Texas -- In October, a Kilgore school district board member confronted and fought with a gun-toting intruder in his home, according to news-journal.com.
The home owner said his martial arts training -- he reportedly has a black belt in karate -- helped him remain calm and clear-headed during the ordeal.
While fighting to control the weapon, the intruder's gun was discharged. The intruder then fled. No one was injured, according to the report.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monkey Karate-Waiter
Japan -- A 12-year-old monkey named Yat-chan is "working" as a waiter in northern Tokyo restaurant. Not only that, the tiny fellow is also practising karate...
The tavern owner said the monkey first learned by watching him working in the restaurant. He said it started one day when he handed him a hot towel out of curiosity and the monkey brought the towel to the customer.
Here's the animal in the restaurant:
There were also videos of Yat-chan doing karate and performing push-ups, but these have seemingly been removed.
The tavern owner said the monkey first learned by watching him working in the restaurant. He said it started one day when he handed him a hot towel out of curiosity and the monkey brought the towel to the customer.
Here's the animal in the restaurant:
There were also videos of Yat-chan doing karate and performing push-ups, but these have seemingly been removed.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
TKD Instructor Accused
North Dakota -- Bismarcktribune.com reports that a Bismarck man has been accused of having 'forcible sexual contact' with one of his taekwondo student.
The instructor is accused of using force to engage in sexual contact with a Bismarck woman on December 20, according to a complaint.
The instructor is accused of using force to engage in sexual contact with a Bismarck woman on December 20, according to a complaint.
Mother Killed by Son
Canada -- A 20-year-old Edmonton man has been charged with stabbing his 60-year-old mother to death with a samurai sword, according to canada.com.
A neighbor called the son "really weird," saying he was constantly arguing with his mother. On one occasion, the son allegedly took a piece of lumber outside and smashed it with his hands.
A friend said the young man took up martial arts in high school to "help him beef up". The friend said he was being bullied a lot. "He always talked about martial arts and kung fu."
A neighbor called the son "really weird," saying he was constantly arguing with his mother. On one occasion, the son allegedly took a piece of lumber outside and smashed it with his hands.
A friend said the young man took up martial arts in high school to "help him beef up". The friend said he was being bullied a lot. "He always talked about martial arts and kung fu."
Gun Toting Neighbor Disarmed
Alaska -- A 44-year-old martial arts veteran disarmed a 38-year-old Fairbanks neighbor who pulled a gun on him, according to newsminer.com.
The neighbor reportedly showed up at the former firefighters' apartment door with a handgun after complaining about a two-year-old kid "being too loud".
The neighbor reportedly showed up at the former firefighters' apartment door with a handgun after complaining about a two-year-old kid "being too loud".
Monday, December 29, 2008
Phony Martial Arts Credentials
Should you trust a martial arts "master" or "expert" simply because he or she says so. Are you rally willing to take any claim, degree or fancy black belt diploma at face value? Do you realise how easy it is to make any old set of credentials sound, and look, legitimate?
I urge you to read this news article from Canadian thestar.com.
Among other things, it reveals how one well known martial arts expert, who counts the RCMP, the U.S. Navy Seals, CIA agents and police officers from across Ontario as students of his courses he has been teaching for years.
In 2003, he reportedly purchased a phony degree in "Political Science" for $1,340, paying for it with a credit card. This is according to the information compiled by the U.S Justice Department.
I urge you to read this news article from Canadian thestar.com.
Among other things, it reveals how one well known martial arts expert, who counts the RCMP, the U.S. Navy Seals, CIA agents and police officers from across Ontario as students of his courses he has been teaching for years.
In 2003, he reportedly purchased a phony degree in "Political Science" for $1,340, paying for it with a credit card. This is according to the information compiled by the U.S Justice Department.
Black Belt, Broken Foot
California -- On September 27, 13-year-old Jessica Zermeno attained her black belt in taekwondo, according to thefridayflyer.com.
Yeah, yeah, blah, blah... I hear you. Another young girl with a black belt - big deal. And of course - under normal circumstances - I would tend to agree with you. However, this is not one of your run-of-the-mill junior "black belt farm" kind of deal - far from it.
This young fighter was born with an underdeveloped foot, leg and hip socket and one underdeveloped kidney. She had extreme abnormalities in the organs of her digestive system. Jessica has reportedly seen countless trips to the emergency room and numerous surgeries, including a kidney transplant in 1998.
And get this: After 6 years of training, she completed her more than 2 1/2 hours long black belt grading with a foot broken in three places!
I've got one word for you - respect.
Yeah, yeah, blah, blah... I hear you. Another young girl with a black belt - big deal. And of course - under normal circumstances - I would tend to agree with you. However, this is not one of your run-of-the-mill junior "black belt farm" kind of deal - far from it.
This young fighter was born with an underdeveloped foot, leg and hip socket and one underdeveloped kidney. She had extreme abnormalities in the organs of her digestive system. Jessica has reportedly seen countless trips to the emergency room and numerous surgeries, including a kidney transplant in 1998.
And get this: After 6 years of training, she completed her more than 2 1/2 hours long black belt grading with a foot broken in three places!
I've got one word for you - respect.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
An Amazing Senior Karateka
Australia -- Hawkesbury.yourguide.com.au: "Anyone can learn a lot about living a full and meaningful life from my father," Lesa Tame said, describing her 72-year-old father Leon Tames as 'amazing'.
The cheerful Mr Tame of Grose Vale was facing a dark future after he was diagnosed with aggressive bile duct cancer in February 2007.
Despite the constant bouts of pain that strike him, Mr Tame still continues to lead an active lifestyle, achieving his black belt in karate in August 2008, still attending classes even though he's battling pain and gets tired at times from the cancer."
His daughter said he has an incredible physique for his age, thanks to the gym he has always kept in his garage.
The cheerful Mr Tame of Grose Vale was facing a dark future after he was diagnosed with aggressive bile duct cancer in February 2007.
Despite the constant bouts of pain that strike him, Mr Tame still continues to lead an active lifestyle, achieving his black belt in karate in August 2008, still attending classes even though he's battling pain and gets tired at times from the cancer."
His daughter said he has an incredible physique for his age, thanks to the gym he has always kept in his garage.
Karate, Supreme Court Justice
Way cool! Tennessee State Supreme Court Justice Janice Holder -- who became historical when she was elected to the post -- is also a 3. dan black belt in karate.
This is according to an article in commercialappeal.com. She has reportedly been training karate for 18 years.
This is according to an article in commercialappeal.com. She has reportedly been training karate for 18 years.
The Best in His Field
Here's an extract of an inspirational piece by m.floridatoday.com.
Florida -- When Keenan Brown received a shocking medical diagnosis (renal failure, congestive heart failure and diabetes) involving dialysis treatments 3 1/2 years ago he decided to try martial arts, a sport his now 8-year-old son already was enjoying.
"I just did it so I could compete with my son," he said. "Just wanted to be closer to him." It didn't take long for him to excel -- just like he had done in other sports.
In martial arts he quickly became the best in his field. He set five world records, including speed, power and creative brick breaking. On March 12, he smashed 100 bricks in 13 seconds to set
a world mark.
He needs dialysis three times a week, and the treatments are 5 1/2 hours a day, almost three hours more than normal because of his size. His daily medications have been cut from 20 to eight, and he's no longer required to use insulin, thanks in part to his athletic activity.
Florida -- When Keenan Brown received a shocking medical diagnosis (renal failure, congestive heart failure and diabetes) involving dialysis treatments 3 1/2 years ago he decided to try martial arts, a sport his now 8-year-old son already was enjoying.
"I just did it so I could compete with my son," he said. "Just wanted to be closer to him." It didn't take long for him to excel -- just like he had done in other sports.
In martial arts he quickly became the best in his field. He set five world records, including speed, power and creative brick breaking. On March 12, he smashed 100 bricks in 13 seconds to set
a world mark.
He needs dialysis three times a week, and the treatments are 5 1/2 hours a day, almost three hours more than normal because of his size. His daily medications have been cut from 20 to eight, and he's no longer required to use insulin, thanks in part to his athletic activity.
Friday, December 26, 2008
MMA Fighter Shot Dead
Idaho -- 30-year-old MMA fighter Justin Eilers, was shot and killed Friday morning in what appears to be a domestic disturbance at an acquaintance's residence in Canyon County, according to sherdog.com.
The fighter's longtime manager said Eilers had gathered with relatives for the holidays. Allegedly, tensions escalated between Eilers and an ex-girlfriend. Eilers was then asked to leave, but was said to have refused and began throwing dishes and other objects.
The 48-year-old home owner was then said to have pulled a gun on the heavyweight fighter and shot him in the chest after a brief verbal confrontation.
The fighter's longtime manager said Eilers had gathered with relatives for the holidays. Allegedly, tensions escalated between Eilers and an ex-girlfriend. Eilers was then asked to leave, but was said to have refused and began throwing dishes and other objects.
The 48-year-old home owner was then said to have pulled a gun on the heavyweight fighter and shot him in the chest after a brief verbal confrontation.
Road Rage, MMA Fighter
Pennsylvania -- A 41-year-old man, of Glendora, New Jersey, was shot in the head October 5 while driving his daughter (8) to her mother's house.
A 275-pound MMA fighter and former U.S. Marine, was charged with the attempted murder, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering others and related offenses. Police alleges he shot the man after he apparently cut him off in traffic.
The 33-year-old South Philadelphia man will remain hospitalized pending further mental evaluation ahead of a hearing on the criminal charges scheduled for February 11. He has been ruled competent to stand trial but it is said medication is needed for him to "remain stable," according to philly.com.
A 275-pound MMA fighter and former U.S. Marine, was charged with the attempted murder, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering others and related offenses. Police alleges he shot the man after he apparently cut him off in traffic.
The 33-year-old South Philadelphia man will remain hospitalized pending further mental evaluation ahead of a hearing on the criminal charges scheduled for February 11. He has been ruled competent to stand trial but it is said medication is needed for him to "remain stable," according to philly.com.
Sherlock Holmes And Bartitsu
UK -- An article from thesun.co.uk mentioned how Russel Crowe was set to play Dr Watson in the coming Sherlock Holmes movie to be shot by Guy Richie.Crowe said: "I've got to spend some time with Guy and I love his take on it. We're both martial arts enthusiasts and in the original stories of Sherlock Holmes, he's kind of a bad-ass and a bare-knuckle boxer and studies the rare fictional martial art of baritsu. If you look baritsu up, they can't even really tell you what it is, so it gives us a lot of leeway."
Fictional? If you stay by the term baritsu, that may be correct. Bartitsu on the other hand is well known - and most likely what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author, was referring to.
In "The Adventure of the Empty House", from 1901, Holmes says: "We tottered together upon the brink of the fall. I have some knowledge, however, of baritsu, or the Japanese system of wrestling, which has more than once been very useful to me."
Bartitsu of course is an art made by a British engineer named E. W. Barton-Wright. He supposedly learned the art of Tenshin Shinyo ryu ju jitsu by Yukio Tani. Barton-Wright was instrumental in bringing jujutsu to Europe. He invited said Tani, as well as Sada Kazu Uyenishi to Britain.
Bartitsu may very well have been the first hybrid martial art, blending Japanese jujutsu with Western boxing, French savate and stick fighting (la canne).
Interestingly, Sherlock Holmes was also said to be skilled in boxing and cane fighting. So - is baritsu "fictional" then? I think not.
14 Years in Jail
UK -- In a previous post (April 1, 2008), I wrote about a Welsh karate and tennis instructor who appeared in court accused of a string of child sex offences.
Then, on August 30, thisissouthwales.co.uk had an update. They had a news article saying that the sexual predator who groomed girls as young as 11 for sex had been handed down a 14-year jail sentence behind bars.
The sentencing judge said that the Neath Karate Instructor "had conducted a campaign of abuse from which his three victims were unlikely ever to recover."
Then, on August 30, thisissouthwales.co.uk had an update. They had a news article saying that the sexual predator who groomed girls as young as 11 for sex had been handed down a 14-year jail sentence behind bars.
The sentencing judge said that the Neath Karate Instructor "had conducted a campaign of abuse from which his three victims were unlikely ever to recover."
Ju Jitsu Conductor Charged
New York -- You probably do remember the case about the New York City subway conductor who fought back during an attempted mugging in January 2008 - stabbing and killing a bystander?
In August, the jujitsu-trained man was indicted on a murder charge. Authorities now claim the bystander was attempting to flee the chaotic scene, according to 1010wins.com.
Police had originally ruled out filing homicide charges, ruling the killing as an act of self-defense. However, prosecutors presented the case to a grand jury, which decided to indict the man.
In August, the jujitsu-trained man was indicted on a murder charge. Authorities now claim the bystander was attempting to flee the chaotic scene, according to 1010wins.com.
Police had originally ruled out filing homicide charges, ruling the killing as an act of self-defense. However, prosecutors presented the case to a grand jury, which decided to indict the man.
Kids Kicking Cancer
This seems like a really great program!
Story:
A martial arts program at some local New York hospitals has children using physical therapy and meditation to fight illness, according to wcbstv.com.
Children with cancer or sickle cell anemia can focus on something else entirely through the "Kids Kicking Cancer" program.
"These children are getting a little edge, a skill to fight an opponent: pain, stress, boredom, feeling sick, nausea, all the stuff that goes along with their medical challenges," the director of the program, said.
Story:
A martial arts program at some local New York hospitals has children using physical therapy and meditation to fight illness, according to wcbstv.com.
Children with cancer or sickle cell anemia can focus on something else entirely through the "Kids Kicking Cancer" program.
"These children are getting a little edge, a skill to fight an opponent: pain, stress, boredom, feeling sick, nausea, all the stuff that goes along with their medical challenges," the director of the program, said.
String of Violent Acts
Mexico -- The Chihuahua state police were reportedly investigating a string of violent acts, including the shooting death of a 45-year-old taekwondo instructor, according to elpasotimes.com.
Police said they have detained a 75-year-old landlord who is suspected of shooting his tenant, the martial arts teacher.
Police said they have detained a 75-year-old landlord who is suspected of shooting his tenant, the martial arts teacher.
Instructor Paying The Price
North Carolina -- A 34-year-old Jacksonville martial arts instructor who was arrested in June 2007, recently pleaded guilty to a number of charges, according to wnct.com.
The former taekwondo instructor and school owner will have to spend 12-15 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of indecent liberties with a child and one count of second degree sex offense. Several of the incidents occurred at the taekwondo school.
The investigation started when officials was warned by a parent that the man took indecent liberties with an eight-year-old girl at a swimming pool in the man's backyard.
The former taekwondo instructor and school owner will have to spend 12-15 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of indecent liberties with a child and one count of second degree sex offense. Several of the incidents occurred at the taekwondo school.
The investigation started when officials was warned by a parent that the man took indecent liberties with an eight-year-old girl at a swimming pool in the man's backyard.
A Fictional Crime Ring
Michigan -- December 18, mlive.com wrote about an Edmore man facing up to life in prison after being convicted of three counts of raping a 13-year-old Blanchard girl.
Court records show that the man was teaching the girl martial arts an archery. He reportedly told the young girl he belonged to a fictional crime ring and started acting out scenarios which eventually led to intercourse. The girl told officials she had sex more than 100 times with the man.
Testimony revealed how the man used a voice changer to assume different identities when he contacted the girl by phone. He used threats to coerce her into sex, he created a fantasy world of fight clubs and crime rings and also plied her with drugs and alcohol.
Court records show that the man was teaching the girl martial arts an archery. He reportedly told the young girl he belonged to a fictional crime ring and started acting out scenarios which eventually led to intercourse. The girl told officials she had sex more than 100 times with the man.
Testimony revealed how the man used a voice changer to assume different identities when he contacted the girl by phone. He used threats to coerce her into sex, he created a fantasy world of fight clubs and crime rings and also plied her with drugs and alcohol.
Jury Nonsense
Washington -- A 45-year-old former Yakima karate instructor has been convicted of two counts of second-degree molestation of a 13-year-old girl. He was initially hit with child rape charges.
The jury had to settle for the lesser charge to avoid deadlocking. A female juror apparently struggled with the idea that an older man could have raped a 13-year-old.
(My comment: Is this woman for real, or simply plain stupid? Wow, what an idiot...)
The man was accused of fondling and abusing the girl in 2002 at the Yakima karate school, where the girl was a student.
In two other pending cases, he is accused of possessing explicit pictures of two teenage girls who were between 14 and 16 years old at the time, according to yakima-herald.com.
The jury had to settle for the lesser charge to avoid deadlocking. A female juror apparently struggled with the idea that an older man could have raped a 13-year-old.
(My comment: Is this woman for real, or simply plain stupid? Wow, what an idiot...)
The man was accused of fondling and abusing the girl in 2002 at the Yakima karate school, where the girl was a student.
In two other pending cases, he is accused of possessing explicit pictures of two teenage girls who were between 14 and 16 years old at the time, according to yakima-herald.com.
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