Self-Defense, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Martial Arts

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Thomas “Tommy” Davenport, Jr. is a martial arts practitioner with decades of practical experience and ongoing study in both the applied and theoretical dimensions of self-defense and physical conflict. He holds a black belt in Taekwondo and a black sash in 7 Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and he is a former world champion in martial arts combat. In addition to his martial arts background, Tommy is a practicing attorney and professor of law. This combination of experience uniquely positions him to evaluate self-defense and hand-to-hand combat matters through both a practical combative lens and the applicable legal doctrines that often shape such cases. As an expert in martial arts and self-defense, Tommy provides consulting and testimonial services in matters involving self-defense and physical confrontation. As a consultant, he assists attorneys and litigants in understanding the actions at issue, evaluating the conduct involved, and preparing to clearly and effectively present the relevant facts in deposition or court. His work includes investigation and assessment of conflict encounters, self-defense claims, first-aggressor issues, physical violence, threat assessment, events contributing to physical encounters, dynamics of violence and self-defense, de-escalation evaluation, situational assessment, aggressiveness of the threat and response, disparity of force, and the appropriateness of force used. Tommy assists attorneys, litigants, and triers of fact in understanding issues such as threat assessment, the mechanics of confrontation and physical altercations, justification of force, and the neutralization of threats. His analysis may include a thorough review of reports, records, medical documentation, interviews, and qualitative video evidence in order to provide a detailed and reliable assessment. Self-defense is a specialized area that rests on multiple overlapping fields of study and practice. Many people lack a working understanding of how real-world conflicts and physical altercations begin, unfold, and end. These matters often involve significant intricacies of “fight mechanics,” including the circumstances preceding the conflict, threat assessment, threat response, distance gaps, threatening behavior, threat range, tactical options for resolving the encounter, the initiation of attacks and counterattacks, the purpose and execution of martial techniques, movement mechanics, martial systems, strategic considerations, vulnerabilities, ethics, technical skill, scaling of force, violence dynamics, avoidance, measurement of combative responses to threats, and mitigation. Drawing on years of experience, study, application, and training, Tommy offers investigative services, forensic reporting, evidence assessment, trial-preparation consultation, and expert testimony in civil, administrative, and criminal matters. By combining practical combative skill with legal and theoretical knowledge, he provides comprehensive assessments of self-defense encounters and assists the trier of fact in understanding the circumstances surrounding the event and whether the physical response falls within applicable legal parameters. Tommy’s broad knowledge, credentials, and experience uniquely qualify him to assist attorneys and litigants in matters involving self-defense and physical confrontation.