Amok and Juramentado in 2025
Amok is a term of Indonesian origin that found its way into modern English due to the numerous incidents of homicidal madness that occurred in Southeast Asian countries and has begun to be used outside of those contexts as well.
The term is equivalent to Juramentado , which in the Philippines is known to Moro guerrillas who rushed out with bladed weapons to kill as many people as possible, expecting to be killed to end their killing spree.
Unfortunately, even in Europe today there are cases of violence using cutting weapons and with this attack methodology linked to psychopaths ( see the Turin case of 2019 ) and terrorist attacks with the aim of creating terror and insecurity in society in various European countries and in the world.
The statistics on the types of attacks involving edged weapons speak clearly.
We often hear in the news about episodes of unmotivated violence where a man walks down the street armed with a knife or axe and kills the people he meets for no apparent reason, regardless of the fact that he will be caught or killed.
Why the knife?
The knife is undoubtedly a lethal weapon and remains one of the most commonly used crime-committing weapons around the world.
Here are some reasons why the knife is so often involved in criminal acts:
- Accessibility: Knives are widely available and easily accessible. They are common items in many people’s homes and can be purchased legally in many stores.
- Ease of Concealment: Knives are compact and easy to conceal under clothing or in bags, making them more difficult to detect in situations where they are used for criminal purposes.
- Close Range: Knives are weapons suited for close-range attacks. This makes them particularly dangerous in situations where the attacker is getting close to the victim.
- Silence: Unlike firearms or explosions, the use of a knife is generally silent, allowing the attacker to operate discreetly.
- Variety of Purposes: Knives can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from self-defense to intentional assault. Their versatility makes them attractive to those seeking to commit crimes.
Despite the prevalence of knife use in criminal acts, it is important to note that the vast majority of people who own knives do so for legitimate, non-criminal purposes.
Local and national laws regulate the possession and use of edged weapons, and the possession and improper use of knives are generally subject to severe penalties.
Crime prevention, promoting personal safety and compliance with local laws should always be at the forefront of our considerations when dealing with weapons such as knives.
The term amok
The term amok (sometimes also spelled amuk or amuck) is a cultural syndrome typical of the regions of Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia and New Guinea.
The word refers to a temporary condition of violent, murderous fury.
Cases of amok are described by Georges Devereux.
The explosion that marks the debut of Amok originates from an offence received and experienced as intolerable or, also, from the accumulation of tension linked to enduring successive ones.
The subject who is affected by this syndrome, after a brief phase of relational withdrawal, attacks first family members and then strangers, in an uncontrollable crescendo of homicidal fury.
In the fit of violence he runs very fast through the streets and across the fields and then, finally, collapses.
The manifestation of violence is then followed by amnesia and melancholic exhaustion.
Amok A twilight psychopathological state characterized by a sudden homicidal madness, which arises following sudden shocks caused by exceptional events, and of which, once past, no trace remains in the memory.
The term “juramentado”
The term “juramentado” refers to a historical term used in the Philippines to describe the Muslim Moro guerrillas who, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, were known for carrying out suicide attacks with bladed weapons (usually Kris daggers) against colonial forces or U.S. colonizers. The term “juramentado” comes from the Spanish word “juramento,” meaning “oath.”
These Moro guerrillas often vowed to fight to the death and would carry out suicide attacks on their enemies, expecting to be killed in the attack. They were known for their ferocity in battle and their determination to cause the greatest possible damage. The practice of “juramentado” has been associated with historical conflicts in the Philippines and has a specific historical connotation in that region.
It is important to note that the term “juramentado” refers to historical events and a specific context in the Philippines and may not be commonly used or known outside of that historical context.
The Dynamics of Amok and Juramentado
Episodes with these dynamics have therefore happened very often in recent years also in Europe.
Both Amok and Juramentado express a concept of insane violence with the awareness of not going back, the goal is to kill as many people as possible.
There is no self-defense that is useful in the face of an attacker in the grip of rage/homicidal madness if you do not immediately understand that it is necessary to kill before being killed if you want to stop this type of aggression.
A total change of approach that takes you to the extreme limit of survival.
In this case it is not a question of an argument, a robbery , etc. but of a killer who does not care about anything, without a reason for the cause, simply homicidal madness.
With this assumption, a psychological adaptation is essential , in which the street or duel dynamics are eliminated and one enters a psychological condition even more tied to pure survival.
In this context you have to build a specific training because it is not a duel but a person armed with a knife or other object who runs at you like a madman whether you are with your bare hand or with a knife, he does not care if you kill him or injure him, it is a homicidal madness.
While fortunately the campaign to subdue the Moros of the southern Philippines is no more and the problem of the solitary Juramentado has been solved, there are still several news reports of knife attacks coupled with murderous madness.
When you hear the news of a person “running amok,” it reminds you of the origin of the word and the brutal and effective Juramentado of the Philippines!
Knife Intifada
The “Knife Intifada” is a term that refers to a series of knife and other cutting weapon attacks by Palestinians against Israelis, particularly between 2015 and 2016.
These attacks have mainly involved young individuals, often without ties to organized terrorist groups, who have taken the initiative to attack Israelis in the streets, in public places or on public transportation.
The reasons behind the Knife Intifada are complex and have been attributed to a number of factors, including political frustration, ethnic and religious tensions, and the lack of economic prospects for young Palestinians.
Many attacks have been condemned by both the international community and the Palestinian leadership.
Israel responded to the Knife Intifada by increasing security and arresting the perpetrators of the attacks. This period of violence resulted in numerous casualties on both sides and contributed to further worsening the climate of tension between Israelis and Palestinians.
It should be noted that the term “Intifada” has been used in the past to describe Palestinian uprisings against Israeli occupation, such as the First and Second Intifadas. The Knife Intifada represents a specific chapter in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, characterized by individual attacks with edged weapons.
As part of the “Knife Intifada,” attacks have primarily involved individuals using knives and other cutting weapons to attack Israelis.
Attack methods were often improvised and included:
- Knife Attacks: Attackers would suddenly approach their victims and attempt to inflict serious or fatal injuries with knives or sharp blades. These attacks were often carried out in public places such as streets, bus stops, and markets.
- Assault attacks: Some attackers approached Israeli security forces or private security personnel and attempted to injure or kill them with knives or other cutting weapons.
- Suicide Attacks: In some cases, attackers carried out suicide attacks, trying to inflict the maximum amount of damage possible, even at the cost of their own lives. These attacks were intended to cause fear and terror.
- Use of vehicles: On a few occasions, attacks were reported in which assailants used vehicles to run over people or members of the Israeli security forces, followed by attacks with knives or other edged weapons.
It is important to note that these attacks were generally perpetrated by individuals acting independently, often with no known links to organised terrorist groups.
This made it difficult to predict or prevent such attacks.
Israeli authorities have increased security measures in response to this wave of attacks, including an increased presence of security forces and the creation of physical barriers to prevent access by potential attackers.
Knife attacks in Europe
In recent years, Europe has been rocked by a series of knife attacks that have cast shadows of terror on streets, markets and public transport.
These sudden and violent attacks have had devastating consequences, with innocent victims being targeted by individuals driven by dark and sometimes incomprehensible motives.
The darkness of the night can suddenly turn into a nightmare when an individual decides to take up a knife and target anyone he encounters.
In many cases, these attacks appear to have no apparent motive, leaving victims terrified and shocked by the brutality of the action.
European security forces and authorities have been put to the test as they try to address this growing threat.
Security measures have been stepped up, vigilance has been tightened and the public has been urged to remain vigilant.
In this climate of uncertainty, it is essential for all of us to be aware of our surroundings and report suspicious behavior.
However, it is equally important to remember that the vast majority of people in Europe are innocent and not involved in such attacks.
The challenge now is to find a balance between safety and respect for civil liberties, as we continue to live in our communities and seek to protect them from this insidious threat.
Personal safety should remain a priority, but so should understanding and compassion for those who do not pose a threat to society.
How to defend yourself from an amok attack
Defending yourself against someone who is attacking in a state of “amok” or irrational violence can be extremely difficult and dangerous.
Your personal safety should always be your top priority, and you should try to avoid conflict whenever possible.
However, if you find yourself in a situation where there is no other option than to defend yourself, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Try to escape: Escape is often the best option when dealing with an abusive person. Try to get away from the abuser as quickly as possible and seek refuge in a safe place.
- Use self-defense items: If you have items such as pepper spray , self-defense batons, or other legal devices, use them to try to stop the attacker and buy time to escape.
- Stay calm: It is essential to stay calm during a dangerous situation. Fear and agitation can compromise your ability to respond effectively.
- Choose your strikes wisely: If you are forced to fight for your life, try to strike the attacker’s vulnerable areas, such as the eyes, throat, or groin. The goal is to disorient or weaken the attacker long enough to escape.
- Scream for help: If you have the ability, scream to get attention and help from people nearby. Ask anyone who can hear you to call the police or emergency services immediately.
- Try to disarm the attacker: If the attacker is using a weapon, try to disarm him carefully. This is extremely risky and should only be done if you have no other choice.
- Work with others: If there are other people around you, try to work together to overpower the attacker or remove him or her safely.
- Aftermath: Once you are in a safe place, seek immediate medical attention if you are injured. Report the incident to authorities and provide a description of the attacker.
- Knowing Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with the self-defense laws in your jurisdiction. It is important to know what is legally permissible in terms of self-defense and when you can use force to protect yourself.
- Self Defense Training: Taking self defense classes from a qualified instructor can be helpful in developing skills and confidence in your ability to protect yourself. However, remember that your personal safety should always be based on prevention and escape when possible.
In extreme situations like “amok,” prevention and awareness of dangerous situations are often more effective than physical defense.
Personal safety should always be a priority, and your response should be proportionate to the danger you are facing.
Training
Now training to survive a gunman running madly at you with no regard for your safety requires specific training .
This is no longer an armed attack for the purpose of robbery but a madman on drugs and adrenaline who wants to kill you.
Now to train correctly and safely a series of protections are necessary for those who play the part of the madman because to make the phases of the fight effective it is necessary that you can really hit your training partner .
To train this situation, it is necessary to structure the training with the use of adequate protections to bring the attack and your ability to defend yourself to maximum aggressiveness.
It is not for everyone and a gradual transition in training is necessary.
Training and education to deal with situations of “amok” or irrational violence requires specific preparation and must be conducted by qualified professionals.
However, it is important to emphasize that prevention and awareness of dangerous situations should always be the priority.
Self-defense should only be considered as a last resort when no other options are available.
Here are some important considerations when training for “amok” situations:
- Specialized Training: Training for extreme situations such as “amok” should be conducted by highly qualified instructors trained in advanced self-defense or emergency situations.
- Controlled Simulations: Controlled simulations of “amok” situations can be used to develop responses and strategies. These simulations must be rigorously managed to ensure participant safety.
- Protective Gear and Safety: For training in “amok” situations, it is necessary to use appropriate protective gear to avoid injury during simulations. This may include protective clothing, helmets, and other equipment.
- Collaboration: Training may include techniques for individuals to work together to safely overpower the attacker, if possible.
- Psychology and Stress Management: Training should include elements of psychology to help participants manage stress, stay calm, and make informed decisions under pressure.
- Ethics: It is imperative that training emphasizes ethics and the responsible use of force, emphasizing that self-defense should be a last resort.
- Self-Defense Laws: Participants should be aware of local self-defense laws in their jurisdiction to act responsibly and legally in dangerous situations.
- Prevention and Escape: Training should emphasize prevention and escape as the preferred options for your personal safety whenever possible.
In general, training to deal with “amok” situations should be conducted with extreme caution and should be reserved for individuals who have a good understanding of self-defense and emergency situations.
Personal safety should always be the priority, and physical defense should only be considered in extreme circumstances and only as a last resort.
Consider that the dynamic is not someone who attacks you and does not want to be hit, but a madman who wants to hit you regardless of being hurt or killed.
Knife Attack First Aid
If you find yourself in a situation where someone has been injured by a knife, it is crucial to act quickly and safely to provide the necessary aid.
Follow these steps:
- Ensure safety: Before approaching the injured person, make sure the scene is safe. If the assailant is still present or there is imminent danger, leave the area and seek help from the appropriate authorities.
- Call the emergency number: Immediately contact your country’s emergency service (for example, 112 in Europe) to request urgent medical assistance. Provide them with all the necessary information about the situation and your exact location.
- Assess the situation: Before touching the injured person, assess the severity of the injury. If the person is conscious and breathing, try to remain calm and comfort them. If there is severe blood loss or the person is unconscious, begin providing first aid.
- Stop the bleeding: If the wound is bleeding profusely, try to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile bandage. Use your hands or a cloth to apply pressure and try to keep the wound elevated if possible. This can help reduce the blood flow.
- Stabilize the person: Try to keep the person still and in a lying position, unless there is an obvious risk of spinal injury. Cover the person with a blanket or clothing to keep them warm.
- Do not remove embedded objects: If there is an object embedded in the wound, do not try to remove it. It may be the main cause of the bleeding, and removing it may make the situation worse.
- Keep the person alert: Talk to the injured person to keep them alert and calm until medical personnel arrive.
- Record Details: Take note of all relevant details, such as the exact location of the accident, the severity of the injuries, and any useful information to provide to emergency responders.
Remember that first aid is essential in these situations, but professional medical personnel are needed to properly assess and treat the wound. Your first priority should be to stop the bleeding and keep the injured person stable until medical help arrives.
Conclusions
Training to react to an assault in full flight, similar to the “amok” and “juramentado” styles, requires specific preparation and expert guidance.
This type of training/education focuses on managing extreme and violent situations where an attacker approaches with murderous intent and for no apparent reason.
This type of training, if done carefully and under the guidance of qualified instructors, can help you acquire self-defense skills and develop the ability to react effectively in emergency situations.
However, it is essential to emphasize that prevention, awareness and escape always remain the preferred options for personal safety.
Furthermore, “amok” and “juramentado” style training can also be useful in sporting contexts, such as short fencing tournaments, where speed, reactivity and strategy are essential for success.
The key to dealing with situations of extreme violence is preparation, awareness and understanding of the dynamics involved.
The primary goal should always be personal safety and the prevention of dangerous situations, when possible.
Practice reacting to a full-on assault on you in amok and juramentado style.
This can also be a useful exercise for assaults in short fencing tournaments!
Stay Tuned! Knife is not a game!
Street Fight Mentality & Fight Sport
Andrea
