Learn from the mistakes of the dead

[Pahtoocara]

The filipino martial arts are supposed to be based in realism. I think it important for anyone who studies the blade oriented martial arts to have at least studied some real life accounts of the knife.

How about a discussion on real life incidents where people have been assaulted with an edged weapon? Whether they became a victim or a victor it would be interesting to compile a list of stories.

A small summary of the incident with web links (news web pages, court document scans, etc) or a way to get more information about the account would be great. First person accounts without supported documentation are "OK" but not necessarily as useful.

I think by increasing awareness of how blade assaults happen it can strengthen the realistic application of FMA. IF this works out I have a few I can post.

 

[Pahtoocara]

Here is one example that hopefully will give an example to start things off:

Dec 25-26, 2001
Summary: Ohio. A death penalty case. This is a case where the suspect, with a history of drug and mental issues, chose victims weaker than himself. He would prey on the elderly, robbing them, and then killing them with knife. The knife used in the second incident, a double homicide, was a kitchen knife from the victims house. These were cases where the victims had little ability to defend themselves and were probably ambushed.

An account of this story can be found at:
http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/Communications_Office/oral_arguments/05/1108/1108.asp

Official court documents can be found at:
http://www.clerk.co.montgomery.oh.us/pro/

Application: Obviously, in the above case the victims had little ability to defend against these attacks. But it gives you insight into the criminal use of the knife. In this case a drug addicted individual using it as a means to rob and kill. He specifically chose individuals who had little means to resist or fight back. The weapon of choice was a kitchen knife taken from the victims own kitchen (as stated in the link).

 

[ketsugoj]

This is an interesting point, and I agree that looking at the past can be a great exercse.

I would caution that most news reports, and many criminal justice documents are very sensationalized.

For example, in some jurisdictions coroners will report every single scratch on the human body as a "stab wound". You'll here about a criminal stabbing a victim 15 times and get a picture of a raving lunatic standing over a body stabbing again and again. This may or may not be the case.

Remember that police, prosecutors, and defense all use PR to push their agendas,

 

[Pahtoocara]

This is an interesting point, and I agree that looking at the past can be a great exercse.

I would caution that most news reports, and many criminal justice documents are very sensationalized.

For example, in some jurisdictions coroners will report every single scratch on the human body as a "stab wound". You'll here about a criminal stabbing a victim 15 times and get a picture of a raving lunatic standing over a body stabbing again and again. This may or may not be the case.

Remember that police, prosecutors, and defense all use PR to push their agendas,

You are right, many new reports are sensationalized. I would however, say that this story is not.

I think it would be great if anyone else could post a new clip or story that caught your eye and give an analysis about it. I have several stories which I have researched and kept over the past few years....but don't want to have a conversation all by myself....

 

[tyr_shadowblade]

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[Pahtoocara]

You need to get a copy of The Logic of Steel by James LaFond.

Its a good book. I've read it twice.

I do like to get a multi-faceted approach to this type of information whenever possible. Participants, eyewitnesses, and police investigations can shed light on interesting things.