Burbank martial arts instructor attacked in his studio, police say

Burbank police are asking for the public’s help in tracking down a man who attacked a martial arts instructor in his own studio.

The instructor, a 39-year-old man whose name was not released, was about to close about 5:30 p.m. Monday at Force Balance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the 3100 block of Winona Avenue when a man walked in expressing interest in taking a class, police told the Burbank Leader.

As the instructor retrieved some pamphlets in the lobby, the man tackled him from behind, Burbank police Sgt. Darin Ryburn said.

The instructor grabbed a counter to regain his balance and the suspect ran from the studio, hopped on a blue mountain bike and headed south on Ontario Street, police said.

The attacker was described by police as 5 feet 8, 180 pounds and wearing a dark sweatshirt.

Anyone with information on the incident was urged to call Burbank police at (818) 238-3210.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @atchek

Alene Tchekmedyian is a Times Community News staff writer.