07 September, 2013

A September Saturday

Three photographs I made today...



Ange and Mike.


Kung Fu man, Pete. Quick learner, skills growing.


Hard-hitting heavyweights, Hadrian and Mike.

Brent




[Cartoon by George Booth in The New Yorker.]

24 June, 2013

Self-defence in the News - No. 46

Shopkeeper punched as she fights back during robbery

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10892494 

By Morgan Tait

 Monday Jun 24, 2013

 


A middle-aged woman was punched in the face when she fought back against two armed females trying to steal money and cigarettes from her Auckland dairy yesterday.

The woman's husband, who was afraid to be identified, told the Herald it was the second time their business, Puhinui Superette, had been robbed since the pair bought it in late 2010.

He had briefly left the store on Puhinui Rd, Papatoetoe, to do some shopping when two women entered about 2.20pm yesterday, he said.

"It's very awful, they came into the shop and one of them produced a gun. One of them she [threatened] my wife and other one got into the counter and took some money and cigarettes." He said his wife tried to stop the women from getting away.

"My wife got punched in the face - her lip was bleeding from where it hit her teeth and she has got some cuts. She chased them out and tried to stop them escaping. My wife is really brave."

He said she was left shaken and afraid after the incident.

Neighbours, who are regular customers of the dairy, saw the shopkeeper chasing the women and helped to restrain one of them.

Police say they are now looking for the second woman, described as Polynesian, about 20, with dark brown hair, who ran away with more than $200 of cash and cigarettes.

The store was also robbed two years ago, and it left the couple - who are both aged over 50 and moved to New Zealand from China 10 years ago - feeling vulnerable.

"We never feel really safe in this isolated place, we have to rely on our luck not to get killed or injured and nothing can really be done about it.

"We have had one of these incidents before and this time she fought back really strongly."

St John Ambulance staff treated the shopkeeper for her facial injuries.

22 June, 2013

Saturday training today, 22nd June

There is Saturday training as usual.

1:00pm today.


20 June, 2013

Class cancelled - Thursday 20th June

Due to dangerous road conditions, class tonight is cancelled.

We will make up for it when I see you next.


  • Check back here for news about Saturday's class. Brent has the key, so you could text him, or get in touch with Mike or me.

18 June, 2013

Self-defence in the News - No. 45

Daughter, 18, cuts off her father's head after he rapes her

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2342526/Daughter-18-cuts-fathers-head-raped-Papua-New-Guinea-village-home.html

 

"Daughter, 18, cuts off her father's head after he raped her in their Papua New Guinea village home."

 

By Richard Shears



Protective ring: Villagers in the remote western highlands of Papua New Guinea say they will not let police talk to the 18 year old rape victim (file image)


A teenage girl chopped her father's head clean off with a bush knife after he raped her in their home in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Now residents of the village have formed a protective ring around the 18-year-old, refusing to hand her over to the police because they agreed her 'evil' father deserved to die.

A local church leader, Pastor Lucas Kumi from the village of Rang in the Western Highlands, said the entire community would refuse to allow the girl to be subjected to any official investigation.   

'The people and leaders in our area went and saw the headless body of the father after the girl reported the incident to them and explained why she had killed her father,' said Pastor Kumi.

He told the Post Courier newspaper that the father, in his mid-40s, raped his daughter when they were alone in their house after the mother and two other children from the family went to visit relatives for the night.

'The father went to his daughter's room in the night and raped her repeatedly. 

'The father wanted to rape his daughter again in the morning and that was when the young girl picked up the bush knife and chopped her father's head off,' said Pastor Kumi. 

'We've all agreed that she is free to stay in the community because the father deserved to die. 

'The daughter did what she did because of the trauma and the evil actions of her father, so that is why we have all agreed that she remains in the community.' 

He said a ring of protection had been placed around the girl, who will be kept away from any official investigation.

'The community have also agreed not to conduct any formal burial service for the father.'

09 June, 2013

Mid-year get-together




Looks like it's all arranged.

Saturday, 15 June at our local.

For details, contact one of the senior students who usually train on Saturdays, eg. Mike, Brent, Hadrian, Ange... or send me a text.

Anthony

Self-defence in the News - No. 44

Woman fights armed invader

http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/news/woman-fights-armed-invader/1900229/

 


10am UPDATE: Police have arrested a teenager after a woman fought off an attacker in her Ruakaka home early yesterday morning. 



Detective Seargeant Shane Pilmer said a 17-year-old had been arrested last night and would appear on the Whangarei District Court today.

* * * * * * * * * *


A 40-year-old Northland woman needed surgery for a deep gash to her hand after she fended off a knife-wielding intruder who had climbed through her bedroom window.

Police detectives were yesterday interviewing Ruakaka residents near Wahanui Walkway after the early-morning attack on the woman, whose young child was sleeping in another room.

The incident comes two weeks after a man tried to sexually assault a 15-year-old girl in her Marsden Point Rd home.

The man struggled with the girl but he was scared off by a neighbour leaving home next door.

No arrest has been made in that case.

Head of both investigations Detective Sergeant Shane Pilmer was not linking the two attacks but said they had similarities and that was concerning. Police were unsure of the motive behind the latest attack.

The woman had been woken by a noise outside her window about 4am yesterday. She had got up to see what was happening and found a man with a bandanna around his face climbing through the bedroom window.

Mr Pilmer said a struggle ensued on the bedroom floor when the man produced a knife. Both the woman's hands were cut and surgery for a deep cut on one hand had been scheduled at Whangarei Hospital yesterday.

The woman managed to fend off the attacker, who had fled out the bedroom window.

The woman had then raised the alarm.

"She was very shaken up and very distraught. This could easily have been a lot worse. During the scuffle, she could easily have been fatally stabbed," Mr Pilmer said.

A police dog and handler were called but were unable to find a trail. St John ambulance officers were called to the house and transferred the woman to hospital.

The attacker has been described as a male Maori, of slim build with short hair, aged in his 20s or possibly younger. At the time, he was wearing a white T-shirt, black jeans and fawn-coloured shoes.

He also had a brown or fawn-coloured bandanna around his face.

Mr Pilmer said detectives were determined to track down the man to ensure there were no further attacks.

In the meantime, he urged home owners in the Ruakaka area to make sure windows and doors were securely locked at night.

He called on anyone who may have noticed anyone acting suspiciously in the Wahanui Walkway area late on Thursday or early on Friday to contact police.

On June 22, a man, described as a male Maori in his 30s, walked down the driveway of a Marsden Point Rd house, knocked on the door and spoke to a girl about 9.45am.

After speaking to him, the girl closed the door and turned to walk back inside the house. But the man pulled the door open and entered the house.

Mr Pilmer said there was a struggle between the girl and the man - the girl ending up on the ground.

The man had then tried to sexually assault the teenager but someone had left a neighbouring property and disturbed the attacker.

The girl had raised the alarm with a friend who rang police. She had sustained cuts and bruising and was seen by ambulance staff at a nearby house.

If you can help call Mr Pilmer directly on 09 4304589 or anonymously on 0800 Crimestoppers.

03 June, 2013

Queen's Birthday weekend

Training as usual on Monday.

01 June, 2013

Self-defence in the News - No. 43

Nurse speaks out after Hamilton knife attack 


http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/8744160/Nurse-speaks-out-after-Hamilton-knife-attack

 HARRY PEARL   
 
01/06/2013 

 
The victim of a knife attack near Waikato Hospital this week says she and other hospital staff "shouldn't have to feel scared".

Two female nurses were threatened by a man wielding a knife shortly after 10pm on Thursday night.

The nurses, who had just parked their car in Horne St before starting a night shift, were confronted by a man who knocked on the driver's side-window, opened the car door, and threatened the pair with a knife.

He then repeatedly told both women to "get out" of the car, police said.

Detective Constable Lucy Southall of the Hamilton CIB said the driver of the car kicked out at her attacker and both women refused to budge.

"After a short while the attacker fled the scene in the direction of the hospital and the Pembroke St-Selwyn St intersection."

Police and district health board management have condemned the attack, and appealed for help from members of the public who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in Horne St between 10pm and 10.30pm.

One of the victims, who asked not to be named, said people knew that the hospital area was full of vulnerable women.

"We need people to respect us.

"We are looking after sick kids and their families and the last thing we need is to be abused at work or on our way to work.

"I shouldn't have to feel scared."

Ms Southall said police believed that a couple seen walking along Horne St shortly after 10pm could be the key to solving the attack.

"The area where the attack took place was one with poor light. However, the victims described the attacker as a dark-skinned male aged in his early to mid-twenties of average height with brown eyes and shaved black hair."

The attacker wore a red and white patterned bandanna over his face and the weapon was described as a small pocket knife with a 7cm to 8cm blade, Ms Southall said.

The young woman seen walking with a man just before the attack was described as looking about 18 years old with long blonde or brown hair tied in a long ponytail. She had a white push-type scooter.

- © Fairfax NZ News 

13 May, 2013

Print ad.


07 May, 2013

Self-defence in the News - No. 42

Bucket of chilli floors takeaway robber at Rosebery



Taylor Auerbach
May 06, 2013
Adil holding tray of the chili his co-worker threw on a man allegedly trying to rob the Rosebery takeaway shop. Picture: Kelly Fedor/Twitter




AN alleged would-be thief was left red-faced, literally, last night after he was foiled by a quick-thinking employee and bucket of chilli. 
  The 24-year-old Tempe man allegedly attempted to snatch money from a cash register in a Rosebery takeaway store after he became embroiled in an argument with two employees around 6.30pm.

One of the staff members, a 40-year-old man, ran to the front of the store and called police while his 27-year-old female colleague tussled with the man.

After smashing the cash register open on the floor, the man hit the woman across the chest as she attempted to thwart his alleged robbery attempt.

She then threw a nearby bucket of chilli over his head, instantly flooring him.
Police arrived within minutes and arrested the man.

He was taken to Mascot police station where he received treatment for minor burns and was charged with assault with intent to rob.

He was denied bail and will appear in Waverly local court later today.

03 May, 2013

Self-defence in the News - No. 41

'Predator mode' scares off burglars 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8626910/Predator-mode-scares-off-burglars 

HARRY PEARL  

03/05/2013

BRUCE MERCER/Fairfax NZ
CHASED BURGLARS: Aiya Van Kooten wasn't about to let burglars escape when they entered her home.



When Aiya Van Kooten stood face-to-face with a burglar in her bedroom, her left eye twitched, then she went into "predator mode".

"I screamed at him... jumped off my chair, leaped over my bed and sprinted after him down the stairs," she said.

The 20-year-old student was studying at her Dinsdale, Hamilton, home when two burglars entered through an unlocked door last Saturday at about 5.30pm.

"There were two of them; they were about 17-years-old. I said: you've robbed the wrong house."
Although she was the only one home, Van Kooten said she had no regard for her safety - instead, she said she was just overwhelmed with "rage".

"I just thought these guys are in my house, this is breaking the law... I'm gonna get you."

Van Kooten, who lives with her grandmother, said she chased the pair outside, where she managed to "boot one of them up the arse" before they clambered over her fence and into an adjacent paddock.
"They dropped the laptop and camera - I didn't realise they were carrying it."

Although she had a towel wrapped around her head, and no shoes on her feet, she didn't give up the chase.

After pushing though the back gate of the property, she chased the pair on to the road and then flagged down a passing SUV.

The driver decided to help and, with Ms Van Kooten inside the vehicle, pursued the offenders through the neighbourhood streets until the burglars ended up at Bremworth Park.

While Van Kooten, the driver and a member of the public - who she described as looking like an "ex-military man" - scoured the park for the pair, police arrived.

"All of sudden we saw the police car speed up and head down the street.

"We ran down there and the military guy had one of the robbers pinned down to the ground and the police came and got him."

Van Kooten was a victim of one of 78 burglaries in Hamilton between Anzac Day and 6am Monday morning.

Yesterday, she had a video conference with one of the offenders and several other burglary victims of the teen.

"He had a bad attitude at first, but he started to realise the impact of what he was doing."

Far from consigning the event to the past, Van Kooten asked whether the offender would be willing to see her again so she could help him with his rehabilitation.

He agreed, reluctantly, and she is set to visit him at a correctional facility in Rotorua in the next few months.

© Fairfax NZ News

25 April, 2013

Anzac Day

Yes, we are training tonight.

29 March, 2013

Easter

Training Saturday (30th of March) and Monday (1st of April) as usual.

17 March, 2013

Senior wing chun men.


Left to right: Brent, Hadrian, Mike.

01 March, 2013

Self-defence in the News - No. 40

Dog saves owner from armed sex attack 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8350288/Dog-saves-owner-from-armed-sex-attack 

JOELLE DALLY

26/02/2013

 

JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/Fairfax NZ

SAVIOUR: A Christchurch teenager believes she could have been killed in a sexually motivated attack in a Burnside park if her dog had not come to her aid and attacked the man.



A Christchurch woman was saved from a vicious sexually motivated attack by the loyal dog she adopted only two months ago.

The 19-year-old believes she survived only because her dog leaped on the attacker, biting him on the neck or shoulder.

The woman told The Press her 13-month-old german-shepherd-greyhound-border-collie cross's intervening allowed her to run away and flag down a passing car.

The attack took place in Jellie Park, Burnside, about 1.50am on Sunday.

Police do not believe it is related to another sexually motivated attack on a 14-year-old near Colombo St on Friday night.

No arrests have been made for either incident. The 19-year-old had just been dropped off at her home near Burnside Park when the dog took off out the door.

She chased after him, staying close to the road but as she came near some bushes she was grabbed by a man and dragged into the dark.

She still has no idea how long the ordeal went on. At first she froze and believes she blacked out when her head hit the ground.

When she came to, "instinct kicked in". She fought back, kicking the man in the groin and scratching at his face while trying to protect herself. She tried to gouge his eyes. She thought he was hitting her with his phone, but it was in fact a weapon.

"He was cutting me with something, but I had no pain. All the blood, I thought, was sweat or tears. I was yelling for help and screaming at some points. I thought, 'If I'm going to die I might as well fight back.' "

Her attacker did not utter a word. When she kicked and scratched him, he made only "creepy" grunty noises.

"It was like he couldn't feel it," she said.

She suffered numerous cuts to her face, hands and arms, but believes her injuries would have been worse if the dog had not come to her aid.

She said he ran over and "leaped on the guy", biting him and dragging him away.

"I could hear him growling. I didn't look back. I ran straight to the road.

"I don't think I'd be here if [he] didn't do that."

Police believe the attacker went up a slide to get away from the dog.

The woman said she had not slept since the attack - "every time I shut my eyes I relive it" - but wanted to speak out to warn other women.

She is confident police will find her attacker, described as a male European with dark facial stubble.

She believes he had been hiding in the bushes waiting for a potential victim. "I see people cut through [the park] all the time. If it wasn't me, it would have been some girl without a dog."

She said her dog has stayed beside her ever since the ordeal.

"He's an amazing dog. It was a horrible thing, but I could have got murdered in a park."

About 9.30pm on Friday, a 14-year-old was attacked and pulled into bushes in Walton St close to Colombo St. She suffered bruising but no other serious injuries.

Anyone with information on either attack should phone Detective Greg Dalziel on (03) 363 7899 or phone the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. 



- © Fairfax NZ News

12 February, 2013

Mike

Top wing chun man, Mike, at home with his mistress.....


10 February, 2013

Self-defence in the News - No. 39

Woman fights off attacker by river 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/8282879/Woman-fights-off-attacker-by-river 

SALLY KIDSON  

09/02/2013


Police are praising the courage of a Nelson woman who fought off an attacker after being grabbed from behind on the Maitai Walkway.

Officers are increasing patrols in the Queen's Gardens area following the incident, the second violent attack on a woman in the area in less than a week.

Early last Sunday morning, an 18-year-old woman was raped in Queen's Gardens.

In the latest incident, only about 100 metres away from the gardens, a woman in her 40s was grabbed about 10pm on Thursday. Police said the attack appeared to be sexually motivated.

The woman was walking home when she was dragged under the Normanby Bridge, where there was a violent struggle.

Acting Nelson Bays area commander Inspector Ross Lienert said she suffered bruises and scrapes, but managed to fight off her attacker and get away.

Mr Lienert said the woman showed "real courage", punching the offender to break free. He could have visible injuries as a result.

"There could be bruising around his face.

"She has been subjected to a number of punches, but she's managed to land a few of her own and escape from the attacker. She's done extremely well under the circumstances. It is apparent from the description of the incident that the attack was sexually motivated," he said.

The offender was described as Caucasian, about 170cm (5ft 7in) tall. He was of medium build, with short hair, and was thought to be in his 20s. He was wearing dark blue baggy jeans which had a tear on the seat, and a grey, long-sleeved hoodie with a zip up the front.

The hood was up, and had a light-coloured lining and a small tear. There was dark writing on the front of the hoodie.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, and anyone who may be able to help identify the attacker.

They would also like to hear from anyone who may have experienced a similar incident but has not yet reported it to the police.

Mr Lienert said police were not ruling out the possibility that Thursday's attack was linked to last Sunday's rape, as they both involved women on their own in the same part of town. "We don't want to categorically say that there's a link, but certainly we've got to look at that option."

Police would be going door to door and speaking with residents in the area today, he said, and staff would be carrying out high-profile foot patrols.

"We want to assure people that live in that area that they are safe. Until this person is located, we will have a presence there."

Mr Lienert advised people against walking alone in the area, and said they should call police immediately if they thought they might know who the attacker was, or saw someone who fitted the description. "We want to catch this person as soon as possible."

The earlier attack happened about 1am last Sunday in Queen's Gardens, near the public toilet.
The 18-year-old victim had been at the Little Rock Bar in Bridge St, and had stopped to call a taxi. She was grabbed from behind before she could make the call.

Police said she was raped, but the offender was frightened off by the sound of people in the area.

The victim described the offender as skinny, aged 20 to 25, and Caucasian with short-cropped hair.

On New Year's Day, a 62-year-old woman was raped at the Victory Community Gardens.

Nelson fisheries worker Hilton Hone-Heke has been charged with a number of offences in relation to that rape and assault. He is in custody.

Information on either attack in the Queen's Gardens area can be given by calling Nelson police, ph 546 3840, or anonymously through Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.

- © Fairfax NZ News

 

28 January, 2013

Look who popped in...

... My sifu, Master Kevin Earle.

Saturday class with Kevin, Brent, Chris, Ange, Hadrian, Mike, Tony, Moo, and me.


Ange, Hadrian, Brent, and Mike.


Brent & Kevin.


Mike & Kevin.


Chris & Kevin.


Left to right: Chris, Kevin, Brent, Anthony, Hadrian, and Mike -- at Southern Wing Chun.

08 January, 2013

Self-defence in the News - No. 38

Women in India



New Zealand Herald

20 December, 2012

Christmas 2012

Today...


Left to right: 

Anthony, Matt, Tony, Brent (senior student), Ange (senior student), Hadrian (senior student), Daryl, Scotty, and Mike (senior student).

Some of the great students of Southern Wing Chun...

Self-defence in the News - No. 37

Petrol station owner defends his patch 

 http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8102737/Station-owner-defends-his-patch

 VANITA PRASAD Last updated 06:50 20/12/2012 


VANITA PRASAD / Fairfax NZ
BATTLE SCARS: Zahid Chaudry managed to scare off the intruder by confronting him.



An armed robber got more than he bargained for when he attempted to steal from Zahid Chaudry's petrol station.

The Swanson GAS station owner was on his computer about 8pm on Thursday when an armed man confronted him.

 Chaudry said instinct kicked in when he saw the offender's pistol and balaclava. "I just pushed him across the store and thought I have to get him out of here."

He began beating the robber who started smashing him in the face with the butt of his weapon. "We were still fighting, I didn't want to give up, he didn't want to give up."

Chaudry began to get the better of his assailant by throwing him on to the concrete forecourt and removing his disguise. He continued defending his store while a regular customer pulled up outside and called 111.

 Chaudry said the man, who looked in his mid-40s with a goatee, gave up and ran to a getaway car waiting on Swanson Rd. Another resident who saw the getaway pursued the vehicle, getting the driver's registration plate number.

Mechanic John Dormer from neighbouring business Candia Automotive said Chaudry had defended his store bravely. "He deserves a bravery award," Dormer said.

Chaudry has been told by many people that he was stupid for fighting the robber, but he stands by his actions. "If something happened to me who would be there for my wife and daughter? But if I did not fight him he'd just be back for more."

He said he and his wife have owned the station for five years but had never been attacked. He is grateful to the two people who helped: "I love Swanson and I love the people who live here."

The offender left in a purple or burgundy 1990's Holden Commodore Sedan. The car was last seen in the Massey area. Police are investigating the incident.

Fairfax NZ News

18 December, 2012

Christmas

We will have a brief Christmas break.

The school will be open up until (and including) Saturday
22 December.

Monday 24 December - CLOSED

Thursday 27 December - CLOSED

We will re-open on Saturday 29 December - business as usual...



Self-defence in the News - No. 36

Woman fought off assailant

 Woman fought off assailant

 Mon, 10 Dec 2012 

News: Dunedin 

A woman fought off an unknown male after retrieving an item from her car on Maclaggan St, Dunedin, on Saturday night.

The 34-year-old woman, who suffered minor injuries, was left traumatised by the incident, just before 11pm.

The offender was described as a stocky Caucasian aged in his late 30s or early 40s, well-dressed, smelling of alcohol, and was referring to the victim as ''love''.

Detective Sergeant Chris Henderson said police wanted to speak to anyone who was in the area about the time of the incident.

21 November, 2012

Greg Tsoi (Choy Siu Kwong)

Greg Tsoi (Choy Siu Kwong) and Yip Man

15 November, 2012

What a pleasure....

....to host a visit from my sifu, Master Kevin Earle.

He dropped in to see us during Thursday night's class, and I caught up with him again on Friday.

Our Saturday workshop with him officially started at 10:00am and ran till 5:00pm, with a break for lunch. 

I do believe he enjoyed himself!

Afterwards we all went out for drinks and dinner to wax lyrical about kung fu and other important subjects.

His trip down was a great opportunity for my students to meet him and benefit from his teaching and depth of knowledge.

On Sunday, Tony spent an hour or so in private instruction with Kevin. After that, Kevin and I went over a few things together, and I so appreciate his suggestions and insights.



Left to right: Anthony, Brent, Waz (Wanaka), Chris, Mike, Hadrian, Kevin, Marty, Ange, Steve, Daryl, Jes (Wanaka).



I made this picture of Kevin during the lunch break.



Hadrian



Anthony and Kevin.



Back row: Sam, Mike, Jes, Brent, Kevin, Ange, Chris, Hadrian, Steve.
Front row: Jasper, Waz, Simon.



Brent and Kevin.



Left to right: Jes, Kevin, Waz.



Ange and Kevin.



 Kevin's first visit to Southern Wing Chun 08-11-2012.
Some of the people at training that night, left to right:
Ange, Brent, Anthony, Kevin, Mike, Steve.


13 November, 2012

Next week ..


After Monday's class (19 November) I will be away for a few days.

Starting Thursday (22 November), Mike will be in charge.


09 November, 2012

Self-defence in the News - No. 35

Girl, 12, uses skateboard to fight off 'monster' 

MICHAEL FORBES AND BLAIR ENSOR 09/11/2012 

 Girl, 12, uses skateboard to fight off 'monster'

 


Tamera Walker wasn't about to just sit there and cry when a "monster man" tried to abduct her a few blocks from her Lower Hutt home on Wednesday.

 The 12-year-old knew exactly how much danger she was in, so she fought back - kicking her attacker in the leg and whacking him with her skateboard. It was enough to give her the opening she needed to escape the man's clutches and run home to safety.

 She told The Dominion Post she was feeling a lot better yesterday after her frightening ordeal on Wednesday night.

She was walking along Randwick Rd about 7pm, on her way to get an icecream from the Moera shops, when she noticed a man peering at her from a parked car. "The window was wound down a little bit and he was just staring at me. He was quite scary-looking, so I started walking a bit faster. "Then he jumped out of the car and grabbed my shoulders."

All she could think about at that moment was getting home to her parents. They had taught her about "stranger danger", and she remembered their advice to resist and make as much noise as possible to attract help. Using the skateboard was her own idea.

She suffered a small graze to her knee after her attacker threw her to the ground but was otherwise fine, she said. "I'm still pretty shaken. But at the same time, I feel quite proud of myself. "Next time I go for a walk to the shops, I'll be taking my sister or my brother with me," Tamera said.

Tamera's mother, Judy, said: "I'm just so proud of her. She could have just sat there and cried but to react the way she did in a situation like that was just amazing. I don't know what I would have done myself. "She's pretty fit from all the sports she plays at school, and she's feisty too, so she was never going to back down."

Mrs Walker, who has three other children aged 14 to 19, said she would be speaking to them all about how to stay safe on the streets and she urged other parents to do the same with their kids.

 Detective Iain Burns, of Lower Hutt, said Tamera's attacker was thought to be a Maori aged in his 30s, with short dark hair and a beard. He had a deep voice and was wearing dark sunglasses, black trackpants with white strips and a black hooded sweatshirt with long draw-strings. He walked with a noticeable limp. The car involved in the incident was black and similar to a Nissan Primera. It had gold-rimmed wheels and a dent in the passenger door.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lower Hutt police on 04 560 2600 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

 -- Fairfax NZ News

26 October, 2012

kwoon



16 October, 2012

Self-defence in the News - No. 34

Liquor store staff member chases off armed robber

Liquor store staff member chases off armed robber 

2:47 PM Monday Oct 15, 2012


 Dramatic footage of a liquor store worker with a hockey stick chasing off a knife-wielding robber has been released by police.


The CCTV images give a glimpse of the tense confrontation that unfolded after two men demanded cash and took alcohol from the Thirsty Liquor bottle store in Upper Hutt last Tuesday.

One shows a man gesturing aggressively with a knife as he stands before the counter. Another shows the same man in a standoff with a worker outside the shop.

Detective Sergeant Chris Gooch of Hutt Valley police said the men entered the store on Fergusson Drive in Silverstream about 5.45pm.

One demanded money from a worker at knifepoint and the second took some bottles of alcohol from a shelf.

The staff member struck one of the offenders with a hockey stick before chasing them both out of the shop.

Mr Gooch said the offenders ran across the railway tracks to a vehicle waiting in a car park opposite Silverstream Primary School.

The maroon four-door Nissan hatch or similar, with a number plate starting with the letter T, was last seen driving north along Gard St.

Police have released the CCTV images in the hope they will help to identify the offenders.
"We would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Thirsty Liquor at the time of the aggravated robbery last Tuesday night or from anyone who has any other relevant which may assist police,'' Mr Gooch said.

Staff at the store were reluctant to talk about the incident today, saying the matter was being dealt with by police and they did not want to comment in the media.

Anyone with any information should contact Hutt Valley Police on (04) 560 2600 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

12 September, 2012

Self-defence in the News - No. 33

Teen praised for bravery after daylight attack 

 Teen praised for bravery after daylight attack

Wednesday Sep 12, 2012


A 15-year-old girl has been hailed for her bravery after fighting off a man who attacked her in daylight on a rural Bay of Plenty road.

 Police said the girl was dropped off by her school bus at the corner of Gulliver Rd and State Highway 2 at about 4.00pm yesterday. She was walking along Gulliver Road when she was attacked from behind by an offender described as a tall, skinny Indian man who was about 20 years old.

 The girl fought off her attacker after a short struggle, police said. He ran off in the direction of State Highway 2. Detective Sergeant Ryan Yardley praised the victim for fighting off her attacker. "The actions of the girl were brave and she is recovering with her family" "This is a concerning incident and we are treating it seriously."

 Mr Yardley called on parents to be vigilant while police hunted the offender. "Whilst we don't want the community to be unduly alarmed it is clearly important that we identify this offender. "Parents can tell their children to immediately report anything suspicious to police or a trusted adult and look out for each other if they out walking with a friend."

Someone may have given the offender a ride to an area near where the attack took place, Mr Yardley said. He appealed for anyone who had seen someone who matched the description of the offender to come forward to police.

YOU CAN HELP:

 To give information on the case call Te Puke police on 07 573 9147 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

- nzherald.co.nz

08 September, 2012

SHAOLIN BURNING by Ant Sang



Shaolin Burning is a graphic novel by 
New Zealand creator/writer/artist Ant Sang.



It features appearances by kung fu legends Ng Mui and
Yim Wing Chun, plus Deadly Plum Blossom, elders of the Shaolin Temple, and a bloodthirsty monk who has embraced his dark side.





It's a good comic.



25 August, 2012

The fittest kung fu man in Dunedin

Daniel McKinlay


28 July, 2012

Saturday training







Left to right:

Ange (senior student) - Chris (visiting ronin) - Hadrian (up-and-coming wing chun man) - Mike and Steve (heavy hitters from way back)

Photographed by me today.

21 July, 2012

13 June, 2012

Self-defence in the News - No. 32

Father beats daughter's abuser to death

 Father beats daughter's abuser to death 

  NINO BUCCI

 12/06/2012

 US authorities say a father who caught a man sexually assaulting his four-year-old daughter and beat him to death may not face charges.

The father, from Texas, punched the man repeatedly in the head, killing him, Lavaca County Sheriff Micah Harmon said.

 The girl had been left inside the family's house during a social gathering on Saturday while other members of her family were tending to horses, Sheriff Harmon told CNN. He said the father returned to the house and caught the man abusing his daughter before unleashing his attack. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

 The girl was taken to a local hospital for examination before being released and was "OK besides the obvious mental trauma," Harmon said.

He said the father was ''very remorseful'' and did not know the other man was going to die. "You have a right to defend your daughter," Harmon said after being asked whether police would press charges against the girl's father. ''He acted in defence of [of her]. Once the investigation is completed we will submit it to the district attorney who then submits it to the grand jury, who will decide if they will indict him.''

Neither man has been publicly identified.


 - Sydney Morning Herald

27 April, 2012

SIFU NET AND THE WING CHUN RIDDLE

 An article. 


"The internet is a goldmine of information about various kung-fu systems including Wing Chun kung-Fu, each promoting their own particular theories over the internet and through other media. With so much information now freely available surely, logic would suggest, it should be easier to learn kung-fu....."


Follow the link: 

As discussed at training yesterday.

15 January, 2012

'Twas the class before Christmas... 2


Click here for full-size version.


Left to right:

Lois - Mike - Anthony - Steve

22 Dec 2011 - Photographer: Daniel

08 January, 2012

'Twas the class before Christmas... 1


Click here for full-size version.


Left to right:

Daniel, Mike, Jasper, Sam, Kezz, and Steve.

22 Dec 2011 - Photographer: me

06 January, 2012

Self-defence in the News - No. 31

Woman fights off knife attacker

Woman fights off knife attacker

Amelia Harris
From: Herald Sun
January 06, 2012 7:20AM

A FRENCH student managed to escape a man who stabbed her on a street in Melbourne's north after hitting him several times in the face.

The 26-year-old woman suffered a deep cut to her arm and needed eight stitches after the confrontation in North Fitzroy on Monday.

Investigators have been told the man approached the woman from behind as she walked along Brunswick St, near Freeman St, about 4.20am.

It's believed the man grabbed her left arm, prompting a struggle.

He was forced to let the woman go after being hit several times in the face.

The man, believed to be aged in his late 30s to early 40s, fled the scene and was last seen walking north along Brunswick St.

The woman then realised she had received a cut to her arm.

A local resident heard the woman’s screams for help.

The victim was taken to St Vincent's Hospital with serious injuries.

She will speak about her ordeal this morning in a bid to help catch the attacker.

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to.

He is described as Caucasian with a thin build and short blond hair.

He wore a grey T-shirt and jeans or possibly shorts.


Police want to speak to this man. Digital image / Victoria Police Supplied

17 December, 2011

Christmas & New Year break


The class will close for a short break.


Thursday 22nd of December: training as usual


Monday 26th of December: class closed, no training

Thursday 29th of December: class closed, no training


Monday 2nd of January 2012: training as usual

Self-defence in the News - No. 30

Elderly man belts thief with golf club

Elderly man belts thief with golf club

Jessica Craven From: Herald Sun December 16, 2011 8:54AM

AN ELDERLY man fought off a man with a golf club during a terrifying aggravated burglary in Berwick on Tuesday night.
Police have been told the man was walking with his 73-year-old wife into their Harkaway Road home about 9.30pm when an unknown offender followed them into the property.

The man, who was armed with a knife, demanded money from the couple before pushing the woman onto a couch.

The elderly man picked up a golf club and struck the offender on the upper and lower back and arm, causing him to drop the knife.

The offender picked up the knife and fled, leaving the woman with minor injuries.

The male offender is described as being of Asian appearance, aged 16 to 19 years, about 177cm tall with a slim build.

He was wearing a hooded top, black track pants and dirty white runners.

Police have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation.

The elderly man will speak to the media about his ordeal later today.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.




Aggravated burglary on elderly Berwick couple

Aggravated burglary on elderly Berwick couple





Friday, 16 December 2011 05:46

Casey CIU detectives are appealing for witnesses following an aggravated burglary on an elderly couple in Berwick on Tuesday night.

Police have been told the victims, a 79-year-old man and a 73-year-old woman, were walking into their Harkaway Road home about 9.30pm when an unknown offender followed them into the property.

The unknown offender, armed with a knife, demanded money from the couple before pushing the woman on to a couch.

The male victim has then picked up a golf club and struck the offender on the upper and lower back and arm, causing him to drop the knife.

The offender then picked up the knife and fled the property in an unknown direction.

The woman suffered minor injuries during the incident.

The male offender is described as being of Asian appearance, aged 16 to 19 years, about 177cm tall with a slim build.

He was wearing a hooded top, black track pants and dirty white runners.

Police have release an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au


05 November, 2011

Good-bye Oxford Street


Click here for full-size verson.

Left to right:

Neil, Sam, Gaynor, Ange, Mike, Steve, Daniel, Jasper, John, Rory, and Anthony.

Oct 2011 - Photographer: Simon

31 October, 2011

New location

Tonight was the last class in the hall at Oxford Street.

Thursday's class, 3rd of November, will be at the new hall. Get in touch for details.

Self-defence in the News - No. 29

Publican fights off attacker

Publican fights off attacker

JO MCKENZIE-MCLEAN

05:00 30/10/2011




BAT-MAN: The Rising Sun Tavern, where a publican fought off a bat-wielding attacker.


A Nelson publican is being hailed a hero after taking on a bat-wielding assailant who had allegedly beaten a middle-aged patron unconscious outside his pub in the early hours of yesterday.

Martin Coram, publican at the Rising Sun Tavern, was struck in the face with a cricket bat when he stepped in to save the 56-year-old patron, being hit with the bat as he lay senseless on the ground.

But the plucky publican refused to back down, exchanging blows with and wrestling the bat off the attacker, who then fled.

An ambulance rushed the patron to Nelson Hospital, where he was treated for head injuries and a possible broken arm.

Nelson CIB Detective Sergeant Mark Kaveney said the patron was attacked as he left the Waimea Rd tavern at 1.25am to get a taxi home.

The man was hit in the head with a cricket bat and knocked unconscious, Kaveney said. The attack continued as he lay on the ground, he said.

Coram, hearing noises, looked out the door and saw the patron lying on the ground and raced to protect him.

"The attacker swung around and smashed (Coram) with the bat," Kaveney said.

"He has then tackled the attacker. There was a stoush and they traded blows. He managed to wrestle the bat from him and the attacker has then run off." Coram's actions were "extremely brave".

"Anyone who gets blows to the head – and this guy [the patron] had a large laceration – there is potential for death, and that's what was happening. It had the potential to be absolutely catastrophic.

"I think it was very brave of the person concerned [Coram] to risk their life to save another person like that. This person wasn't known to him, and just the fact it was dark, raining, he [the attacker] had a weapon and [Coram] didn't know what that weapon was... he can seriously pat himself on the back. He just challenged him and dived out there." The attack was unprovoked, and "very disturbing", Kaveney said.

The 56-year-old patron had "had words" with a man inside the tavern earlier in the evening, Kaveney said. The victim had been "advising" the other man about his behaviour, he said.

"There had been a bit of to-ing and fro-ing but nothing major," Kaveney said.

Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio said Coram was a "hero".

"It's fantastic he had the courage to come to the aid of the victim. If he wasn't there it could have turned out a lot worse. There is no doubt he is a hero. He did something courageous and selfless." Coram was unable to talk to Sunday News yesterday. His family said he was recovering from the incident.

The publican and the 56-year-old patron were treated at Nelson Hospital and both had since been discharged.

A 34-year-old man will appear at Nelson District Court tomorrow facing charges of serious assault.




CORDON: Officer Marty Bagnall collects evidence at the scene of the incident.


- Sunday News

15 October, 2011

Self-defence in the News - No. 28

Teen escapes attempted car jacking


Teen escapes attempted car jacking

TIM DONOGHUE

13:15 15/10/2011


Palmerston North police are investigating an attempted car jacking of a vehicle driven by a young man in the city, just after midnight.

A lone 17-year-old motorist was driving along Ferguson St, between Fitzroy and Ruahine streets, when a a man stepped out on to the road in front of the car.

The young driver slowed and stopped the car.

Police said a second man then approached the vehicle from the rear.

"A third person (a man) then approached the driver's door opening it and threatening the driver to get out of the car.

"A struggle ensued during which the motorist received a minor facial injury before he managed to pull his door closed and accelerate away."

Police described the three offenders as men in their late teens or early twenties.

One of the men may have sustained a leg or arm injury as the car drove away, police said.

They want to hear from anyone who was in the Ferguson Street area at the time of the offence.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Johnny Oram of the Palmerston North Police on 06 351-3600.


- The Dominion Post

01 September, 2011

7:00pm start time


Classes now 7:00pm start.

Still Mondays & Thursdays.

Still two hours minimum.