Self defense with a sword article

[JusticeZero]

FAIRBANKS -- A Fairbanks woman nearly severed a man's hand with a sword early Saturday morning as he was trying to break into her bedroom, according to Fairbanks police.

Read more: http://www.adn.com/2011/02/14/1702523/police-woman-nearly-severs-intruders.html#ixzz1E4jV6y3r

Pretty unlikely incident, but I figured it might be of interest to some..

[Wolfman08]

I now have justification for owning a sword.

[bushido_man96]

Yeah, it can still happen. Right circumstances can pop up.

[joesteph]

I keep a sword designated for home defense, and it's just as sharp as this woman's sword. How many people think things like this only happen to "other people"? From the article, I could tell that she wasn't trying to kill him, she was defending herself. Kudos for her!

[The BB of C]

I've actually set up checkpoints in my apartment in case of a break in. I'm very happy for this woman. But now I'm curious to know exactly what type of sword it was.

[blade1116]

I have a katana, Retribution is her name. I think this woman did the right thing. Who is to say that the thug would not have tried to rape her or worse. Respect the katana, it is the protector of life.

[madtanker]

I employ other means to defend myself (more modern, and as effective). I do FIRMLY believe however in the art of self defense. Anyone TRULY in fear of their life should have the means to defend it.

After all, why are we interested in the martial arts in the first place (martial being derivitave of military, ie fighting)...

"It comes from Mars who was the God of war in the antic rome. Martial is the adjective referring to war." as quoted from

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_origin_of_the_word_martial#ixzz23kUOiGgK

The right to defend ones self from an attack is inherent and instinctive. Just because the methods of attack have gotten worse does not mean that the methods of defense should diminish. That logic (an eye for an eye is 'wrong') is how victims are made. When you tie one's hands behind their back, you halve their ability to defend their life... the one thing anyone TRULY owns here on this planet.