Martial Arts Club Driving Home Message
They may be trained fighters but a local martial arts school is spreading the word that real heroes walk away from a fight.
More than 3400 Australians are admitted to hospital with brain injuries from assaults every year, and Strathpine’s Factor10 Martial Arts chief executive Damien O’Flaherty said their students were being taught that avoiding conflict could save a life or lifetime of regret.
The school decided to take the stance after 17-year-old instructor and national Taekwondo champion Maddy Houston became an ambassador for the Matthew Stanley Foundation.
Matthew Stanley was 15 when he was king hit at a party in 2006 and died.
The Warner resident will tour schools spreading an anti-violence message.
Ms Houston said martial arts gave her an insight into what one punch could do.
“I really want to teach young people the reality of violence,” she said.
“If kids can get out of a situation and they don’t have to fight, they should walk away.”
Matthew Stanley’s father and foundation founder Paul Stanley said, “To have a world champion lend her support to our message will ensure that kids sit up and take notice.” he said.
“Not just about how stupid violence is, but also how to avoid potentially dangerous situations so that violence does not sneak up on them, as it did with my son.”
As printed in the Pine Rivers Press, Thursday July 18 2013
