[sergey1973]

This is really a horrible and traumatic event for Russian Community in Illinois--double murder of Arkadiy Stepankovskiy and Roman A Drobetskiy. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about Drobetskiy. However, Stepankovskiy was a well-known and very respected Russian martial-arts teacher not just in the Russian/Russian-Speaking community but throughout the North America martial arts circles. He held a number of self-defense seminars and workshops for Police and general public.

His Russian Martial Arts school website is http://www.system-chicago.com

Here is another article about him last year.

http://www.martialtalk.com/magazine/subs/mar2004.pdf

Currently I don't want to delve into any speculation about who might be behind this terrible crime. I'm sure that some of the forum participants may immideately suggest "Russian Mafia" or whatever else. However, I prefer to avoid any speculation and see how official investigation unfolds. I'll try to keep you informed about any developments. According to the latest reports, it was not shooting as reported in the article, but a multiple stab wounds. Let's pray and hope that investigation will lead to the proper suspects and soon.

[theDentist]

And again the lesson is taught, no matter how much M.A. you know, you can't fight bullets.

[Khepera]

This is ridiculous they don't allow people to have guns in Chicago. This story must be false.

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

That's why you don't bring nunchucks to a gunfight.

[snarks_when_bored]

According to the latest reports, it was not shooting as reported in the article, but a multiple stab wounds.

The expression 'hands of steel' is just hyperbole, but knives of steel are the real thing. I hope the martial arts teacher didn't make the mistake of over-estimating his ability to protect himself, as did that kick-boxing instructor from San Franscisco last year.