A Springfield, Massachusetts teen used his martial arts training to defend a child with mental disabilities from older bullies last week, according to a report by MassLive.com.
While walking out of class last Monday, Roman Rodriguez saw someone in need of help.
The 16-year-old witnessed a group of eight teenagers bullying a defenseless 11-year-old and decided to intervene.
"When I saw the situation, it immediately bothered me. I saw he was crying," said Roman during an interview with MassLive.com. "Everyone should be appreciated for who they are as a person, not made fun of."
He confronted the leader of the group, identified as a teen named "Angel", who was much larger than him.
The menacing bully attempted to strike, but was effortlessly dispatched by Roman.
"He's a lot bigger than me, so I only knocked him down and restrained him," said Roman. "I wanted to avoid things getting worse."
No doubt intimidated by the powerful warrior, the thugs fled the area, swearing to exact their revenge.
"The kid threatened to stab or shoot Roman," said Antonio Colón, an instructor for a martial arts studio founded by Rodriguez's father.
Angel returned wielding a large kitchen knife and flanked by his mother, Jomery Rivera, who encouraged her son to stab Rodriguez, who was accompanied by his martial artist father, Ricardo Rodriguez.
"I witnessed this kid's mother encourage her son to stab mine. She was instigating a fight," said Ricardo.
Police soon arrived at the scene and charged Angel with assault with a dangerous weapon and his mother with disorderly conduct.
