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Family of Tae Kwon Do Instructors Thwarts Sexual Assault Attempt
In a remarkable display of courage and martial arts skills, a family of Tae Kwon Do instructors in Katy, Texas, intervened to stop a sexual assault in progress, detaining the suspect until law enforcement could arrive. The incident occurred next to their dojo in Katy, a community within Harris County.
On Thursday, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez issued a statement commending Han An, his wife Hong An, and their three children, Hannah, Simon, and Christian, for their “quick action in protecting others.”
“A group of good Samaritans rushed to save the day,” Gonzalez stated. “Thank you.”
While authorities typically advise bystanders to call the police rather than directly confront attackers, the An family’s extensive martial arts training positioned them to handle the situation safely. All members of the An family hold black belts in taekwondo, a Korean martial art known for its powerful kicks and self-defense techniques.
The Incident
The incident unfolded around 2 PM on Tuesday. As the An family prepared their Yong-In Taekwondo dojo for evening classes, Han An noticed a young man on a bicycle looking into nearby stores. Initially, he thought nothing of it. However, when he saw the man struggling with an employee at a neighboring cellphone store, he began to suspect something was wrong.
The family became alarmed when they heard loud, distressed screams from the cellphone store. “It was a piercing horror scream—very loud,” Simon An recounted. This prompted the family to rush into the store to investigate.
Inside, they found the suspect, identified as 19-year-old Alex Robinson, attempting to sexually assault a female employee in a back room. Han An acted swiftly, yanking Robinson off the employee and pinning him to the ground by twisting his shirt. Simon and his siblings helped subdue Robinson, who bit and scratched Han in an attempt to escape. Hannah and Hong An escorted the traumatized employee out of the store, providing comfort and reassurance.
Detention and Arrest
The An family held Robinson down until sheriff’s deputies arrived approximately ten minutes later. Robinson was arrested and charged with attempted sexual assault, unlawful restraint, and assault for his actions against the An family.
This incident marks the first time the An family has had to use their taekwondo skills outside their dojo. Their school, Yong-In Tae Kwon Do, emphasizes values such as integrity and indomitable spirit, principles that were clearly demonstrated in their response.
Community Response
The An family’s actions have been widely praised. Under Sheriff Gonzalez’s statement, comments poured in, with one person writing, “That’s how ya do it!” and another adding, “There are still good people in this world!”
Simon An, reflecting on the incident, downplayed the notion of heroism. “A man is on top of a girl, trying to assault her – I mean, what’s the right thing to do?” he said. “Take him off and hold him there until he gets arrested.”
Safety Tips and Self-Defense Strategies
This incident underscores the importance of self-defense training and awareness. Here are some safety tips to help protect yourself and others in dangerous situations:
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be mindful of your environment and the people around you, especially in unfamiliar places.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to remove yourself from a potentially dangerous situation.
- Learn Self-Defense: Martial arts training can provide valuable skills and confidence to protect yourself and others.
- Use Your Voice: Loudly calling for help can deter an attacker and attract attention.
- Carry Self-Defense Tools: Items like pepper spray can provide an added layer of protection. Ensure you know how to use them properly.
Pepper Spray: An Effective Defense Tool
Pepper Spray can be a lifesaver for those who may face aggressive encounters. It’s designed to be effective yet humane, temporarily deterring attackers without causing long-term harm.
- Easy to Carry: Compact and portable, it can be kept in a pocket or a bag.
- Quick Deployment: Designed for rapid activation in emergencies.
- Effective Range: Offers a safe distance to deter attackers, reducing the risk of close contact.
Using tools like Pepper Spray can enhance personal safety in unpredictable situations, providing peace of mind and an additional layer of defense.
Final Thoughts
The An family’s swift and courageous intervention in the attempted sexual assault is a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness, training, and community vigilance. Their actions, guided by their extensive taekwondo training and a strong sense of moral duty, not only saved a woman from further harm but also demonstrated the profound impact that knowledgeable and ready individuals can have in emergencies. This incident underscores the critical need for self-defense education, awareness, and the availability of effective self-defense tools like Mace Canine Pepper Spray. By learning from the An family’s example, we can all contribute to creating safer communities and be ready to act decisively in the face of danger.
As always, be safe and be prepared.
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