Before I say anything, watch this clip first but perhaps not at work or with kids around; it’s pretty brutal near the end. There are several clips of this event on the Internet but this one seems unedited.
Here’s what the press made of it a few days ago:
I saw first this video back in April when Mr. Blythe apparently put it on YouTube before retracting it quickly. From what I’ve found, he wrote as follows in the description section:
This dummy was in my shopping center while I was on a Bodyguard Job in Washington, DC. This guy was in the Pizza Hut eating pizza off the plates of others and the Pizza Hut Manager ran him out with a pistol. Later the very same day, police officers were called to remove him from a nearby pharmacy after having been caught reaching into customer’s purses. A short time after that, he visited a Napa Auto Parts store next to my Karate Dojo and told the management he planned on teaching in that Dojo and that Jesus taught him.
The Napa guys told him he was confused (their polite way of warning the man against such action), but not wanting to miss a show, they told the man they would close early just to watch and that he must not know the owner, which is nobody to play with.. Needless to say, the police pulled him out of the dumpster behind my Karate Dojo where he was neatly placed. Semper Fi to all my Marine brothers. The karate student in the white is also a Marine Sgt. and a brand new Black Belt. Never get stupid with a Marine, you could get jacked up and have your clock stopped.
I first heard of this via a mailing list I’m on and we discussed it at length there. As the clip then disappeared from YouTube, I forgot about it, until now. There are a couple of things I’d like to offer right up front as perspective :
- I wasn’t there and most probably, neither were you. So everything we know is second-hand information.
- Aside of the comment from Mr. Blythe I posted above, we don’t know much background information. That is, if we choose to accept his words as truth…
- A lot of what I’ve read on the Internet is in the vein of “I know a guy…” or “somebody who was there told me…” That’s third-hand information which could be right on the mark or way off base. Who knows?
- Video footage can be extremely deceiving. It paints a certain picture that isn’t necessarily what really happened. Again, we don’t know the context here.
That said, here’s what I saw:
- A seemingly deranged guy (Jesus is his master, etc.) is invited as a guest instructor by Mr. Blythe at his dojo.
- The guy shows no aggression towards the black belt. He states clearly he won’t touch him and doesn’t want to hurt him.
- He asks the black belt to stand straight and the black belt advances to attack him with a kick.
- The fight is on, goes on for a while, the guy acknowledges defeat and tries to surrender.
- The black belt keeps going and stomps the guy pretty bad.
- The guy is out and gets dragged outside right before the video gets cut.
- We get some commentary by Mr. Blythe and are treated to some more shots of blood.
Without a doubt, this is some disturbing footage. Even without knowing the context, the black belt is pushing things too far with the stomping: the last two licks he got in could have been killing shots. The way I understand the US legal system, and I’m no lawyer so take it for what it’s worth, there’s no way he can claim self defense here. I also don’t see any mitigating circumstances as the black belt attacked first.
Another aspect is how nobody seems to interfere at any point during the fight. There’s only some reaction when the stomping starts and even then. We can only speculate on why that is but I’d venture a guess and say that Mr. Blythe’s authority as head of the dojo prevented it, along with group dynamics at work.
But the really twisted part is how Mr. Blythe seems to have set it all up:
- He announces the guy as a guest instructor.
- He insists he work with the black belt.
- He doesn’t do anything when his black belt attacks without provocation.
- He doesn’t do anything to stop the fight.
I’ve invited numerous guest instructors to my school. If any of my students were to attack them like that, I’d land on them like a ton of bricks. So this all doesn’t add up and smells like a set up to me. The black belt seems to have carte blanche from his teacher to teach the guy a serious lesson. If that’s what happened, it’s pretty sick, twisted and disgraceful for a teacher.
But what if Mr. Blythe’s commentary is true? What if the guy was a bit of a loony tunes who harassed and tried to rob people? And more importantly, what if he had been claiming to teach at his school? Would Mr. Blythe have been justified to set him up like this? Did the guy need to be stomped that bad?
I don’t think so. There are other ways to handle the problem. But that doesn’t mean I don’t understand the dynamic at play. I touched upon this already in “How to visit another martial arts school or gym” so you might want to read that first.
The sad fact is that if you teach martial arts, you’ll have assholes come to your class. They can be subtle about it or in your face but the intent will be clear. Some people just want to test you and get away with it, others want to hurt you (and still get away with it). In my experience, very few people are willing to pay with their blood to mess with you in your own school. But they do exist. When a guy like that walks into your class, you have no way to know how far it’ll go. Will he leave if you smack him down when he challenges you or will that only escalate things? You can’t be sure either way. The only thing you do know is the guy is there to cause trouble.
If you teach professionally, you have a lot to lose if the guy beats you. Your school might lose a bunch of students because of it, especially when word gets out, or even go bankrupt. That would mean decreased or even no income for you and your family. As much as I feel you don’t have to beat a hostile visitor to a bloody pulp, I also feel he doesn’t have a right to take away your livelihood. Because that’s what could end up happening. Not would, could. But you won’t know which one it’ll be until the dust settles. So instructors tend to play for keeps when they get challenged in their own house.
Now I’m by no means defending Mr. Blythe’s actions, not at all. He should have handled the situation differently. But as is often the case, things aren’t black and white. We’ll probably never know the full context so all of this is pure speculation. But it just goes to show how things can end up pretty bad if you let them get out of hand. And then come back to haunt you over twenty years later…
Some clarification, another video and more thoughts in part 2.
UPDATE : Check out this webpage. They’re trying to get some justice in this case. I like this initiative a lot.
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Adam F. Burroughs says
Disturbing and sad. If it wasn’t so clearly real, I would have thought it was a bad outtake from the Karate Kid Cobra Kai Dojo scene. I am a state prosecutor and a black belt. As a prosecutor I would have charged the guy in the white gi as well as the “instructor” who arranged this ambush criminally. As a black belt and 30-year martial arts student I’m embarrassed for and ashamed of everyone involved with this.
A
Wim says
It is sad Adam. Extremely so. And it puts us, martial artists, in a bad light. One we’ve been trying to get away from for decades.
I hope the authorities can get some justice done on this case.
Adam F. Burroughs says
Disturbing and sad. If it wasn’t so clearly real, I would have thought it was a bad outtake from the Karate Kid Cobra Kai Dojo scene. I am a state prosecutor and a black belt. As a prosecutor I would have charged the guy in the white gi as well as the “instructor” who arranged this ambush criminally. As a black belt and 30-year martial arts student I’m embarrassed for and ashamed of everyone involved with this.
A
Wim says
It is sad Adam. Extremely so. And it puts us, martial artists, in a bad light. One we’ve been trying to get away from for decades.
I hope the authorities can get some justice done on this case.
Narda Wakoluk says
From the reaction on various forum sites, I think almost every person with some martial arts experience has sized up the situation exactly as you present. If in doubt, another recent video of Mr. Blythe, and the dojo culture he fostered:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRVBi4w-8kY
Wim says
I saw that video too. The speech was a bit… Well, to each his own I guess. Not really something I’d tell my students, to put it with an understatement.
Narda Wakoluk says
From the reaction on various forum sites, I think almost every person with some martial arts experience has sized up the situation exactly as you present. If in doubt, another recent video of Mr. Blythe, and the dojo culture he fostered:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRVBi4w-8kY
Wim says
I saw that video too. The speech was a bit… Well, to each his own I guess. Not really something I’d tell my students, to put it with an understatement.
Bert Bruijnen says
First of all, this karate/kung fu red belt -promoted by Jezus is probably mentally ill, or socially a bit behind.
He was not a good karate guy but he meant no harm, I am pretty sure about that.
About this black belt (in the white suit),
he should give his black belt back, he is really not worth it and I can see that he is not that good anyway. He almost killed that guy. And for what? For being a bit stupid and retarded, that’s all.
He has no control over his emotions and I think he is a disgrace to any Marine Corps in the world, so he should have been expulsed dishonorably.
Almost kicking someone to death who clearly is an amateur and who is clearly no match is not very honorable. No Semper Fi, for that Marine.
As a Marine Sgt. he should be an example, not a bully.
About the owner of the Dojo, I would not call him Sensei,
He is a downright vicious asshole. He is clearly setting the poor dude up and he is clearly playing a game, he is also making a fool out of the poor dude.
This Dojo owner should have been forbidden to ever teach again.
How would I have handled this?
I would have let the poor dude do his thing, praise him and give him applause.
Then I would have asked him to join training and after training I would have offered him a drink.
My students would have been allowed to lightly touch him when sparring, and simply leave him a whole.
I would, after training, shake his hand and wish him the best.
And if he wishes, he may join class.
Bert Bruijnen
Wim says
I know what you mean Bert. Again, we don’t know the full context so it’s easy to jump to conclusions but it sure looks pretty bad. A little bit of compassion wouldn’t have hurt them.
Bert Bruijnen says
First of all, this karate/kung fu red belt -promoted by Jezus is probably mentally ill, or socially a bit behind.
He was not a good karate guy but he meant no harm, I am pretty sure about that.
About this black belt (in the white suit),
he should give his black belt back, he is really not worth it and I can see that he is not that good anyway. He almost killed that guy. And for what? For being a bit stupid and retarded, that’s all.
He has no control over his emotions and I think he is a disgrace to any Marine Corps in the world, so he should have been expulsed dishonorably.
Almost kicking someone to death who clearly is an amateur and who is clearly no match is not very honorable. No Semper Fi, for that Marine.
As a Marine Sgt. he should be an example, not a bully.
About the owner of the Dojo, I would not call him Sensei,
He is a downright vicious asshole. He is clearly setting the poor dude up and he is clearly playing a game, he is also making a fool out of the poor dude.
This Dojo owner should have been forbidden to ever teach again.
How would I have handled this?
I would have let the poor dude do his thing, praise him and give him applause.
Then I would have asked him to join training and after training I would have offered him a drink.
My students would have been allowed to lightly touch him when sparring, and simply leave him a whole.
I would, after training, shake his hand and wish him the best.
And if he wishes, he may join class.
Bert Bruijnen
Wim says
I know what you mean Bert. Again, we don’t know the full context so it’s easy to jump to conclusions but it sure looks pretty bad. A little bit of compassion wouldn’t have hurt them.
John W. Zimmer says
Wow… as I was watching the first video I was thinking – this guy posted his confession on youtube?
No matter how much of an idiot a guy is – one cannot attack him in mutual combat unless he agrees to it and asuming that was the case – one has an ethical, moral, and legal duty to stop when the other guy cannot or is not defending himself.
When I used to own a studio – I have my share of master’s walk in off of the street but before engaging them – I had them sign a freestyle waver and insured that my guys stopped – otherwise we could not in good faith tell people that we were teaching self-defense!
This was very disturbing to see a guys head get stompped.
Wim says
You’re right John. The only thing I can think of is that he was safe because it was so long ago. But even then, it doesn’t really make much sense to let the world see something like that.
John W. Zimmer says
Wow… as I was watching the first video I was thinking – this guy posted his confession on youtube?
No matter how much of an idiot a guy is – one cannot attack him in mutual combat unless he agrees to it and asuming that was the case – one has an ethical, moral, and legal duty to stop when the other guy cannot or is not defending himself.
When I used to own a studio – I have my share of master’s walk in off of the street but before engaging them – I had them sign a freestyle waver and insured that my guys stopped – otherwise we could not in good faith tell people that we were teaching self-defense!
This was very disturbing to see a guys head get stompped.
Wim says
You’re right John. The only thing I can think of is that he was safe because it was so long ago. But even then, it doesn’t really make much sense to let the world see something like that.
Stteve Holley says
I started Karate in 1968. The strict moral and ethical code that was instilled in me by my first Sensei would not have allowed me to stand idly by while this travesty took place let alone actively participate in it. I found it disgusting and the exact opposite of the princicples of the martial arts as I understand them.
Legally speaking, at the point in time that the EDP (Emotionally Distubed Person) asked for quarter and declined to further participate in this “demonstration”, the black belt should have ceased his aggressive actions. Everything beyond that was a battery. The stomps to his head when he was semi-concious or unconcious on the floor were aggravated battery, a felony. I’ve been a cop for 3 decades and if this were my case, the black belt would be arrested and the owner of the studio would be charged with whatever statute I could come up with under the legal rubric of negligence. After that, I think that the homeless guy could retain an attorney and sue the crap out of both of them. There’s no excuse for this kind of behavior. None.
Wim says
@Steve. Thanks for sharing your professional take on this case. I figured along the same lines but don’t know the US legal system enough to write about it.
I hope Mr. Blythe gets what’s coming to him. He could have handled this situation any number of ways but chose a pretty harsh way to go about it. What goes around…
Stteve Holley says
I started Karate in 1968. The strict moral and ethical code that was instilled in me by my first Sensei would not have allowed me to stand idly by while this travesty took place let alone actively participate in it. I found it disgusting and the exact opposite of the princicples of the martial arts as I understand them.
Legally speaking, at the point in time that the EDP (Emotionally Distubed Person) asked for quarter and declined to further participate in this “demonstration”, the black belt should have ceased his aggressive actions. Everything beyond that was a battery. The stomps to his head when he was semi-concious or unconcious on the floor were aggravated battery, a felony. I’ve been a cop for 3 decades and if this were my case, the black belt would be arrested and the owner of the studio would be charged with whatever statute I could come up with under the legal rubric of negligence. After that, I think that the homeless guy could retain an attorney and sue the crap out of both of them. There’s no excuse for this kind of behavior. None.
Wim says
@Steve. Thanks for sharing your professional take on this case. I figured along the same lines but don’t know the US legal system enough to write about it.
I hope Mr. Blythe gets what’s coming to him. He could have handled this situation any number of ways but chose a pretty harsh way to go about it. What goes around…
Loren Christensen says
I agree with all the comments as to the senseless brutality of this incident.
One other thing that struck me was the lack of skill of the obese black belt and the quick deterioration of what he did have. This man was a clear representation of the sensei’s teaching: poor physical conditioning, poor physical skill, bad choices in technique, no internal constraints and no control of whatever internal rage he had going on that caused him to lose it.
The ‘black belt’s deterioration of what limited skill he did possess is a clear example of what happens when a situation fills you with adrenaline, rage, spikes your heartbeat, and drains blood from your small extremities. What’s left is a guy whose rational thinking is gone and his physical skill is that of stumbling polar bear.
Loren Christensen says
I agree with all the comments as to the senseless brutality of this incident.
One other thing that struck me was the lack of skill of the obese black belt and the quick deterioration of what he did have. This man was a clear representation of the sensei’s teaching: poor physical conditioning, poor physical skill, bad choices in technique, no internal constraints and no control of whatever internal rage he had going on that caused him to lose it.
The ‘black belt’s deterioration of what limited skill he did possess is a clear example of what happens when a situation fills you with adrenaline, rage, spikes your heartbeat, and drains blood from your small extremities. What’s left is a guy whose rational thinking is gone and his physical skill is that of stumbling polar bear.
Shawn says
Just a couple of thoughts;
1. As to the validity of this tape, I saw nothing at all which would make me think that this wasn’t real. So NO, this was not a gag of any kind!
2. If anyone comes up and righteously claims that Jesus Christ promoted them to anything, that is an obvious sign that something is wrong with that person. YES, I believe in Jesus Christ, and NO I don’t believe that he would have anything to do with something as trivial as promoting someone to 10th degree red belt. Heck, I didn’t even know that Jesus was a master of the martial arts. (Sarcasm there people!)
3. 1984? Didn’t we have phones back then? I mean maybe they were the rotary dial phones still, but wouldn’t it have been easier to call the police and have them take care of the problem?
4. This guy wasn’t an actual threat to anyone or the dojo. He appears to simply be living in fantasy land and wanted some (probably much needed) attention. Although it was obviously the wrong way to go about it, but hey, the guy is mentally impaired.
5. Now if this guy had seriously walked into this dojo and seriously challenged the instructor, that would have been a totally different story. Although having said that, honor and integrity would have dictated that you solve the problem with as little force as necessary to handle the situation. Unjustified killing is simply MURDER. And there is a HUGE difference between killing and murder.
6. Even in 1984, what IDIOT videotapes this in the first place? Which leads to my final thought…
7. What IDIOT now posts this on the internet 25 years later?
I currently run a Krav Maga school, which by most accounts is far more brutal than any of your McDojo’s which are shamefully so prevalent nowdays, and even some of the more traditional martial arts schools. However, we have a strict policy that is taught when it comes to fighting. WE NEVER FIGHT! However, if we are attacked, we will do whatever is necessary to defend ourselves. Here is the preferred method of response that I teach my students in the order in which they should occur.
1. Avoid a confrontation whenever possible: If you aren’t involved in a violent confrontation, you can’t be hurt and neither can you hurt someone else.
2. RUN! (Self-Explanatory and for the same reason stated above)
3. Diplomacy. If the person is communicating with you, you may have the opportunity to talk your way out of a violent confrontation.
4. Engage in order to disengage. Do that what is necessary in order to facilitate #2 above. NO, not going #2. Little humor thrown in there.
5. Engage and Neutralize. When left with no other options, engage the attacker and neutralize him according to the situation.
Just my two-cents worth!
Wim says
Thanks for stopping by Shawn. I agree with your points here. There’s just so much wrong in what happened and there are tons of better ways to handle it.
Shawn says
Just a couple of thoughts;
1. As to the validity of this tape, I saw nothing at all which would make me think that this wasn’t real. So NO, this was not a gag of any kind!
2. If anyone comes up and righteously claims that Jesus Christ promoted them to anything, that is an obvious sign that something is wrong with that person. YES, I believe in Jesus Christ, and NO I don’t believe that he would have anything to do with something as trivial as promoting someone to 10th degree red belt. Heck, I didn’t even know that Jesus was a master of the martial arts. (Sarcasm there people!)
3. 1984? Didn’t we have phones back then? I mean maybe they were the rotary dial phones still, but wouldn’t it have been easier to call the police and have them take care of the problem?
4. This guy wasn’t an actual threat to anyone or the dojo. He appears to simply be living in fantasy land and wanted some (probably much needed) attention. Although it was obviously the wrong way to go about it, but hey, the guy is mentally impaired.
5. Now if this guy had seriously walked into this dojo and seriously challenged the instructor, that would have been a totally different story. Although having said that, honor and integrity would have dictated that you solve the problem with as little force as necessary to handle the situation. Unjustified killing is simply MURDER. And there is a HUGE difference between killing and murder.
6. Even in 1984, what IDIOT videotapes this in the first place? Which leads to my final thought…
7. What IDIOT now posts this on the internet 25 years later?
I currently run a Krav Maga school, which by most accounts is far more brutal than any of your McDojo’s which are shamefully so prevalent nowdays, and even some of the more traditional martial arts schools. However, we have a strict policy that is taught when it comes to fighting. WE NEVER FIGHT! However, if we are attacked, we will do whatever is necessary to defend ourselves. Here is the preferred method of response that I teach my students in the order in which they should occur.
1. Avoid a confrontation whenever possible: If you aren’t involved in a violent confrontation, you can’t be hurt and neither can you hurt someone else.
2. RUN! (Self-Explanatory and for the same reason stated above)
3. Diplomacy. If the person is communicating with you, you may have the opportunity to talk your way out of a violent confrontation.
4. Engage in order to disengage. Do that what is necessary in order to facilitate #2 above. NO, not going #2. Little humor thrown in there.
5. Engage and Neutralize. When left with no other options, engage the attacker and neutralize him according to the situation.
Just my two-cents worth!
Wim says
Thanks for stopping by Shawn. I agree with your points here. There’s just so much wrong in what happened and there are tons of better ways to handle it.
Clint O says
This is bad all the way round, there is no redeeming quality found in either of these me.
But on a lighter note heres one for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LRIypcaIX4
Youll like it Wim
Wim says
Wow! Clint! That’s one’s incredible! I didn’t even know it existed. Gotta see it, thanks!
Clint O says
This is bad all the way round, there is no redeeming quality found in either of these me.
But on a lighter note heres one for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LRIypcaIX4
Youll like it Wim
Wim says
Wow! Clint! That’s one’s incredible! I didn’t even know it existed. Gotta see it, thanks!
Max says
For you to say because he talks about how he believes Jesus is who promoted him to black belt makes him mentally deranged shows your own athiest antichrist mental derangement.
All he is referring to is the knoledge he has learned in his fighting training he is giving glory to Jesus for it just as most Christian fighters do when you hear them interviewed, he is not literally talking about some belt that was handed down from on high. It is called metaphor, and your own brain is obviously too disturbed to know what that means. Typical Athiest Marxist antichrist propaganda attempt – try to make those who publically give glory to Jesus as being people who have mental disorders.
The guy is not at all acting mentally degranged, the satanic cult dojo leader and his attack dog black belt are the only ones in that room who were mentally disturbed. Did you hear how the dojo leader was talking, he sounded like Jim Jones literally, like he knew all this was setup to kill this guy and he knew what was about to happen and he felt no shame or remorse or soul for him.
From the Jesus guy’s technique he is clearly a very good fighter and he was clearly holding back on the black belt. He clearly says he does not want to fight and I think because he was put in such a shock by the attack dog blackbelt by being attacked by him, he was not ready to be attacked as that was clearly not his intention for coming into that dojo, and he ended up kind of giving into the guy after he pushed him into the crowd thinking the dog would stop finally, then he got suckered and ended up on the ground not knowing he was going to get death blows which clearly put him out.
Since we do not have the whole tape nor can we interview the victim do we know why he came there, to me he had no aggressive tone or posture and most likely was there to do some demos and give a testimony giving glory to Jesus and that is that.
Also remember this is like 1984, way before UFC and all that.
I hope the guy is ok and that he has no brain damage after that stomping and knees to the back of the head.
The dojo leader and the attack dog should go down for attempted murder, or murder if the guy’s body was already found and no leads are known until this video.
Wim says
Max,
Thank you for your opinion. You’re entitled to it, as I am to mine.
Please consider that you’re in my house on this blog. If you insist on insulting me, you’ll be banned, IP blocked and more.
Wim
Update: Banned for calling me a Marxist. Lol!
Max says
For you to say because he talks about how he believes Jesus is who promoted him to black belt makes him mentally deranged shows your own athiest antichrist mental derangement.
All he is referring to is the knoledge he has learned in his fighting training he is giving glory to Jesus for it just as most Christian fighters do when you hear them interviewed, he is not literally talking about some belt that was handed down from on high. It is called metaphor, and your own brain is obviously too disturbed to know what that means. Typical Athiest Marxist antichrist propaganda attempt – try to make those who publically give glory to Jesus as being people who have mental disorders.
The guy is not at all acting mentally degranged, the satanic cult dojo leader and his attack dog black belt are the only ones in that room who were mentally disturbed. Did you hear how the dojo leader was talking, he sounded like Jim Jones literally, like he knew all this was setup to kill this guy and he knew what was about to happen and he felt no shame or remorse or soul for him.
From the Jesus guy’s technique he is clearly a very good fighter and he was clearly holding back on the black belt. He clearly says he does not want to fight and I think because he was put in such a shock by the attack dog blackbelt by being attacked by him, he was not ready to be attacked as that was clearly not his intention for coming into that dojo, and he ended up kind of giving into the guy after he pushed him into the crowd thinking the dog would stop finally, then he got suckered and ended up on the ground not knowing he was going to get death blows which clearly put him out.
Since we do not have the whole tape nor can we interview the victim do we know why he came there, to me he had no aggressive tone or posture and most likely was there to do some demos and give a testimony giving glory to Jesus and that is that.
Also remember this is like 1984, way before UFC and all that.
I hope the guy is ok and that he has no brain damage after that stomping and knees to the back of the head.
The dojo leader and the attack dog should go down for attempted murder, or murder if the guy’s body was already found and no leads are known until this video.
Wim says
Max,
Thank you for your opinion. You’re entitled to it, as I am to mine.
Please consider that you’re in my house on this blog. If you insist on insulting me, you’ll be banned, IP blocked and more.
Wim
Update: Banned for calling me a Marxist. Lol!
Max says
The dojo cult leader is REPEATEDLY sarcastically mocking him about Jesus and trying to put words in the guys mouth about being a master, etc. and the victim was just responding on the spot in the best way he could come up with on the spot as he clearly did not expect to be mocked and insulted in such a way.
He clearly says when pushed “the tiger is a SYMBOL of Jesus Christ”…”I won’t brag or anything…” etc. in his calm respectful responses. He even is seen to have bowed to the dojo leader when the video started showing further proof his intent was rational and respectful and not of any type of criminal intent. Watch the video over a few more times and make notes of how everything was stated and the stance and subtle mocking points coming from the sarcasm of the dojo cult leader.
I am convinced the cult leader and his attack dog knew exactly what they were going to do. It was premeditated and the victim was clearly caught off guard.
Max says
The dojo cult leader is REPEATEDLY sarcastically mocking him about Jesus and trying to put words in the guys mouth about being a master, etc. and the victim was just responding on the spot in the best way he could come up with on the spot as he clearly did not expect to be mocked and insulted in such a way.
He clearly says when pushed “the tiger is a SYMBOL of Jesus Christ”…”I won’t brag or anything…” etc. in his calm respectful responses. He even is seen to have bowed to the dojo leader when the video started showing further proof his intent was rational and respectful and not of any type of criminal intent. Watch the video over a few more times and make notes of how everything was stated and the stance and subtle mocking points coming from the sarcasm of the dojo cult leader.
I am convinced the cult leader and his attack dog knew exactly what they were going to do. It was premeditated and the victim was clearly caught off guard.
Steve Holley says
You know, Wim, if he’s gonna call you an atheist he should at least spell it correctly. I’m not really sure how one becomes “degranged” (maybe by the removal of farmland?). I originally watched this video on one of the computers at the PD with no audio (cheap bastards) and didn’t realize that it took place in 1984. That makes prosecution a little more difficult – but not impossible. Loren’s right to point out how badly the blackbelt fought. Every time I see somethng like that I want to ask the person involved “uh, you’re SURE you have a black belt?”. Lastly, the breathing of the victim as they dragged him out looked like agonal respiration. A little too fast at the time of the video but, then, he’d been freshly injured. Agonal breathing is one of the things you see a lot at traffic homicide scenes when people are in the act of dying. The last time I saw it was in July at a traffic crash with a fatality. After viewing the video with sound, I’d be surprised if the victim made it.
Wim says
Yup, they removed my farmland allright! :-)
Steve Holley says
You know, Wim, if he’s gonna call you an atheist he should at least spell it correctly. I’m not really sure how one becomes “degranged” (maybe by the removal of farmland?). I originally watched this video on one of the computers at the PD with no audio (cheap bastards) and didn’t realize that it took place in 1984. That makes prosecution a little more difficult – but not impossible. Loren’s right to point out how badly the blackbelt fought. Every time I see somethng like that I want to ask the person involved “uh, you’re SURE you have a black belt?”. Lastly, the breathing of the victim as they dragged him out looked like agonal respiration. A little too fast at the time of the video but, then, he’d been freshly injured. Agonal breathing is one of the things you see a lot at traffic homicide scenes when people are in the act of dying. The last time I saw it was in July at a traffic crash with a fatality. After viewing the video with sound, I’d be surprised if the victim made it.
Wim says
Yup, they removed my farmland allright! :-)
José says
What if I call myself a Marxist, will I be banned too? :-)
And if I state I’m an Atheist, will Jesus ban me?
Wim says
Nah, Commie Bastages like you are always wellcome here. :-)
José says
What if I call myself a Marxist, will I be banned too? :-)
And if I state I’m an Atheist, will Jesus ban me?
Wim says
Nah, Commie Bastages like you are always wellcome here. :-)
Matthew Sylvester says
I’ve seen some sick things both in real life and on YouTube and this is one of the few things that left me feeling truly sick. The snorting at the end showed just how badly the guy was damaged, that’s a serious sign if someone’s unconcious.
As others have stated, this was a clear set up. The way that the dojo owner (that’s the only ‘honorific’ he’ll get from me) stood highlighting his groin (hand in belt), legs apart and often prolonged pointing, the pacing of the black belt whilst the victim was talking to him etc, all showed that this was definitely premeditated. What really caught my interest was that in the news tape, it refers to a ‘murder/homicide’ 25 years ago. Which would tie-in to the time this tape was made. However, I am confused as to whether it means that the victim died after the attack, or whether it refers to another incident.
Either way, eating other people’s pizza, dipping into purses etc and claiming that Jesus granted him a Master ship (since I don’t believe it was a metaphor) does not deserve having the shit kicked out of him. If he was a robber (like the one that robbed my deaf, blind grandmother in her flat), a rapist, child molester etc, then fair game. But a polite, placid, calm talking, mentally ill man? That’s like beating up a child. I’m actually quite upset by this, and it takes a lot to do that normally.
Wim says
Matthew, I just read another article, think it was in The Washington Post. They interviewed a retired LEO from that town who claims the guy was injured but alive after the incident. He didn’t want to cooperate or press charges.
It is indeed a pretty sick example of dojo behavior.
Matthew Sylvester says
I’ve seen some sick things both in real life and on YouTube and this is one of the few things that left me feeling truly sick. The snorting at the end showed just how badly the guy was damaged, that’s a serious sign if someone’s unconcious.
As others have stated, this was a clear set up. The way that the dojo owner (that’s the only ‘honorific’ he’ll get from me) stood highlighting his groin (hand in belt), legs apart and often prolonged pointing, the pacing of the black belt whilst the victim was talking to him etc, all showed that this was definitely premeditated. What really caught my interest was that in the news tape, it refers to a ‘murder/homicide’ 25 years ago. Which would tie-in to the time this tape was made. However, I am confused as to whether it means that the victim died after the attack, or whether it refers to another incident.
Either way, eating other people’s pizza, dipping into purses etc and claiming that Jesus granted him a Master ship (since I don’t believe it was a metaphor) does not deserve having the shit kicked out of him. If he was a robber (like the one that robbed my deaf, blind grandmother in her flat), a rapist, child molester etc, then fair game. But a polite, placid, calm talking, mentally ill man? That’s like beating up a child. I’m actually quite upset by this, and it takes a lot to do that normally.
Wim says
Matthew, I just read another article, think it was in The Washington Post. They interviewed a retired LEO from that town who claims the guy was injured but alive after the incident. He didn’t want to cooperate or press charges.
It is indeed a pretty sick example of dojo behavior.
Steve says
This was hard for me to watch. The blood pool on the ground gets me. Seen it happen a couple times, it’s always the worst seeing the blood spread out from someone’s head.
Wim says
Yes it is Steve. It’s all fine and dandy to pretend you’re stomping somebody in practice but once it’s the real thing, it gets gory real fast. And you don’t forget.
Steve says
This was hard for me to watch. The blood pool on the ground gets me. Seen it happen a couple times, it’s always the worst seeing the blood spread out from someone’s head.
Wim says
Yes it is Steve. It’s all fine and dandy to pretend you’re stomping somebody in practice but once it’s the real thing, it gets gory real fast. And you don’t forget.
Rong Yan says
Whether or not we were there and the circumstances that brought him there are completely beside the point. The inscrutable fact of the matter is that he was kicked in the head beyond the point he was rendered unconscious and the dragged out the back by his feet which would do even more damage. The chance of his surviving an injury like that without immediate medical attention is slim to none(slim to none even with the proper medical attention). The very least of our problems is that it puts such a plight upon the martial community.
Wim says
Rong,
I disagree. Context is always important. That’s why cops first grab everybody when they arrive on the scene. And then they figure out what happened. Because what they see when they arrive may not be what it looks like. The same goes for video footage. You can edit the hell out of it, make things look very different from what actually happened. Hell, news crews do it all the time.
That said, yes the man got a pretty harsh beating and there’s no excuse for that; we’re all in agreement here. BTW, if you’ve read up on the other comments, a LEO came forward stating he saw the man alive and (not all that) well after the incident.
Thanks for stopping by,
Wim
Rong Yan says
Whether or not we were there and the circumstances that brought him there are completely beside the point. The inscrutable fact of the matter is that he was kicked in the head beyond the point he was rendered unconscious and the dragged out the back by his feet which would do even more damage. The chance of his surviving an injury like that without immediate medical attention is slim to none(slim to none even with the proper medical attention). The very least of our problems is that it puts such a plight upon the martial community.
Wim says
Rong,
I disagree. Context is always important. That’s why cops first grab everybody when they arrive on the scene. And then they figure out what happened. Because what they see when they arrive may not be what it looks like. The same goes for video footage. You can edit the hell out of it, make things look very different from what actually happened. Hell, news crews do it all the time.
That said, yes the man got a pretty harsh beating and there’s no excuse for that; we’re all in agreement here. BTW, if you’ve read up on the other comments, a LEO came forward stating he saw the man alive and (not all that) well after the incident.
Thanks for stopping by,
Wim
Marc G. says
Wim,
I agree the backstory to any event like this one is always important and relevant. And, I’m sure anyone can understand the anger Mr. Blythe felt being called out in his own house. But, I’m sure you would agree that he allowed the incident to go on far too long and there would have been (if his reputation and financial well-being are the concern) classier, less demeaning (for himself and the nut job) ways to deal with the situation. I just think that unless an extreme situation is forced on you, the “teach them a lesson” mentality usually indicates you are no better than the trouble maker you mean to stop. Don’t get me wrong…I believe there are many things worth stepping up for, but, this guy just being a little annoying or a little crazy, (from what I saw) is not one of them. Just ask him, or if neccessary make him leave. And, I am a former active duty Marine as well. I know we are taught better than to just hurt someone because we can.
Wim says
I agree Marc. Please read the second part of this series. People were getting the wrong impression on why I mentioned the context being important.
Thanks for stopping by,
Wim
Marc G. says
Wim,
I agree the backstory to any event like this one is always important and relevant. And, I’m sure anyone can understand the anger Mr. Blythe felt being called out in his own house. But, I’m sure you would agree that he allowed the incident to go on far too long and there would have been (if his reputation and financial well-being are the concern) classier, less demeaning (for himself and the nut job) ways to deal with the situation. I just think that unless an extreme situation is forced on you, the “teach them a lesson” mentality usually indicates you are no better than the trouble maker you mean to stop. Don’t get me wrong…I believe there are many things worth stepping up for, but, this guy just being a little annoying or a little crazy, (from what I saw) is not one of them. Just ask him, or if neccessary make him leave. And, I am a former active duty Marine as well. I know we are taught better than to just hurt someone because we can.
Wim says
I agree Marc. Please read the second part of this series. People were getting the wrong impression on why I mentioned the context being important.
Thanks for stopping by,
Wim
rohan kailasam says
I’m from India and I am a muay thai fighter.I happened to see this video by sheer chance and I must say I am totally disgusted by the sheer unprofessionalism of Blythe and the marine black belt.All I can say is my heart goes out to that poor kid,I hope he’s ok and i wish it could have been me.Now that would have been a video to put on youtube.
Wim says
@Rohan: Check out this site for the latest updates in this case: http://www.justice4kungfuguy.com/
rohan kailasam says
I’m from India and I am a muay thai fighter.I happened to see this video by sheer chance and I must say I am totally disgusted by the sheer unprofessionalism of Blythe and the marine black belt.All I can say is my heart goes out to that poor kid,I hope he’s ok and i wish it could have been me.Now that would have been a video to put on youtube.
Wim says
@Rohan: Check out this site for the latest updates in this case: http://www.justice4kungfuguy.com/
Jeff Finder says
I’ve seen a few crazy guys walk into dojos and get a lesson, but nothing like this. The last two kicks at the end to an unresisting person were particularly vicious, and I suspect laws were violated dumping and abandoning an injured bleeding person in a dumpster. The head instructor seemed to be setting the guy up and it’s disturbing that he let it go so far.
Jeff Finder says
I’ve seen a few crazy guys walk into dojos and get a lesson, but nothing like this. The last two kicks at the end to an unresisting person were particularly vicious, and I suspect laws were violated dumping and abandoning an injured bleeding person in a dumpster. The head instructor seemed to be setting the guy up and it’s disturbing that he let it go so far.
Garry Hodgins says
Mr. Blythe and his students must have been involved in a very dysfunctional group dynamic. The clip makes me angry and frustrated that the students did nothing to intervene when the mentally ill man clearly wanted to quit and save face. Another shocking example of the dangers of indoctrination.
Garry Hodgins says
Mr. Blythe and his students must have been involved in a very dysfunctional group dynamic. The clip makes me angry and frustrated that the students did nothing to intervene when the mentally ill man clearly wanted to quit and save face. Another shocking example of the dangers of indoctrination.
markstraining.com says
If this is a set up, then why? why would anybody wat to show something so horrific. Blythe may have thought it would make his students look hard, when in actual fact they look like thugs and the black belt ability isent even really that good.
If it is not a set up, then I think its disgracefull. He should be ashamed of himself, striped of any martial arts rank, never allowed to enter a dojo again, never mind teach and be prisoned. An absolute shame how there is so many prats in the world.
markstraining.com says
If this is a set up, then why? why would anybody wat to show something so horrific. Blythe may have thought it would make his students look hard, when in actual fact they look like thugs and the black belt ability isent even really that good.
If it is not a set up, then I think its disgracefull. He should be ashamed of himself, striped of any martial arts rank, never allowed to enter a dojo again, never mind teach and be prisoned. An absolute shame how there is so many prats in the world.
sean says
truely sickening. Both the attacking blackbelt and the sensi should be arrested. Where is the honour? Where is the discipline? the headstomps were excessively brutal and totally unnecessary – the crazy guy was on queer street well before the head stomps. That is a blackbelt with a serious anger porblem. what a sad, small-minded, dark little dojo – a true disgrace. incidently, i don’t think the attacking black belt was particuarily good in terms of technique and fitness, would love to see him fight someone that has good training and street savy, although i doubt it will teach him a lesson even if he got his ass handed to him – some people are on a dark path. what was very profoundly wrong for me with the whole incident, besides the dreadful violence, is there complete and utter lack of guilt after the event. i hazard a guess the sensi is a bit of a right-wing extremist enjoying the opportunity to “cleanse” the street of what he percieves as “scum” – hence the whole dragging out and dumping of the victim in a skip. very dark stuff.
nunh says
The black belt went to far and should be arrested. The dojo should be fined. Anger managment. Ridiculous. I wonder how bad this man was injured?