"l Fight the Good Fight – From Vicar's Wife to Killing Machine", is a book written by Catherine Fox.
I do assume the "killing machine" part is sort of tongue-in-cheek, since this is not what most people would associate with judo - 'the gentle art'.
It does sound like this book is written with a lot of humor, and would make a great read. If nothing else, it should be able to shatter a few myths about martial arts.
Like the author herself says: "(...) it is not something that clergy wives do that often, roll around on the floor with sweaty men."
Source
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Excels at 92
Way cool!
Story:
Nebraska -- Judo is a martial art that develops physical strength and mental toughness. A Lincoln man is strong and tough - thanks to more than 50 years on the mat. Paul Owen lifts weights and exercises three times a week and has for years. The 92-year-old has to stay in shape for the other two days a week he spends on the judo mat.
When I first started, if anybody took me to the mat I was beat. Eventually, I got to the place where I had enough technique to make them work for it.
Paul got started in judo more than five decades after watching an expert teach a class. "That was the last. That was the last watching," said Owen.
Source
Story:
Nebraska -- Judo is a martial art that develops physical strength and mental toughness. A Lincoln man is strong and tough - thanks to more than 50 years on the mat. Paul Owen lifts weights and exercises three times a week and has for years. The 92-year-old has to stay in shape for the other two days a week he spends on the judo mat.
When I first started, if anybody took me to the mat I was beat. Eventually, I got to the place where I had enough technique to make them work for it.
Paul got started in judo more than five decades after watching an expert teach a class. "That was the last. That was the last watching," said Owen.
Source
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Mugger-Bugger
UK (Scotland) -- When three muggers picked out Oxford actor Tom Clews to steal his cash in the street, they chose the wrong man.
Perhaps they should have decided a 20-year-old carrying a 3ft-long broadsword wasn't the ideal target, but they carried on as they pinched a £20 note from his hand and ran away down the road.
But Mr Clews - who was starring as Greek mythical hero Odysseus at the Edinburgh Fringe - chased them down while bare-chested and brandishing his solid-metal stage weapon.
Mr Clews, from Headington, tripped up one of the gang with his sword then wrestled with them in the street before snatching his money back.
When police arrived they hauled in the gang because they were wanted for a similar theft on festival-goers earlier that evening.
Mr Clews, who practices the martial art Tae Kwon Do and plans to study Fight Choreography and Stage Combat, said yesterday: "I followed them hurling abuse and something hit me in the face, I don't know what it was, but I didn't get any cuts or scars.
Source
Perhaps they should have decided a 20-year-old carrying a 3ft-long broadsword wasn't the ideal target, but they carried on as they pinched a £20 note from his hand and ran away down the road.
But Mr Clews - who was starring as Greek mythical hero Odysseus at the Edinburgh Fringe - chased them down while bare-chested and brandishing his solid-metal stage weapon.
Mr Clews, from Headington, tripped up one of the gang with his sword then wrestled with them in the street before snatching his money back.
When police arrived they hauled in the gang because they were wanted for a similar theft on festival-goers earlier that evening.
Mr Clews, who practices the martial art Tae Kwon Do and plans to study Fight Choreography and Stage Combat, said yesterday: "I followed them hurling abuse and something hit me in the face, I don't know what it was, but I didn't get any cuts or scars.
Source
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Boo-Do
UK -- Drinkers have been warned not to be taken in by bogus charity collections. A man visited pubs and businesses in Brierfield on Friday claiming to be collecting cash to give underprivileged children martial arts lessons.
But police say the money was going into his pocket rather than to a good cause. They were alerted by a pub-goer on Friday, but the man had left before they had chance to confront him.
Source
But police say the money was going into his pocket rather than to a good cause. They were alerted by a pub-goer on Friday, but the man had left before they had chance to confront him.
Source
Saturday, August 25, 2007
More Blues for Seagal
Not long ago, Steven Seagal was one of the best-paid action stars in Hollywood. The martial arts master played crime-busting anti-heroes in films that generated more than $1 billion in ticket and DVD sales during the 1990s. Now he appears in low-budget productions that go straight to video.
Seagal says he knows why: Five years ago, he was implicated in a plot to frighten two journalists out of writing unflattering stories about him and his former business partner.
An FBI affidavit detailed allegations that Seagal hired private eye Anthony Pellicano to terrorize one of the reporters, a freelancer working for the Los Angeles Times.
The investigation soon changed course, focusing on allegations that Pellicano spied on celebrities and other members of the Hollywood elite. The onetime detective-to-the-stars is in federal prison, awaiting trial on wire-tapping and other charges.
Seagal and the alleged plot to intimidate journalists became a footnote. The actor was never charged, and federal authorities have privately told reporters they have no persuasive evidence against him. But the FBI has never publicly cleared him.
Seagal said the publicity has been devastating to his career. He wants an apology.
Source
Seagal says he knows why: Five years ago, he was implicated in a plot to frighten two journalists out of writing unflattering stories about him and his former business partner.
An FBI affidavit detailed allegations that Seagal hired private eye Anthony Pellicano to terrorize one of the reporters, a freelancer working for the Los Angeles Times.
The investigation soon changed course, focusing on allegations that Pellicano spied on celebrities and other members of the Hollywood elite. The onetime detective-to-the-stars is in federal prison, awaiting trial on wire-tapping and other charges.
Seagal and the alleged plot to intimidate journalists became a footnote. The actor was never charged, and federal authorities have privately told reporters they have no persuasive evidence against him. But the FBI has never publicly cleared him.
Seagal said the publicity has been devastating to his career. He wants an apology.
Source
Friday, August 24, 2007
The Monster
Nevada -- Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin "The Monster" Randleman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence near Las Vegas recently. The 36-year-old man was also booked on charges of malicious destruction of public property, intimidating a public officer and other driving offenses, according to a report.
Randleman was stripped of his license to compete in mixed martial arts by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on February 16 after the light heavyweight provided a urine sample that was free of human hormones following his submission loss at PRIDE 32.
Source
Randleman was stripped of his license to compete in mixed martial arts by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on February 16 after the light heavyweight provided a urine sample that was free of human hormones following his submission loss at PRIDE 32.
Source
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Better Grades With Karate
Georgia -- "It's been helping me a lot," says the Middle School eighth-grader, who last year watched as her D's and F's rose to B's and C's after beginning karate classes.
"Not only have her grades improved; so has her attitude", her instructor says, "She's more confident".
At first, she really didn't like martial arts classes, Christin said. Now, her improved academics are directly linked to those classes, because when her grades drop she has to give them up.
Source
"Not only have her grades improved; so has her attitude", her instructor says, "She's more confident".
At first, she really didn't like martial arts classes, Christin said. Now, her improved academics are directly linked to those classes, because when her grades drop she has to give them up.
Source
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
No Head Scarves
Sweden -- Eleven female Iranian athletes have not been allowed to participate in a karate competition in Kalmar, because they refused to remove their traditional Islamic head scarves.
The women athletes was to take part in the Konishi Cup competition, but ended up as spectators.
According to the rules, competitors must not wear jewellery, necklaces or any type of head gear and the judge of the karate tournament said he wouldn't make an exception in this case.
Source
The women athletes was to take part in the Konishi Cup competition, but ended up as spectators.
According to the rules, competitors must not wear jewellery, necklaces or any type of head gear and the judge of the karate tournament said he wouldn't make an exception in this case.
Source
Monday, August 20, 2007
Drunken Batman
Canada -- Some Saskatoon residents took matters into their own hands, taking down a 35-year-old bat-wielding man who sped through their neighbourhood before smashing his car.
"These guys need to get the message that people aren't going to put up with this garbage," said Ryan Deback, who wrestled the attacker to the ground. "There was no way I was going to let this guy bully the neighbourhood."
Deback was in his home when he heard a revving engine then the sound of a collision. He went outside and saw the car, front end crumpled and front tire bent under, sitting at a T-intersection.
Other neighbours filtered out of their homes as Deback went to the car and "gave him a piece of my mind," he said. "I was upset, real upset. There are kids that play around here and someone could have been killed. We don't need this."
That's when the came out, Deback said, and confronted him. "He was six feet from me and I could smell the booze. He bumped into me and I pushed back," said Deback, a correctional officer at the Regional Psychiatric Centre.
The two men exchanged shoves again and Deback pulled out a cellphone and dialled the police service general number. It was busy, so he decided to wait and try again. Meanwhile, the driver got back into his car and tried to leave but the crippled car wouldn't co-operate.
"He came back out again and popped his trunk. He took out an aluminum bat and made a clear distinction that I was going to have to deal with him," said Deback, who also happens to be trained in karate.
While the drunk driver took his backswing, Deback stepped in and grabbed the bat, knocked the man down and got on top. He tried to hold the man's arms as they scuffled then Deback called for help from the crowd that had assembled.
Source
"These guys need to get the message that people aren't going to put up with this garbage," said Ryan Deback, who wrestled the attacker to the ground. "There was no way I was going to let this guy bully the neighbourhood."
Deback was in his home when he heard a revving engine then the sound of a collision. He went outside and saw the car, front end crumpled and front tire bent under, sitting at a T-intersection.
Other neighbours filtered out of their homes as Deback went to the car and "gave him a piece of my mind," he said. "I was upset, real upset. There are kids that play around here and someone could have been killed. We don't need this."
That's when the came out, Deback said, and confronted him. "He was six feet from me and I could smell the booze. He bumped into me and I pushed back," said Deback, a correctional officer at the Regional Psychiatric Centre.
The two men exchanged shoves again and Deback pulled out a cellphone and dialled the police service general number. It was busy, so he decided to wait and try again. Meanwhile, the driver got back into his car and tried to leave but the crippled car wouldn't co-operate.
"He came back out again and popped his trunk. He took out an aluminum bat and made a clear distinction that I was going to have to deal with him," said Deback, who also happens to be trained in karate.
While the drunk driver took his backswing, Deback stepped in and grabbed the bat, knocked the man down and got on top. He tried to hold the man's arms as they scuffled then Deback called for help from the crowd that had assembled.
Source
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Not the Same
What? Are there someone actually trying to say that karate and taekwondo is not the same? But, but ... In America ...
Story:
A promotional brochure for a new Taekwondo park has sparked patriotic ire since the child models in the North Jeolla Province publication are wearing what appear to be karate suits.
The first glimmer of controversy appears to be a posting on the website of the North Jeolla provincial government titled, "Brochure for the Taekwondo park, a shame."
There, a devotee of the Korean martial art pointed out, "The models wear karate suits, their belts are tied improperly, and what is worse, there is no green belt in Taekwondo. This brochure is a waste of money. How could you administer the Taekwondo park without being able to distinguish the Taekwondo suit from the karate suit. Will you promote the spirit and culture of Korea in a brochure with kimono-clad models?"
Source
Story:
A promotional brochure for a new Taekwondo park has sparked patriotic ire since the child models in the North Jeolla Province publication are wearing what appear to be karate suits.
The first glimmer of controversy appears to be a posting on the website of the North Jeolla provincial government titled, "Brochure for the Taekwondo park, a shame."
There, a devotee of the Korean martial art pointed out, "The models wear karate suits, their belts are tied improperly, and what is worse, there is no green belt in Taekwondo. This brochure is a waste of money. How could you administer the Taekwondo park without being able to distinguish the Taekwondo suit from the karate suit. Will you promote the spirit and culture of Korea in a brochure with kimono-clad models?"
Source
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Porn Charges
Florida -- A Lakeland martial arts instructor has been arrested, charged with possessing child pornography, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said.
The 27-year-old man used his home computer to download and distribute child pornography, according to a FDLE spokeswoman.
Agents took the man into custody Thursday, charging him with 100 counts of possessing child pornography. Each count is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Source
The 27-year-old man used his home computer to download and distribute child pornography, according to a FDLE spokeswoman.
Agents took the man into custody Thursday, charging him with 100 counts of possessing child pornography. Each count is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Source
Bogus Masters Nabbed
One day of training? Sure, what's the problem? Isn't that the average for a master title here in the West anyway? Grand master ... like, one week?
Story:
China -- State media reported that, in a failed plot to sneak into Canada by masquerading as kung fu masters from the famous Shaolin Temple, a dozen Chinese teenagers have been caught.
The 12 had no martial arts experience but joined a team of genuine kung fu performers from a school in Henan province, also home to the 1,500-year-old temple, that was leaving for a tour of Canada, the report said.
They had paid up to $90,000 each to a human smuggler, called a "snakehead," and two coaches from the martial arts school who often accompany students on trips abroad.
The teenagers, ages 17 to 19, had a one-day training session at a hotel on June 24 to learn the basics of the art of Chinese lion dancing.
Source
Story:
China -- State media reported that, in a failed plot to sneak into Canada by masquerading as kung fu masters from the famous Shaolin Temple, a dozen Chinese teenagers have been caught.
The 12 had no martial arts experience but joined a team of genuine kung fu performers from a school in Henan province, also home to the 1,500-year-old temple, that was leaving for a tour of Canada, the report said.
They had paid up to $90,000 each to a human smuggler, called a "snakehead," and two coaches from the martial arts school who often accompany students on trips abroad.
The teenagers, ages 17 to 19, had a one-day training session at a hotel on June 24 to learn the basics of the art of Chinese lion dancing.
Source
Friday, August 17, 2007
Killed by Trainer
UK -- A fitness trainer used a hold he learned from an martial arts instruction video to throttle a disabled man and then tried to pin the blame on his best friend, a court heard.
The 34-year-old Sidcup man is on trial for the murder of Kevin Beckingham at his home in Plumstead, on February 12 last year.
The Old Bailey heard how the accused killed Mr Beckingham, aged 35, with his own hands using a choke hold from the American martial art of catch wrestling.
In 1999, Mr Beckingham employed the accused, a father-of-one, as a personal trainer to help him "build himself up".
It is claimed the accused, who was described as "manipulative" and "aggressive", stabbed Mr Beckingham in the neck after choking him to death, to make it look like he had been killed by an intruder.
Source
The 34-year-old Sidcup man is on trial for the murder of Kevin Beckingham at his home in Plumstead, on February 12 last year.
The Old Bailey heard how the accused killed Mr Beckingham, aged 35, with his own hands using a choke hold from the American martial art of catch wrestling.
In 1999, Mr Beckingham employed the accused, a father-of-one, as a personal trainer to help him "build himself up".
It is claimed the accused, who was described as "manipulative" and "aggressive", stabbed Mr Beckingham in the neck after choking him to death, to make it look like he had been killed by an intruder.
Source
No to Maynard
Kyle Maynard is used to having the deck stacked against him. Born without fully developed arms and legs, Maynard, a high school wrestler who gained fame after being featured on HBO and winning the 2004 ESPY for Best Athlete with a Disability, hoped to quell doubters yet again as he delved into uncharted territory -- mixed martial arts.
However with a 4-0 vote on Tuesday the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission denied the 21-year-old from Suwannee, Georgia a license to compete as an amateur mixed martial artist.
Source
However with a 4-0 vote on Tuesday the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission denied the 21-year-old from Suwannee, Georgia a license to compete as an amateur mixed martial artist.
Source
Disability Not a Challenge
Hawaii -- Isaac Lau has spent his entire life confined to a wheelchair. But his personal disability hasn't disabled Isaac's interest from participating in Martial Arts.
"It's good," he said "They go at your own speed."
In January, Isaac joined the Abilities Unlimited Martial Arts Academy. Currently Hawaii's only martial arts school for those with disabilities.
"Going out there and having a good time that's all that counts," he said, "That's all that matters."
Source
"It's good," he said "They go at your own speed."
In January, Isaac joined the Abilities Unlimited Martial Arts Academy. Currently Hawaii's only martial arts school for those with disabilities.
"Going out there and having a good time that's all that counts," he said, "That's all that matters."
Source
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Wife Critically Injured
The owner of a Shreveport tae kwon do academy is jailed, accused of attacking and critically injuring his wife during an argument at their home.
The 39-year-old man was arrested after his 35-year-old wife went to a neighbor's house. The neighbor let her in and told her to lie down, then noticed the wife's head was bleeding and took her to the hospital, Caddo Parish sheriff's deputies said.
The victim, a nurse, was listed in critical condition at an undisclosed location today after undergoing surgery, authorities said.
Source
The 39-year-old man was arrested after his 35-year-old wife went to a neighbor's house. The neighbor let her in and told her to lie down, then noticed the wife's head was bleeding and took her to the hospital, Caddo Parish sheriff's deputies said.
The victim, a nurse, was listed in critical condition at an undisclosed location today after undergoing surgery, authorities said.
Source
Gotta Have Faith
Maybe the phrase over-confident could be appropriate here? If you believe that you can take on a whole angry mob alone - unarmed - then boy, oh boy you either have a serious big ego or a serious problem.
"(...) mastered the art of self-defence." :-)
Probably more mastered the art of self delusion...
Ghana -- Mr. Mettle Nunoo, former Communications Director for Prof. Atta Mills, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), had gone to court over a chieftaincy dispute at Gbese, when a fight broke out.
Mr. Mettle Nunoo alleged that anytime he went to court, members of the other faction his family was litigating with always openly insulted him. He said this had continued for some time so he decided to take along with him to court a digital video camera with which he would capture on video, how the people usually behaved towards him.
He said the other faction had been slapped with contempt of court and they were obviously unhappy thus once they saw him yesterday, the insults started flowing at him from all directions. Mr. Nunoo said he then brought out his video camera and started to record what was happening. He said the insults intensified and the people threatened him that they would beat him up and seize his camera.
According to Mr. Mettle Nunoo, he kept on filming when suddenly, one man approached him from nowhere, kicked his hand, letting the camera drop in the process. Rojo said another man then threw clenched fist at him "but I caught his arm and threw him over me, letting him fall backwards in judo style".
Though Mr. Mettle Nunoo maintained that he learnt some karate and was able to defend himself, a media representative who witnessed the scene said he was overpowered by the mob. But Mettle Nunoo said he had an upper hand over the mob. He said he was not hurt in the fight and that he had mastered the art of self-defence thus, has no phobia for mob attacks.
Source
"(...) mastered the art of self-defence." :-)
Probably more mastered the art of self delusion...
Ghana -- Mr. Mettle Nunoo, former Communications Director for Prof. Atta Mills, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), had gone to court over a chieftaincy dispute at Gbese, when a fight broke out.
Mr. Mettle Nunoo alleged that anytime he went to court, members of the other faction his family was litigating with always openly insulted him. He said this had continued for some time so he decided to take along with him to court a digital video camera with which he would capture on video, how the people usually behaved towards him.
He said the other faction had been slapped with contempt of court and they were obviously unhappy thus once they saw him yesterday, the insults started flowing at him from all directions. Mr. Nunoo said he then brought out his video camera and started to record what was happening. He said the insults intensified and the people threatened him that they would beat him up and seize his camera.
According to Mr. Mettle Nunoo, he kept on filming when suddenly, one man approached him from nowhere, kicked his hand, letting the camera drop in the process. Rojo said another man then threw clenched fist at him "but I caught his arm and threw him over me, letting him fall backwards in judo style".
Though Mr. Mettle Nunoo maintained that he learnt some karate and was able to defend himself, a media representative who witnessed the scene said he was overpowered by the mob. But Mettle Nunoo said he had an upper hand over the mob. He said he was not hurt in the fight and that he had mastered the art of self-defence thus, has no phobia for mob attacks.
Source
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Severed Thumb Mystery
Mystery? The guy either was a total dork practicing with a live blade, or it was somebody else doing the slice (aka an assault or a fight). Not exactly Agatha Christie stuff in my book...
Story:
Australia -- Police are investigating how a man's thumb was severed with a sword in Sydney's inner-west.
The 28-year-old was taken to hospital for emergency re-attachment surgery.
Police say they have set up a crime scene outside a pub where the man was found, and also at a nearby apartment complex where it is believed the incident occurred.
Police have been told that the man had been practicing martial arts when his thumb was sliced off.
Source
Story:
Australia -- Police are investigating how a man's thumb was severed with a sword in Sydney's inner-west.
The 28-year-old was taken to hospital for emergency re-attachment surgery.
Police say they have set up a crime scene outside a pub where the man was found, and also at a nearby apartment complex where it is believed the incident occurred.
Police have been told that the man had been practicing martial arts when his thumb was sliced off.
Source
Fights for a Cause
South Africa -- Being diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth has not prevented Ryan Jeffery from leading a completely independent life and achieving his second Dan black belt in the demanding sport of Funakoshi karate.
Come Sunday, the 40-year-old will be grading for his third Dan black belt at Winklespruit, where he will undergo a series of rigorous tests and pit himself against other athletes.
Because of his illness, Jeffery had a loss of muscle control and balance on his right side, requiring him to find different ways of doing daily tasks, such as clipping his nails or unscrewing bottle caps.
Certain aspects of karate training were slightly modified to accommodate Jeffery's weakened right side, but he has been pushed as hard as any other able-bodied student.
Source
Come Sunday, the 40-year-old will be grading for his third Dan black belt at Winklespruit, where he will undergo a series of rigorous tests and pit himself against other athletes.
Because of his illness, Jeffery had a loss of muscle control and balance on his right side, requiring him to find different ways of doing daily tasks, such as clipping his nails or unscrewing bottle caps.
Certain aspects of karate training were slightly modified to accommodate Jeffery's weakened right side, but he has been pushed as hard as any other able-bodied student.
Source
Monday, August 13, 2007
Real-Lee?
A huge fan, a tad vain, or just a real-lee big ego?
Story:
A Hong Kong man paid $5,000 on Saturday for a car license plate that read "BRUCELEE," after the late kung fu movie star.
"When I studied in England, foreigners would only know two Chinese people. One is Bruce Lee. The other is Chairman Mao (Zedong)," the buyer, identified only by his surname, Wong, said on a Hong Kong cable television station.
The Lee-inspired plate was among several vanity plates to be auctioned Saturday by the Hong Kong Transport Department, according to the department's Web site. The results of the auction weren't immediately available.
Source
Story:
A Hong Kong man paid $5,000 on Saturday for a car license plate that read "BRUCELEE," after the late kung fu movie star.
"When I studied in England, foreigners would only know two Chinese people. One is Bruce Lee. The other is Chairman Mao (Zedong)," the buyer, identified only by his surname, Wong, said on a Hong Kong cable television station.
The Lee-inspired plate was among several vanity plates to be auctioned Saturday by the Hong Kong Transport Department, according to the department's Web site. The results of the auction weren't immediately available.
Source
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