How it’s done: Former martial arts instructor Warren Bame shows how he floored attackers during an armed robbery. Photo: Marilyn Bernard
Martial arts expert fends off six attackers
Carvin Goldstone
November 09 2004 at 07:36AM
Armed robbers in the Durban Point area got more than they bargained for - Bruce Lee-style - when they unwittingly attacked Warren Bame, a retired martial arts instructor.
Bame said that last Friday he had walked down Tyzack Street, which joins Gillespie Street and Point Road, to buy lunch. On his way back, he was accosted by six men.
“Three men with knives attacked me from the front. I managed to defend myself by blocking and punching,” he said.
Bame floored two of his attackers. While he was fending off the knifemen, the other three stole his cellphone. When they realised he could defend himself, all six men ran off.
“They didn’t say a word. The guy went straight for my throat. It was clear that his intention was murder. The only reason I’m still alive is because I’m a martial arts expert,” he said.
Point Police spokesperson Patience Mndaweni confirmed that Bame had been robbed by six men. She said his cellphone had not been recovered and that no arrests had been made.
Bame had been an instructor in the Goju-ryu style of karate for nine years, although he had practised karate for a total of 19 years. He closed his martial arts school in Durban North last year, but has since vowed to reopen it.
Bame has the following safety tips for the public:
-
Don’t presume anything. Be aware of your surroundings.
-
Keep valuables out of sight
-
Don’t go into suspicious areas. If you have to, then take along someone you trust.
-
If you are attacked, don’t try to resist. Try to get away.
-
If you have to defend yourself, go for the eyes, throat or groin areas.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20041109010725988C958758
I think that’s pretty freaking cool!
Though his safety tips are amusing given the context.