- described as a "law-abiding man without criminal links" by Spanish police -- was reportedly rescued by shoppers as the four men bundled him into a car outside a resort supermarket, according to guardian.co.uk.
According to Spanish police, the four martial arts "experts" belong to a criminal organisation. Police said the believe the men travelled form the UK to collect an extortion "debt" on behalf of a criminal paymaster.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Human Weapon Host Arrested
California -- Jason Chambers, former host of 'The Human Weapon' (a well-known TV program running on History Channel) has reportedly been arrested in Los Angeles, according to transworldnews.com.
The 28-year-old TV actor and martial arts instructor was arrested November 11 on rape and drug charges. Authorities believe that the TV host used the drugs to commit the rape, according to reports.
The 28-year-old TV actor and martial arts instructor was arrested November 11 on rape and drug charges. Authorities believe that the TV host used the drugs to commit the rape, according to reports.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Another Karate Gran
UK -- 73-year-old Barbara Dyson from Methley is a great-grandmother ... and a black belt in karate, according to pontefractandcastlefordexpress.
The fit senior citizen, who has been working out four times a week for ten years, promised her husband, Desmond, who died in 2007, that she would continue until she achieved the coveted belt.
"I would encourage anybody to take up karate - especially older people," she says. Adding that it keeps you fit, gives you a lot more confidence as well as makes you feel safer.
The fit senior citizen, who has been working out four times a week for ten years, promised her husband, Desmond, who died in 2007, that she would continue until she achieved the coveted belt.
"I would encourage anybody to take up karate - especially older people," she says. Adding that it keeps you fit, gives you a lot more confidence as well as makes you feel safer.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Kung Fu That Spina Bifida
Maryland -- A columnist from washingtonpost.com suggests we share the story of young Jessica Gregory with children who complain about the possible injustices of life, and I couldn't really agree more.
It truly is an inspirational piece about a 10-year-old Forestville girl and her struggle with Spina Bifida. Jessica was born with the congenital disorder of the spine that may cause several problems.
This young fighter has become proficient in kung fu, overcoming obstacles very few of us would face with such style and grace.
Kudos also to her doctors, who suggested she should take up martial arts or ballet to strengthen her legs! Dr. Tosi at the Children's National Medical Center said: "A critical challenge to pediatric hospitals is what happens when a patient turn 18 or 21? How do we care for the adult with a congenital disorder?"
Oh, and while you're reading the whole Washington Post article, why not take part in their annual Children's Hospital fundraising campaign. A worthy cause by any standard!
It truly is an inspirational piece about a 10-year-old Forestville girl and her struggle with Spina Bifida. Jessica was born with the congenital disorder of the spine that may cause several problems.
This young fighter has become proficient in kung fu, overcoming obstacles very few of us would face with such style and grace.
Kudos also to her doctors, who suggested she should take up martial arts or ballet to strengthen her legs! Dr. Tosi at the Children's National Medical Center said: "A critical challenge to pediatric hospitals is what happens when a patient turn 18 or 21? How do we care for the adult with a congenital disorder?"
Oh, and while you're reading the whole Washington Post article, why not take part in their annual Children's Hospital fundraising campaign. A worthy cause by any standard!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Deaf Karate Black Belt
UK -- Alistair Anderson has become the first deaf karate black belt from Harrogate, following six years of commitment and hard work, according to harrogateadvertiser.net.
Something which makes this achievement even more outstanding is the fact that Alistair has learning difficulties and suffers from a condition termed dyspraxic tendencies - affecting the ability to co-ordinate movements.
His parents says the martial arts training has helped their son with his confidence, his co-ordination and his memory in ways they didn't think possible.
Our congratulations goes to you, Alistair - as well as your instructors! To me, this is a major part of what these arts are all about.
Something which makes this achievement even more outstanding is the fact that Alistair has learning difficulties and suffers from a condition termed dyspraxic tendencies - affecting the ability to co-ordinate movements.
His parents says the martial arts training has helped their son with his confidence, his co-ordination and his memory in ways they didn't think possible.
Our congratulations goes to you, Alistair - as well as your instructors! To me, this is a major part of what these arts are all about.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Gran Master in Karate
Dolores Pearson from Portarlington in Australia is a 78-year-old black belt in karate. After training since 1994, she is soon to test for her fourth dan grading according to geelongadvertiser.com.au.
Together with her daughter Rhonda Wright, 49, the fit senior have been training up to 6 times a week to prepare for the test.
Way to go, ladies - way to go!
Together with her daughter Rhonda Wright, 49, the fit senior have been training up to 6 times a week to prepare for the test.
Way to go, ladies - way to go!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
A Karate Boost in Confidence
UK -- Here's a nice little article from eastkilbridenews.co.uk. It's about 10-year-old Alana from Calderwood who has had a boost in confidence through her karate practise and competition victories.
According to the article, she took up the martial art when she had a rough time at primary school. It was hard to settle in, and she was being bullied.
"I don't get bullied anymore," she says. She goes on to say how karate gives her a lot more confidence and that it helps to know how to stick up for yourself. "It's been great fun and it's made me enjoy my life more and enjoy school more, too," the young girl says.
In our experience, many children and parents experience something similar to young Alana here: Martial arts training can indeed be valuable tool to "fight off" (as in: stand up to) bullies ... if the parents allow the child to spend ample time with the given art. Some times the child wants the easy way out ("this is boring", "I don't like it", "I'm not good at this", "I want ..."), and the parents give in.
What is ample time? Well, let me put it this way, how can you really become good at anything in less than a few years?
According to the article, she took up the martial art when she had a rough time at primary school. It was hard to settle in, and she was being bullied.
"I don't get bullied anymore," she says. She goes on to say how karate gives her a lot more confidence and that it helps to know how to stick up for yourself. "It's been great fun and it's made me enjoy my life more and enjoy school more, too," the young girl says.
In our experience, many children and parents experience something similar to young Alana here: Martial arts training can indeed be valuable tool to "fight off" (as in: stand up to) bullies ... if the parents allow the child to spend ample time with the given art. Some times the child wants the easy way out ("this is boring", "I don't like it", "I'm not good at this", "I want ..."), and the parents give in.
What is ample time? Well, let me put it this way, how can you really become good at anything in less than a few years?
Sunday, November 09, 2008
UFC Veteran Charged
California -- 39-year-old "Joe Son" (Joseph Hyungmin Son), a well-known MMA fighter and movie figure has been arrested and presented with several related charges, according to bullshido.net.
The UFC veteran has been linked through the help of a DNA sample to a violent gang rape that occurred Christmas Eve in 1990.
The UFC veteran has been linked through the help of a DNA sample to a violent gang rape that occurred Christmas Eve in 1990.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Attempted Carjacking
Florida -- A 19-year-old jiu-jitsu student allegedly fought off a knife-wielding carjacker recently in the martial arts center's parking lot in Fort Lauderdale, according to miamiherald.com and police.
The teenager was in his car with the windows down outside the the center about 7 p.m. on Wednesday when a man, described as in his 20s, approached him. The perpetrator demanded his car while holding a knife to his neck.
"He's not getting inside my car," the teenager thought. He shoved the thief's arm away, knocking him backward, then threw the car in reverse - a reaction he said was "half-instinct, half-skill".
The teenager was in his car with the windows down outside the the center about 7 p.m. on Wednesday when a man, described as in his 20s, approached him. The perpetrator demanded his car while holding a knife to his neck.
"He's not getting inside my car," the teenager thought. He shoved the thief's arm away, knocking him backward, then threw the car in reverse - a reaction he said was "half-instinct, half-skill".
50 Years in Prison
Washington -- A 51-year-old former taekwondo teacher and child molester has been handed down a lengthy prison sentence. The man was arrested and charged in 2006, according to chronline.com.
He was arrested when a teenager, 16, told authorities that her TKD teacher had molested her between the ages of nine and twelve.
The man had been the girls martial arts instructor when he formed a relationship with her mother. He moved in with the woman and lived with the family in Centralia from May 1999 until December 2002.
Sexual activity could happen almost every night after her mother went to work, the girl told authorities.
He was arrested when a teenager, 16, told authorities that her TKD teacher had molested her between the ages of nine and twelve.
The man had been the girls martial arts instructor when he formed a relationship with her mother. He moved in with the woman and lived with the family in Centralia from May 1999 until December 2002.
Sexual activity could happen almost every night after her mother went to work, the girl told authorities.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Former TKD Teacher And Rapist
Connecticut -- "He is a monster,"a female drugging and sexual assault victim wrote, adding that the man should stay off the streets as long as possible.
The man in question is a former state department computer specialist who also ran a taekwondo school in Glastonbury, according to journalinquirer.com.
The 44-year-old man was convicted of drugging four women he dated an sent to prison in 2006. The man recently got five-year sentences in three new, similar cases.
The man in question is a former state department computer specialist who also ran a taekwondo school in Glastonbury, according to journalinquirer.com.
The 44-year-old man was convicted of drugging four women he dated an sent to prison in 2006. The man recently got five-year sentences in three new, similar cases.
Plucky Karate Pensioner
South Africa -- Thetimes.co.za reported in October about a pensioner who used karate skills to defend himself against robbers.
The armed robbers allegedly assaulted the 64-year-old man at his tuck shop business in Durban, demanding cash and his cellphone after forcing him inside the shop.
The South African Association of Karate honorary black belt said he co-operated with the robbers up until the point he heard them talk in a local language that he had to be "finished off" - allegedly because he could later recognise them.
"I thought it is either me or them, and I wanted to live," the man later said.
Yes, I know ... karate is "not supposed to work" as self-defense. Tell that to Mr Edward will you.
The armed robbers allegedly assaulted the 64-year-old man at his tuck shop business in Durban, demanding cash and his cellphone after forcing him inside the shop.
The South African Association of Karate honorary black belt said he co-operated with the robbers up until the point he heard them talk in a local language that he had to be "finished off" - allegedly because he could later recognise them.
"I thought it is either me or them, and I wanted to live," the man later said.
Yes, I know ... karate is "not supposed to work" as self-defense. Tell that to Mr Edward will you.
Youth Leader Arrested
North Carolina -- A 64-year-old youth leader in Morganton, Burke County has been charged with more crimes of sexual nature involving juvenile boys. This occurred after another alleged victim came forward following the man's arrest, reports wsoctv.com.
County Deputies reportedly began investigating the man after his daughter found somthing she labelled a disturbing photo of her father on a camera - a picture taken in the man's home.
Previously, the man had used his daughter's dance studio to teach karate to more than a dozen kids. It is also being said the man volunteered with several county youth organizations.
County Deputies reportedly began investigating the man after his daughter found somthing she labelled a disturbing photo of her father on a camera - a picture taken in the man's home.
Previously, the man had used his daughter's dance studio to teach karate to more than a dozen kids. It is also being said the man volunteered with several county youth organizations.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Assistant Instructor Arrested
Hawaii -- A 33-year-old volunteer assistant karate instructor and member of the Hawaii Air National Guard, has been arrested by police after arranging to a meet for sex with a person he believed was a 14-year-old girl.
Rather than a young girl, the suspect was met by an undercover police officer, according to kitv.com.
Rather than a young girl, the suspect was met by an undercover police officer, according to kitv.com.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Superburglar Caught
California -- A 30-year-old college-educated Spanish man once described as a "superburglar" - someone who might have been a caricature of an "Ocean's Eleven" movie - was recently sentenced to jail, according to thefreelibrary.com.
Leaving his well-to-do family in Barcelona, Spain, the man left for Florida to become a mixed martial arts fighter. When that proved not to work out, he traveled west and ending up in Santa Monica. Along the way he allegedly managed to earn a degree in business.
Later, the man spoke to a detective about the adrenaline rush "almost like a drug addict might about a fix". A fascinating and bizarre story indeed!
Leaving his well-to-do family in Barcelona, Spain, the man left for Florida to become a mixed martial arts fighter. When that proved not to work out, he traveled west and ending up in Santa Monica. Along the way he allegedly managed to earn a degree in business.
Later, the man spoke to a detective about the adrenaline rush "almost like a drug addict might about a fix". A fascinating and bizarre story indeed!
A Fit Judo Grandad
How totally inspiring, my hat off to you Sir! My esteemed reader might also want to compare this to the "Wow, three years to black belt (aka. 'Expert' status)" nonsense found in some other belt farms.
UK -- After more than 50 years of judo, grandad -- and self-confessed fitness fanatic -- Jack Mitton, 75, was recently awarded his black belt on his birthday.
The Littleborough, Rochdale senior and his partner Maurice Clarke, 72, can often be seen throwing each other around on the tatami (mat), according to manchestereveningnews.co.uk.
Mr Mitton claims his success formula is quite simple: "Positive thinking and feeling fit," he said.
UK -- After more than 50 years of judo, grandad -- and self-confessed fitness fanatic -- Jack Mitton, 75, was recently awarded his black belt on his birthday.
The Littleborough, Rochdale senior and his partner Maurice Clarke, 72, can often be seen throwing each other around on the tatami (mat), according to manchestereveningnews.co.uk.
Mr Mitton claims his success formula is quite simple: "Positive thinking and feeling fit," he said.
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