In my first 6 months of kickboxing, I often thought of testing my skills - getting into fights to see if I could beat other people. I once told my trainer about this, and he said that even for him (he was the kickboxing champion of Moscow and 2nd place in Russia before he stopped competing) it makes no sense to pick fights. You never know how well-trained or equipped the other guy will be - he might have a gun, knife, or anything else. Thinking about that changed my whole outlook on fighting and I never even consider using physical force unless it is really required anymore.

way to go! I am glad u took the advice of your elder. You now now a part of what MA IS ABOUT. Used as a last resort.

Peace Julayne

Same here. I like to think of martial arts, in a way, like a gun, you don't want to have to use it, but it's good to know it's there.

My instructor always said that,if you have a healthy mental outlook,then the more you learn about the martial arts the more you will abhore violence.I have found that to be true.Good techniques fascinate me and yet they sicken me when I realize what could be done to another human being.What did the guy in Spiderman say?"with great power comes great responsibility"
Keep up the good work!
c