A would-be robber picked the wrong target when he tried to accost a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in Auckland, New Zealand. The situation unfolded quickly as the assailant approached, demanding money, but what he encountered was a masterclass in calm and controlled self-defense.
The BJJ practitioner, after a grueling 23-hour flight, found himself wandering the busy pavements of Auckland when the encounter occurred. The attacker, seemingly desperate and unhinged, charged at the martial artist. Recognizing the potential danger but remaining composed, the martial artist attempted to defuse the situation by creating distance and asking bystanders for assistance. To his dismay, his calls for help were ignored, leaving him to handle the situation on his own.
As the assailant persisted, the black belt made a strategic decision to enter a nearby coffee shop, hoping to find someone who would alert the authorities. However, the attacker followed him inside, escalating the situation. With no other options, the martial artist decided to take control. Employing his years of training, he executed a flawless double-leg takedown, securing top side control, and ultimately taking the attacker’s back. With precision, he used the assailant’s own flannel shirt to choke him unconscious, ensuring that the threat was neutralized without causing unnecessary harm.
The bystanders, who had initially been hesitant, began to intervene, attempting to pull the martial artist off the subdued attacker. Remaining calm, the BJJ black belt informed them of his credentials and assured them that he had control of the situation. His experience and training allowed him to maintain composure, even as onlookers added to the confusion.
Chris Bower’s own account:
“After a 23 hour flight to Auckland, New Zealand 🇳🇿, I decided to walk the city. A deranged lunatic charged towards me demanding my money. Not knowing if he had a weapon, I backed away to create space. He started to chase after me. I asked many bystanders, hotel, staff, and bus driver to call Police as some man was chasing me trying to rob me. Everyone ignored me. I decided to enter Coffee shop to ask them to call the Police. They were the only people to help. The man followed me into the coffee shop and attacked me. I blast double legged him, secured top side control, took his back and then choked him unconscious with his flannel shirt. While he was unconscious, I placed him into the top Mount Position until the Police arrived. Many bystanders initially tried to pull me off the man. You will hear me telling them “I’m a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, I’m a trained fighter, I have control of the situation.”New Zealand is supposed to be one of the safest cities in the World . You never know where or when some d*ugged out lunatic is going to attack you. Keep your head on a swivel. Go train!!!!”
Bower’s physique is impressive and highlights how badly the robber chose his target.
As the police arrived, they found the assailant subdued and the situation under control, thanks to the black belt’s expertise.
