PHOTO: RDNE Stock project
A Real Estate Agent Turns Hero in Levin
A quiet Sunday open home in Levin turned dramatic when local real estate agent Stu Dunn — a trained kung fu instructor — disarmed a man holding a knife after the incident unfolded just metres from where he’d been packing away his real estate flags.
The New Zealand agent, who has over 20 years’ experience in Wing Chun kung fu, says his instincts kicked in the moment he learned someone nearby was in danger.
“I’m an avid believer that the bystander effect is a real problem in our culture. People see trouble and don’t do anything — that just annoys the crap out of me,” Dunn told Stuff.
“My conscience wouldn’t let me walk away.”https://www.propertynoise.co.nz/sponsored-unlock-the-power-of-the-new-zealand-real-estate-agents-database-over-17000-agents-agencies/
“I Entered a Zen State — No Fear, Just Focus”
The situation unfolded on Kings Dr, Levin, around midday. Dunn was alerted by a passing motorist who said a man armed with a knife was confronting a woman nearby.
When Dunn arrived, he saw the young man clutching a knife behind his back, blocking the woman from leaving. The man’s hand was bleeding.
“I wasn’t leaving until the knife was dealt with,” Dunn said.
The woman shoved the man, throwing him off balance — and that’s when Dunn’s martial arts training took over.
“Everything went quiet. I found myself weirdly calm,” he recalled. “It’s what martial artists call Mushin — the Zen state of ‘no mind’. You act without hesitation.”
The man with the knife, moments before he was disarmed. Stu Dunn
Kung Fu Meets Real Estate
Far from a typical day on the property beat, Dunn’s intervention drew on two decades of Wing Chun practice. While Stuff described him as a “kung fu master,” Dunn humbly clarified he is a “sifu” — a teacher, not a master.
Seizing his moment, he pushed the attacker off balance, grabbed the knife, and neutralised the threat — all within seconds.
The young man retreated, and Dunn handed the weapon to a bystander before calling police.
“It wasn’t about being brave,” Dunn said. “It was about doing what needed to be done.”
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Police Urge Caution — But Praise the Intent
Police later confirmed they attended the altercation, acknowledging Dunn’s quick actions while reminding the public that safety should always come first.
“We appreciate the member of the public meant well,” a spokesperson said, “but we urge people to call 111 rather than intervene when there’s a risk to personal safety.”
No serious injuries were reported, and both parties were spoken to.
The Mindset Behind the Move
Dunn isn’t just a real estate agent and martial artist — he’s also a behavioural science author. Years of studying human behaviour, he says, helped him anticipate how the incident might unfold.
“I’d written about this stuff years ago,” he said. “It’s funny — I felt like I already had plans A through D ready in my mind.”
Training for Courage
Though he cautioned others not to imitate his actions, Dunn said martial arts training can give anyone a sense of confidence and control in crisis situations.
“You learn first how to defend yourself — then how to defend others,” he said.
“The worst thing in the world is that feeling of helplessness.”
From Open Homes to Open Hearts
Known locally as both a trusted Kāpiti Coast real estate agent and a kung fu teacher, Dunn’s calm courage has inspired many in the community.
His story quickly went viral across New Zealand’s real estate and social media circles, sparking conversations about courage, mindfulness, and the power of staying calm under pressure.
The Takeaway for Real Estate Professionals
For real estate agents — who often work alone at open homes — Dunn’s experience is a reminder of how unpredictable the job can be.
“Awareness and training are key,” said one industry colleague. “You can’t plan for everything, but you can prepare your mindset.”
Whether it’s negotiating with buyers or facing danger head-on, Dunn’s story proves that calm focus — and a little bit of kung fu — can go a long way.
SOURCE: STUFF