Teen's Jiu-Jitsu Skills Foil Attempted Assault in Carmel

Carmel-by-the-Sea Teen Uses Jiu-Jitsu to Fend Off Attacker; Police Seek Suspect A 13-year-old girl in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, recently used her jiu-jitsu skills to escape an attempted assault. The incident occurred approximately two weeks prior to the news report. Police are actively investigating and have released a sketch of the suspect, described as acting unusual, possibly under the influence of something or dealing with personal issues. The girl, whose identity is being kept anonymous at the request of her family and police, was walking home from school when she was confronted by the man. Sensei Michael Blackburn, the girl's jiu-jitsu instructor at the Carmel Youth Center, recounted the incident: "She punched him, she wrapped it, got him in a headlock, kneed him a couple of times, spun him around, threw him on the ground, and she had stepped on his foot doing all this. When she threw him to the ground, she broke his ankle." The quick thinking and effective use of her jiu-jitsu training allowed the girl to escape unharmed and run home. Despite the girl's bravery and the police's efforts, the suspect remains at large. Police Chief Michael Covey stated, "We're doing everything we can to figure out who this person is that's responsible for what happened." The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of self-defense training for young people. The girl's story is a testament to the effectiveness of jiu-jitsu and the courage of a young woman who used her skills to protect herself.