SAN ANTONIO -- He trained kids in self-defense for years. Now, a local martial arts instructor, accused of sexually assaulting a student, is defending himself in court.
In April 2010, officers arrested 45-year-old Phetsamone Phongsavane after allegations surfaced that he had been assaulting one of his students from the time she was 8 years old until she was 12.
Her father said the girl never said a word about the alleged incidents because she was afraid. He said that changed in 2008 when a 4-year-old member of the victim's family started taking classes at Phongsavne's martial arts studio, ShadowFist and Mauy Thai Academy on Hillcrest. At that time, the alleged victim was 16 years old. Her father said the teen broke her silence to protect the child.
Phongsavane has been teaching children for years, training hundreds of adults and children in mixed martial arts. It took two years for authorities to indict him on charges of aggravated sexual assault.
Wednesday morning jury selection began for the trial, but actual testimony is not expected to begin until Thursday.
