Jiu jitsu instructor accused of molestation
A Brazilian marital artist who runs a jiu jitsu studio in Half Moon Bay has been accused of drinking beer with four underage boys and sexually molesting one of them.
Joao Pierini, 35, faces eight misdemeanor charges and one felony count, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor, annoying a child under 18, and lewd and lascivious behavior, said Half Moon Bay Police Chief Ike Ortiz. As of Tuesday afternoon he remained in custody at the San Mateo County jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.
Pierini headed the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu School, located at 2830 North Cabrillo Highway, which he opened in 2003.
On Dec. 15, four juvenile boys ran into Pierini at the Starbucks coffee shop at Strawflower Village, according to police reports.
Pierini reportedly saw that the boys were drinking beer and invited them to his studio. While they were drinking, Pierini reportedly gave at least one boy a massage, touching his genitals. The incident was reported to the Half Moon Bay police.
On Jan. 3 police searched Pierini’s workplace and car. He was booked into the county jail on Jan. 4.
Pierini, a third-degree black belt who has practiced for 25 years, arrived from Brazil in 1999, according to his school’s Web site.
He said in a 2003 interview with the Review that “martial arts stress coordination and balance and to help the young and the old alike learn to defend themselves while staying fit and gaining self confidence.”
One of his dreams was to create a team to compete in regional tournaments, he said.
Half Moon Bay High School has hosted several California Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Opens, as well as a mixed martial arts exhibition. Pierini served as tournament director for all those events. Additionally, he has been an instructor at Coastside Children’s Programs of Half Moon Bay.
Dennis Loubal, who has taken one-on-one instruction with Pierini, said he was shocked at the turn of events. Loubal is a Half Moon Bay Police officer, but is not involved in the case.
“I thought he was a great instructor and I’d consider him a friend,” said Loubal.
Loubal, who has studied in three martial arts schools, said ordinary massage and physical contact is not uncommon in training.
Raul Castillo, Pierini’s top student, said he will take over the day-to-day operations of the school.
“All the students still want to be there,” Castillo said. “They want a place to train. Everyone is very supportive. Everyone wants to keep the school open.”
Castillo said he felt responsible for continuing the school.
“I feel like an incredible weight is now on my shoulders,” Castillo said. “I’m going to try and make the best of it.”
A fight night was scheduled at Half Moon Bay High School next month. In addition, Castillo was scheduled to have his second professional fight. Both those events have been postponed.
Pierini awaits his preliminary hearing on Jan. 19.
http://www.hmbreview.com/articles/2007/01/18/news/local_news/story02.txt
