Calexico martial arts student arrested for battery

A Calexico teenager was severely beaten on Sunday at Miguel Cortez Park. Calexico Police said the suspect is a 17-year-old man who practices martial arts.

“One of them which is a martial arts expert, or he practices martial arts,” Officer Mario Villapuda said.

The victim was allegedly attacked without provocation and kicked repeatedly by the suspect.
“One of the parties, seriously injured,” Villapuda said.

Police said the victim could not walk due to the beating. On Monday, the suspect was arrested at Aurora High School where he’s a student.

“The suspect was arrested and booked into Imperial County Juvenile Hall,” Villapuda said.

14-year-old martial arts student Sabina Walker the art is not for attacking or bullying others.

“I think he’s misusing his style. I’m against bullying. So, if someone says something about me, and I didn’t hear about it, I would want them to come up to me and we’ll talk it through, because I don’t like bullying,” Sabina said.

El Centro martial arts instructor Bryan Walker said he would discipline anyone at his school misusing their skills.

“We would expel them from our school. They would no longer be a member of our association. We’re absolutely one hundred percent against bullying,” Walker said.

He said the art is for positive purposes.

“Martial arts is used to focus on the mind, and to clear your mind set, to help condition your body,” Walker said.
“For me, it has taught me discipline,” Sabina said.

Calexico Police said the suspect who used his martial arts skills the wrong way is now in custody at juvenile hall and facing battery charges.