Taekwondo Helps Police Peacefully Restrain Criminals

Every day that he goes to work, 39-year old Oceanside Police Detective, Brad Hunter, knows that there is significant risk. As a new member of the Family Protection Unit for the Oceanside Police Department in California he’s found that risk is worth it. In February of this year, Hunter started investigating adult sex crimes but he began his career with the force in 1988.

“When I am able to make an arrest I feel really good about it because those [arrests] are usually people who really need to go to jail—rapists or child molesters,” says Hunter

Hunter is the kind of police detective that brings a savvy street-sense reputation and intense training to his police duties. Even after 20-years of service, he’s able to keep a strict focus on fighting crime and solving cases. He credits Taekwondo for his discipline and ability to endure the often brutal police work that he is faced with daily.

“Throughout my career, it’s helped me do my day-to-day tasks as a police officer both in focus and handling stressful situations,” says Hunter.

Just this summer Hunter, a 6th Degree Black Belt, was awarded the prestigious title of Taekwondo Master Instructor at the American Taekwondo Association’s (ATA) International headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas. The certified instructor and International Taekwondo judge studied Taekwondo for the past 21 years. Hunter holds a 2001 ATA World Championship Title for Sparring. Surprisingly, he never thought he’d go this far in martial arts.

“Each step of the way I always thought this is probably as far as I’ll go,” says Hunter.

But his determination brought him to greater levels in a sport that is challenging and rewarding.

“As long as you stick with it and have that perseverance you can continue to progress and advance,” says Hunter.

It’s that attitude combined with Hunter’s desire to serve the community (he helps his wife, Vanessa, with her Pop Warner Cheerleading squads) that has intrigued his police force co-workers.

“He has credibility, not only among his peers, but he has it within the community and that’s something that only one-percent of guys have that ability to be able to do,” says fellow police officer, Mike Bowman.

Bowman recalls an incident when Hunter was a motorcycle cop and he and another officer were trying to apprehend a man wielding a sword.

“They came against this guy with the sword and, of course, the guy was extremely agitated and they were doing everything they could to try to talk this guy out of using the sword and becoming aggressive with it because that would be a horrible thing. Brad was able to talk to this guy and talk him into handcuffs, literally, without having to do any type of other stuff,” says Bowman.

Bowman says Hunter’s calm, natural demeanor is a gem for the police force.

“I can think of 20 other cops who were working that day and there probably would have been a shooting involved or somebody having to use a baton or club or something to calm this guy down,” says Bowman.

Of course, not all street incidents are so peaceful and that’s when Hunter is glad he’s equipped with the knowledge and skill of Taekwondo. He recalls apprehending a criminal near the train tracks one night.

“When I went to talk to him, he had his hand in his pocket, and I wasn’t expecting it, but as I walked up to him, I saw that he had a gun in his hand and was pulling it out of his pocket,” says Hunter.

Instinctively, Hunter used his years of Taekwondo training, “I applied a technique that I had practiced many times in class and took the guy down and controlled him. He didn’t get hurt. I didn’t get hurt. Nobody else got hurt and I was able to arrest him and take him to jail. Of course, afterwards you think about it and say ‘Wow! That was kind of scary.’”

Currently Hunter is teaching at his friend’s studio. He aspires to own his own Taekwondo school one day.

Phoebe Chongchua
		About the author:
		Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist who appears on TV, in print, and on the Internet. She's a former ABC affiliate News Reporter/Newscaster who founded Live Fit Magazine in 2004, recognizing how the journalism industry is rapidly moving online. The magazine has evolved frrom producing content only for LFM to producing much-needed video feature news stories and documentaries for companies and associations. Phoebe discovered an unfulfilled niche market and expanded LFM in order to meet the needs of a growing marektplace. Her clients are happy she did! Live Fit Magazine produces video news stories that entice viewing audiences to watch the video, spread the message, buy the product or visit the establishment. It's a creative, credible approach to marketing companies, products, and services. Few companies offer what Live Fit Magazine can do for your company in a single feature video story. Phoebe works with clients to seamlessly integrate their newly produced video into their current marketing materials. She offers expert advice on new marketing strategies and call-to-action campaigns. Her innovative efforts keep companies positioned for success and their customers regularly watching new and informative videos.
	Read More >>