For any of you would be heros out there, this was the correct tactic to react to a person suddenly appearing in front of you wielding a sword. Get as much distance and as many obstacles in between you and that person. Much better to get teased at the motor pool than staying to fight and risking a lucky slash catching an artery or kidney.
Cold Steel Heavy Duty Sword Cane
...because you never know when you might need to defend yourself against an unexpected ninja attack!
;^)
The correct action for the military is to shoot the sucker.