Martial arts champ who restrained alleged thief on practice says it was ‘pure response’
EXCLUSIVE: Ivan Skoko, 29, was on his way to teach martial arts when he saw a man allegedly trying to steal a woman’s phone on the London Underground. He’s told the Daily Star about it
Jiu-jitsu black belt detains attempted pickpocket on London tube
A black belt jiu-jitsu champion who who went viral after being filmed tackling and restraining an alleged pick pocket says he didn’t feel scared. Ivan Skoko, 29, said it was a “natural reaction” when he saw the scene unfold in front of him last month.
Footage of Ivan, an immigrant from Croatia, showcased the moment he sprang into action on the London Underground. He intervened after witnessing the suspect allegedly trying to snatch a woman’s device while travelling in the Elephant and Castle area in south London, where he teaches martial arts.
A viral video showed the undefeated athlete grappling the alleged thief to the floor by his hoodie and securing him in an arm lock within moments. Ivan could then be seen holding him on the tube platform at Borough Station in south London until police officers arrived on scene.
He said: “I actually moved towards the wall, so that we could stay safe on the platform and avoid falling into the rails.”
Ivan stunned the internet after he pinned down the hooded suspect before officers discovered a rusty claw hammer tucked in his waistband alongside two smartphones.
Speaking with the Daily Star, Ivan recalled the incident: “I boarded a train in Elephant and Castle after I finished [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)] training at Fight City Gym – Elephant Park heading down to Hackney in Undisputed FMA for another BJJ class, and I heard a very loud scream at Borough station which was the second stop from Elephant and Castle.
“I immediately jumped off the seat thinking someone was hit by the train or stabbed, so I asked very loudly: ‘what happened’, and a woman said there is a guy who tried to steal her phone on the platform.
“I opened the doors and grabbed a guy and took him down with a foot sweep technique followed by passing to mount position, so I could hold him and call the police. He tried to reach out the pocket, which made me think that he had a blade on him.
“So I gave him a very clear warning to not escalate situation because he will get hurt. Police arrived 25 minutes after and they found two phones and a rusty hammer in his trousers.”
Ivan didn’t feel scared to get involved in the potentially dangerous situation, saying: “It was a natural reaction to defend women, children, and elderly people as a professional fighter.”
He added: “I wasn’t scared to get stabbed because I knew there is only one outcome if we get into physical conflict.
“I was controlling the situation physically and verbally at all time without using any unncessesary use of force. If I have 10 of my friends around me, the whole neighbourhood is safe wherever we go, we will keep arresting these gentlemen if they keep doing things like this.”
The athlete added: “[Training in combat sports] should be an obligation for every grown man to be skilful in close combat (BJJ, judo, boxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling) so we can be better in tackling criminals and performing citizens arrest more often.”
Ivan advised beginners to follow his social media and get his “three month fundamental strength for combat sports” programme to safely build skills and join a local martial arts gym without risking injury.
The suspect, in his 20s, was arrested at the station, the Daily Star previously reported. A British Transport Police spokesperson stated: “Officers were called to Borough Underground station at around 7.30pm on 28 October following reports of an attempted theft.
“Officers attended and a man was arrested on suspicion of theft, possession of an offensive weapon, and handling stolen goods. Inquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police.”
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