Girl, 13 Fends Off Attacker on Walk Home from School Using Jiu-Jitsu: ‘Broke His Ankle’

**Girl, 13, Successfully Defends Herself Against Attacker Utilizing Jiu-Jitsu Skills**

A brave 13-year-old girl from Carmel, California, showcased immense courage and quick thinking when she was attacked during her walk home from school. The young girl, who remains unnamed for privacy reasons, effectively utilized her jiu-jitsu training to fend off her attacker, ultimately breaking his ankle in the process.

The incident occurred as the girl was making her way home from school in Carmel, California. The assailant, who had been lurking between parked cars, suddenly emerged and attempted to strike the girl in the face. Undeterred, the 13-year-old sprang into action, drawing upon the self-defense techniques she had learned in jiu-jitsu classes at the Carmel Youth Center.

Jiu-jitsu is a form of martial arts that focuses on unarmed combat and teaches individuals how to subdue opponents using a variety of techniques, including joint locks, chokeholds, and leverage-based moves such as throws and pins. The girl’s instructor, Michael Blackburn, commended her swift and effective response to the attack, noting that she accurately applied her training by punching the assailant, putting him in a headlock, and using her knees and footwork to gain the upper hand.

In a statement to local news outlets, Blackburn explained that the girl managed to overpower the attacker, ultimately causing him to fall to the ground and break his ankle in the process. Despite sustaining the injury, the assailant managed to flee the scene, leaving the young girl shaken but physically unharmed.

Authorities in Carmel are currently on the lookout for the suspect, who is described as a muscular individual standing approximately 6 feet tall. The police have released a sketch of the assailant and are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Reflecting on the harrowing ordeal, Todd Trayer, a commander with the local police department, emphasized the importance of self-defense training, especially for young individuals. He underscored the significance of equipping children with the skills and knowledge necessary to protect themselves in dangerous situations, highlighting the transformative impact of self-defense education.

The community has rallied around the brave teenager, with messages of support and admiration pouring in from across the region. Blackburn expressed his pride in his student’s courage and resilience, acknowledging her exemplary response to a threatening situation. He emphasized the vital role of self-defense classes in empowering individuals to safeguard themselves and others in times of need.

The girl’s ability to repel her attacker using her jiu-jitsu skills serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of personal safety awareness and self-defense training. As the search for the assailant continues, the young girl’s story stands as a beacon of strength and determination in the face of adversity.