Korean martial arts master to receive LAPD award

Lee Gak-soo

A Korean martial arts master who helped take down a street assailant will be awarded by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Lee Gak-soo, a martial arts professor at Myongji University in Seoul, confronted a man who was running away after stabbing two former co-workers and two passersby in Yeouido in Seoul last month.

Lee, a former mixed martial arts champion, kicked the attacker in the face and chest while the man was wielding a knife threatening Lee and other civilians.

The man, surnamed Kim, was caught by police while running away from Lee.

The martial arts master received an award earlier this month from the Yeongdeungpo police for his brave act.

Lee’s master, Kim Yoon-bae, who teaches L.A. policemen martial arts, recommended him to the LAPD for the award, according to Lee.

He holds a total of 28-dan, or ranks, in martial arts including taekwondo and kendo.

The award ceremony will be on held Thursday at the LAPD.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)