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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 2:39:36 GMT
Don't get political?. I didn't do anything wrong today. I've stood outside and swung my sword for years... With the approval of the staff that works where i live. Yet today i almost went to jail for "not breaking the law".
I'm sorry but that don't get political rule is a joke. Most ppl live in a environment where its not even an issues. Where i live police die feet from my doorstep. The only thing i ever really wanted to do. Was just learn Martial Arts man.
Then i found this site with ppl talking of things i loved. Then came that outlandish rule. The very act of carrying a sword for any reason is political. This thought that we can talk of blades. Without ever crossing into that. Slaps sooo many members in the face.
This will likely get me kicked off. But we can't keep acting like holding a blade for any reason. "isn't political" even though i wish it wasn't. And yes i'm still crying cause it's bullsemprini. Don't yet get it i i can't practice anymore, i can't practice anymore.
I'm crying cause i don't wanna go to jail. But i want to get better. And i shouldn't have to pay a fee to practice in a studio
Edit: Sorry corrected for spelling. Somewhat emotional at the time of typing
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 2:43:41 GMT
What?
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Post by randomnobody on Jun 3, 2010 2:44:52 GMT
...Wait, what? What happened? Did I miss something?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 2:45:44 GMT
Simply i'm doing nothing more than practicing. when i'm informed that if i don't leave they'll have to call the cops. I've stood in the same place and done the same things for over 10 years now. But yeah today for w/e reason i was gonna go to jail for doing it.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Jun 3, 2010 2:50:06 GMT
where were you? it is really hard to follow your story above but I'm sure we are all interested. I see you are in Denver, were you in a public place? can you tell us the whole story from the beginning?
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Post by randomnobody on Jun 3, 2010 2:51:49 GMT
I'd have to assume you must have been in a park or lot somewhere when somebody, probably new to the area, caught sight of you and panicked. I'm surprised the local authorities don't know you already, though...
Sucks, either way. You're not actually facing any charges, are you? Just a warning this time?
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Dom T.
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Post by Dom T. on Jun 3, 2010 2:54:07 GMT
... What in the world is going on? I don't understand your OP at all.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Jun 3, 2010 2:58:12 GMT
I think it is perhaps time to consult a lawyer and get some insight on local laws, then if you find that what you are doing is perfectly legal you can call up the police station and inform them that you have found the laws that give you the right to practice where ever it was and then tell them that you will be there to practice and if they arrest you, you will file an unlawful arrest suit or whatever. just make sure you get all your ducks in a row before you challenge the law. and try to be polite when you talk to them, that always helps.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 2:59:58 GMT
Ok My bad let me calm down.
Ok this is year 11-12 of me going outside and using a blade. This whole time the ppl who work here have clapped hands and had a good time. In short until today i've never had a problem.
So i go outside today just like sooo many others. I slowly draw my blade. Preform a few swings then kids run up. I stop on the spot and put it away. Yrs of dealing with kids. I ask "Hey do your parents mind me doing this?". I see their parents come out. So i turn and ask them "do you mind me doing this" practicing". Nobody says anything, so naturally i walk off after apologizing.
Look around for a clear area no kids ppl of any kind. Draw, bam office worker walks up to me. "You're freaking ppl out". so at this point she's like you can go home or go to jail. Again i know state law. Haven't done anything wrong. But yeah i can do nothing or end up in a court case over BS. This crosses that line of law and all that. So i'm not supposed to say anything to them or the ppl here.
Look i know i was emo at first msg. But ah i've done hard jail time. Face it and see if you take it with np.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 3:01:39 GMT
Ok My bad let me calm down. Ok this is year 11-12 of me going outside and using a blade. This whole time the ppl who work here have clapped hands and had a good time. In short until today i've never had a problem. So i go outside today just like sooo many others. I slowly draw my blade. Preform a few swings then kids run up. I stop on the spot and put it away. Yrs of dealing with kids. I ask "Hey do your parents mind me doing this?". I see their parents come out. So i turn and ask them "do you mind me doing this" practicing". Nobody says anything, so naturally i walk off after apologizing. Look around for a clear area no kids ppl of any kind. Draw, bam office worker walks up to me. "You're freaking ppl out". so at this point she's like you can go home or go to jail. Again i know state law. Haven't done anything wrong. But yeah i can do nothing or end up in a court case over BS. This crosses that line of law and all that. So i'm not supposed to say anything to them or the ppl here. Look i know i was emo at first msg. But ah i've done hard jail time. Face it and see if you take it with np. To make it clear the area i'm practicing in is my home. Right outside where i live. I could give a cop my address and they could look over and see it
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Post by randomnobody on Jun 3, 2010 3:04:09 GMT
So you're on your property through all this? If so then they have nothing. If it's public land, or you live in an apartment or townhome complex, though, there may be grounds on their side.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 3:11:20 GMT
Yes you're right and i checked that out. If i was in an area brandishing a weapon to minors or others. Yes, they can slam me. But i'm not i'm within sight of property. Ya know where i live. or where i pay rent. I'm not down the street and around the corner up the bald and a friends house. No i'm at mine or right next to it.
In Co, long as i'm in a Public area where i'm in easy view. And my actions fall under martial arts. If this applies to ppl in parks and ares of the like. Um... how am i breaking the law? And if i am let me be the first to say. My Bad let me pay for my crimes.
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Post by randomnobody on Jun 3, 2010 3:19:12 GMT
Hmm, I think I would take it up with the local authorities (courteously, mind; as a matter of curiosity) before doing anything else. Granted, if I were to start swinging a sword around in my own front yard, and suddenly the police showed up and told me to put it away or get in the car, I'd do neither...but I don't recommend others take that course. Seems you've got a fair grasp of how the law handles things in your area, but I'd make an extra effort to be the first one to call, just to be safe. Let them know that you have been practicing weapons-based martial arts outside your home for exercise for several years without issue, until today when somebody approached and threatened you with legal procedures, and verify that you are, in fact, protected. If nothing else, next time they say they're calling the cops, you can let them know you already have.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 3:28:41 GMT
random i've never loved your words more. Ah think it was about 6 yrs ago i put it to the legal test. I actually tried to be arrested with a blade. And i quote was said as i was walking to police HQ. I can't be arrested unless i commit or attempt to commit a violent crime. Said to me with rapier in hand. It was stupid but i wanted to know the law.
All the same this will cause more issues than i need. Part of the point i'm trying to make is. just cause you know the laws on your side. Doesn't mean the laws on your side. This is a case of it.
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Post by randomnobody on Jun 3, 2010 3:32:50 GMT
Eh, if you're already that convinced, I guess there's no changing your mind from here...but suffice to say, the law is the law. If there is no evidence that you are breaking it...then you haven't broken it, no matter what that little old lady says you did to her cat. ...Okay so I did but that stupid cat was--I mean uh...what cat? I really hope this doesn't cause you to stop your practicing/training, but maybe you should look into moving indoors?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 3:46:09 GMT
LOL that's the thing i moved outdoors to improve. Sat for like an hr today going man do you really wanna do this? In the end maybe stupid. But i said quit being a coward you're legal.
Wow look i was very emo when i started this. My apologizes i really love martial arts. I'm an albino i'm not supposed to be able to see well enough to fight. I can't lose this its not about winning. I just want to... improve don't you?
Punch the post. Then punch it harder And punch it again.
Few of you might know what anime that's from. I've worked my whole live to prove that i'm better than my ability. That the blind can beat the sighted and here i stead so close. And its not right that i'm within my rights and still gonna get screwed. But ya know what fudge me. Sooo many are worse. I think if we're not careful we'll all lose this hobby we love so much.
Maybe i'm wrong and ya know i'll be that. But acting like this has no effect on the state is a joke. Lets just say one of us got enough backing to make it legal to carry in state "we'd talk about it", how couldn't we?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 4:55:15 GMT
if you live in a house... two words... back yard. and add a tall fence, like picket, where you are unseen. if you live in an apartment, well practice outside w/ sword is not good. this could apply to blunt or live blade. studio or dojo fees can get expensive, i agree. perhaps a friend w/ back yard that has tall picket fence, and shares your sword interest. Liam lives, at least i think he still does, in an apartment. perhaps he can offer advise.
in a park... you are not to do this. if you are in an area where others, especially children, can approach, even if you are safe and sheath your sword, still bad way to go. your best option is to not test the law, but rather place a phone call to local authorities and find out what you need to know. or check online.
there are a few of us who have unique situation, such as myself, where we can practice in the front yard. i happen to have my neighbors agreement with this. and when any possibility of youngsters exist... i dont go out to practice. my neighbors agree because we protected the neighborhood while they were gone during hurricane evac. and after when there were bangers coming around. never had to confront anyone with our swords... but the site of a "crazy dude cuttin semprini with a big ass blade in his yard" is deterrent enough. also, the police know of our situation, and we had checked on laws prior.
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ecovolo
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Post by ecovolo on Jun 3, 2010 4:59:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 5:14:35 GMT
I might be lucky, but I just call my local sheriff when I have a question about the laws. There is always the same old timer that picks up and I ask him things like "Can I transport a large bladed weapon in a rifle bag in the back seat of my car, as long as it is in plain view?"
(The answer was yes btw)
But if you don't want to ruffle any feathers, you might look into putting an ad in craigs list or something for local sword or cutting enthusiasts. You might live close to a total stranger who has the same hobby as you and would love to have you over to brandish weapons at will.
But I think that your whole situation comes from ignorance. Not on your part, but of the people around you. If you would like to go back to cutting, I would give all of your neighbors a visit (without the sword) and tell them that you would like to talk to them about what you do. You could even turn it into an educational visit for the kids if you talked about going outside and exercising. Parents love it when people promote exercise for their children.
But I see where you concern is. You just want to practice your art, but you don't want to upset the neighbors and you'd rather not turn it into a pissing contest between you and everyone else in the city.
And heck, if you went and talked to the parents and their children about safety and exercising you might recruit some young enthusiasts in doing so as well. Then they can save up their allowance to get their first practice sword and come out and enjoy the weather with you!
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Post by brotherbanzai on Jun 3, 2010 14:22:09 GMT
Hi Demetric, I understand why this is a real bummer for you. There you are, not hurting anyone, doing something you've been doing for years, and now you're being threatened with legal action if you don't stop.
But put yourself into other peoples shoes. People that maybe aren't into swords, maybe have small children, and maybe live in the area. Maybe a guy swinging a sword around seems pretty freaking weird to them and they think that kind of behavior is concerning enough that they don't feel safe.
Lets say this is my chosen martial art... People are going to get a bit freaked out if I do this in public with a couple of guns in my hands, even if I make it clear that they aren't loaded while I'm practicing. Yes, that's ridiculous and silly, and so is using a sword to much of the population. Though at least I can unload a gun, can't unload a sword.
Just get a waster, problem solved. We train in my back yard and occasionally out in public places and almost exclusively use hdpe wasters that are clearly not real swords. Same weight, balance, and feel, but no steel blade.
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