A fighter of jiu-jitsu He used his martial arts techniques to thwart a robbery in a subway station in London, England. The Croatian champion Ivan Skoko29 years old, immobilized a thief on the ground of the terminal Borough until the police arrived.
The incident, which occurred around 7:30 in the afternoon on Tuesday, October 28, began when the man tried to grab a woman’s phone while the doors of the car were closing, according to Skoko in a video published on his Instagram profile.
“I saw that everyone turned around when she started screaming, and the guy kept walking across the platform,” said the London-based professional wrestler.
A jiu-jitsu fighter turned to his martial arts techniques to thwart a robbery at a London Underground station. Photo: Instagram/skokoi_.“The doors were closing, so as soon as I heard that, I opened the doors and grabbed the guy —she pointed at the guy—and I took him down with a foot sweep, and I just waited for the police to come and make the arrest,” he said.
While keeping the man immobilized, Ivan—who recently won the black belt title in the adult heavyweight categoryl IBJJF London Fall Open 2025— was heard warning him not to try to resist.
“Listen, I’m a black belt, so don’t moveOkay?» Skoko said to the incapacitated man. When the alleged thief claimed the situation was an «accident,» Ivan sarcastically responded, «Was it an accident?» You’re sure? You’re sure? Good».
Ivan Skoko, 29, pinned a robber to the floor of the Borough terminal until police arrived. Photo: Instagram/skokoi_.Thanks to your intervention, the woman did not lose her phone and was able to continue his journey. «Theft is a big problem nowadays. I see robberies every day and I am so angry because people are not taking any action,» Skoko said in dialogue with the British media. Daily Mail.
«I gave my details to the police. Let’s hope the guy is convicted. I’m looking forward to seeing the security camera video of what happened,» he added.
The surprising discovery of the British Transport Police after the arrest
When the British Transport Police (BTP) British Transport Police) arrived at the station, they discovered that the alleged phone thief had hidden a weapon.
“Later, while they were searching him, They found a hammer and probably two stolen phones”Ivan explained. The thief, who was wearing a black hooded jacket and gray sweatpants, had the metal hammer hidden.
A BTP spokesperson confirmed that officers were called to Borough tube station and that a man was arrested under suspicion of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and handling stolen goods. Investigations are ongoing.
When police searched the thief, they found a hammer hidden in his pants and two phones. Photo: Instagram/skokoi_.Skoko, who also trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu at Fight City Gym in Elephant and Castle, said he hopes his intervention will help police combat «all these thieves and organized crime.»
The fighter noted that these were «the usual tactics» he sees criminals use in that area of south London. «I reacted to help a vulnerable person, it was a woman in this situation. I would do it for anyone who needs help«he said in dialogue with Daily Mail.
Skoko said he dealt with «thugs before,» but this was the first time he stopped a thief. «I felt it was my duty to the community. «I knew what to do, everything was legal and I am also trained in first aid,» he said.
