Here is how he applied traditional martial arts to combat:

http://allafrica.com/stories/201405080697.html

I have just heard him now, reading the story.:)

About war stories in the 20th century and before, epic survivals e.t.c, I know many, but I don't know if anyone of them had something like a 5th dan in a martial art. (The oriental ones with rankings, became popular to the rest of the world in the last few decades anyway)

The characteristics of the guy of the story as it seems played a role. (smart, brave, good human, relax, seeking wellness and happiness)

About something similar.....

100 years ago there was another genocide that not that many countries bothered to recognize. (Political interests) Some people managed to escape its first stages, went to the nearby mountains, brought women and children there, then they manage to become more and more, fighting the genociders from there, they won with ease all the battles from there and they manage to save most of the people that they went there. Like that tens of thousand of people were saved, before they relocated. No justice has ever being served for that genocide.

No!!

Here is how he applied traditional martial arts to combat:

http://allafrica.com/stories/201405080697.html