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.
----
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.
The former karate instructor has been sentenced to prison after having pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two 16-year-old girls.
----
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...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)