Tue, September 26, 2006
Guardian Angels armed with taekwondo
By CARY CASTAGNA, EDMONTON SUN
When Edmonton’s Guardian Angels take to the city’s mean streets early next year, they’ll have the benefit of tae- kwondo training.
But the martial arts know-how will be strictly for self-defence, says national head Lou Hoffer.
“It’s so members can protect themselves if it does come down to them getting into a volatile situation,” Hoffer told the Sun yesterday. "If we see someone getting whacked with a baseball bat, we are going to intervene.
“(But) we don’t go out and crack heads. We don’t issue street justice. That’s not who we are and what we do.”
About two dozen Edmontonians have volunteered for the Angels’ training, slated to begin next month, Hoffer said.
Training will last two hours a week for up to four months. The taekwondo component will include basic punching, kicking and blocking, Hoffer said.
“We’re not going to be able to make anybody a black belt in that time,” he explained, adding training should begin when chapter president Lance Lamond returns from a vacation in mid-October.
Training will also include general physical fitness and conditioning to prepare the recruits for four-hour patrols, Hoffer added.
Police Chief Mike Boyd has said he’s open to working with the Guardian Angels. He’s suggested they can work with existing community patrols.
Currently, the Angels are completing the interview process. Edmonton’s chapter has drawn a “nice mix” of people from all walks of life, including ex-military, professionals, students, married, single, young, middle-aged and senior citizens, Hoffer said.
Meanwhile, the Angels are still looking for some financial support.
“We need money every day. We have to live,” Hoffer said, adding Albertans have started to step forward.
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2006/09/26/1899562-sun.html
Yep…the public’s got nothin’ to fear now. No, sir.