Taiwanese Boy in Coma After He Was Reluctantly Thrown Over 20 Times During Judo Lesson

A Taiwanese boy is in a vegetative state after reports emerged he was tossed onto the ground 27 consecutive times during a Judo lesson, according to Taiwanese news outlet Liberty Times.

The seven-year-old, identified only by his surname Huang, was subjected to repeated side and overhead throws in a spar with a Primary Four boy during the incident. 

A video is circulating online recording the incident. According to expert observers, the boy is evidently not taught how to break his fall, and his opponent not trained in controlling the amount of force used. 

Neither of them were therefore ready for physical sparring, according to a former international Judo contestant.

While Huang cried for help, the coach on site, a 68-year-old with the surname Ho, believed he was faking injuries and subjected him to seven more throws before he vomited and fell into a coma. 

Ho was unconvinced even then that he had inflicted serious injuries on the boy, citing his experience in claiming the boy had only pretended to faint. 

According to Mothership, he only reluctantly agreed to seek medical attention for the boy when his eyes had rolled up, offering the option “if [Huang’s uncle] didn’t feel assured”.

Huang suffered a serious traumatic brain injury and remains intubated following an emergency craniotomy. He is feared to be in a permanent vegetative state as a result of the incident, and his family deliberated withdrawing life support before deciding otherwise.

A doctor said that Huang’s injuries were akin to being hit by a car.

While Ho admitted to abusing the child and is being investigated for the offence of causing hurt, Huang’s family stated that he had not made a hospital visit or responded to their attempts to contact him.

The situation is well-past an apology at this point, but for the record, he has not apologised either. What a douche.

Prosecutors have also allegedly applied for the coach to be detained.

The Judo class in question is organised for free by the Judo Committee of the Taichong Sports Association, and Huang had been a student for only about two weeks. 

The city’s education bureau has reached out to the family for legal assistance, and has committed to helping them seek compensation where necessary.

Coaches interviewed have advised that only licensed martial arts venues should be selected for classes, and one coach should not be deployed for more than five or six pairs of students to ensure adequate attention. 

Feature Image: Facebook (中天新聞)