Jiu-jitsu champion Chris Bower tackles alleged stalker in Auckland
- Chris Bower, a jiu-jitsu champion, was approached by a man demanding money while sightseeing in Auckland.
- After being followed and attacked, Bower used his martial arts skills to subdue the man without causing injury.
- The police confirmed the incident and referred the alleged stalker to mental health services, with no charges filed.
On August 30, Chris Bower, a 46-year-old jiu-jitsu champion from the US, was sightseeing in Auckland when he encountered a man in a flannel shirt who demanded money. After initially walking away, Bower found himself followed for over a kilometer, even as he attempted to seek help from bystanders. To escape the escalating situation, he entered a café, hoping to diffuse the tension. The situation intensified when the man followed him inside and allegedly attacked Bower. Drawing on his martial arts training, Bower executed a double-leg takedown, subsequently using a rear neck choke to subdue the man without causing harm. He then sat on the man’s chest and called for assistance, ensuring that witnesses could see the unfolding incident. When police arrived, they confirmed Bower's account and took the man into custody. However, no charges were filed against the alleged stalker, who was instead referred to mental health services for assessment. The police emphasized the importance of seeking help rather than confronting potential threats directly. Bower, who runs Bowerhouse MMA in the US, has a successful competitive history in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, having won numerous gold medals internationally. Following this incident, he went on to compete in the AJP Tour New Zealand National Championships, where he secured a gold medal in the Master 4 Middleweight division, adding to his impressive accolades.