Texas Taekwondo Family Rescues Woman from Attack, Subdues Suspect

Taekwondo family rescues woman from assault Yong-in Taekwondo dojo

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Jun 20, 12:10 pm

Photo: (Photo : Michael Gonzalez /Getty Images)

A Taekwondo family from Katy, Texas, saved a young woman from a terrifying assault on Tuesday.

The family, all black belts and operators of the Yong-in Taekwondo dojo, responded to desperate screams from a neighboring business, leading to the dramatic rescue and subduing of the suspect.

Taekwondo Family Rescues Woman From Assault

Around 4 p.m., the An family was preparing for their evening taekwondo classes when they were startled by unsettling sounds from a nearby store. Initially dismissing the noises as playful banter among employees, their attention was riveted by a final, piercing scream.

Simon An, an instructor with 16 years of taekwondo experience, along with his parents and siblings, rushed next door to investigate. To their horror, they discovered a man assaulting a young woman. Simon's father, Hong An, wasted no time in pulling the attacker off the victim and pinning him to the ground.

"It just happened so suddenly," Simon recounted. Simon added that it was all done in self-defense. The intruder was trying to run away from them and revealed that he was scratching, biting, and doing anything to get away.

A Family United in Defense

While Hong An restrained the suspect, Simon's sister, Hannah, escorted the distressed woman to safety.

Simon and his brother assisted in subduing the attacker until law enforcement arrived. The suspect struggled fiercely, but Hong An, a taekwondo grand master, managed to hold him down for ten minutes.

The Harris County Sheriff's Department praised the An family for their bravery and effective intervention. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez expressed his gratitude towards the Yong-in Taekwondo dojo.

Sheriff Gonzalez acknowledged their efforts on social media, stating, "By utilizing their training and discipline, they managed to stop the assault and hold him."

The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, has been charged with attempted sexual assault and unlawful detention.

The incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and the impact of martial arts training in real-life situations. The An family's swift and decisive actions not only prevented a crime but also demonstrated the strength of family unity and discipline.

The An family, which operates the Yong-in Taekwondo dojo, has long been an advocate for the benefits of martial arts training. Their studio in Katy, Texas, is known for instilling discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills in its students. The heroic actions of the An family underscore the real-world applications of their training.

Simon An reflected on the incident, emphasizing the value of their taekwondo background. "Taekwondo teaches you more than just fighting skills. It's about discipline, quick thinking, and helping others in need. This experience has shown us the true power of what we've learned and practiced for so many years."

Community Reactions

The local community has rallied around the An family, praising their courage and quick response. Many have expressed their gratitude on social media, highlighting the importance of such training and preparedness. The Yong-in Taekwondo dojo has seen a surge of interest from individuals eager to learn self-defense and martial arts.

"This incident has brought our community closer," Simon An said. "It's heartwarming to see the support and to know that we made a difference. We hope to inspire others to be vigilant and prepared to help those in need."

The Harris County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate the incident, ensuring that justice is served for the young woman and recognizing the An family's exemplary actions.

The Taekwondo family rescues woman from assault incident serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact of martial arts training and the strength of community solidarity.

The An family continue to teach and inspire their students, knowing that the skills they impart can one day save lives, just as they did on that fateful day.