Father: Karate skills helped girl fend off attacker

[lewisipso]

The father of a 16-year-old girl who fought off an attacker Thursday said he thinks the karate lessons she had been taking for about a month helped her defend herself.

“Oh yeah, big time it helped,” said William Givens, whose daughter suffered a mild concussion when she was struck in the head from behind with a heavy object as she was walking on the trail in the woods near Pattison Lake. She also had minor cuts and bruises, he said. Givens added that his daughter was traumatized and was kept home from her classes Friday.
Givens said his daughter, who kicked her attacker in the groin and punched him in the face, has been taking karate classes at the Academy of Brian Johnson Karate in Lacey.
The girl’s alleged attacker, Kevin James Stark, was being held at the Thurston County Jail Friday on suspicion of second-degree assault with sexual motivation. His bail was set at $500,000.


Read more: Father: Karate skills helped girl fend off attacker - Crime Reports - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

[Pinki]

Excellent -- Great for her! (the fighting off her attacker part that is)

[Jenna]

Now there's a Karate kid! :

[APB]

As a former martial artist (in terms of not currently going to a dojo), I think that self-defense should be a mandatory skill taught to everyone. Ultimately you are responsible for your own protection, at least at the outset until help in blue can arrive, if it is called upon.