There seems to be a lot of various types of characters and martial artist on board here with a lot of opinions. I have a question, how many real fights have you been in? I don't want to argue if this is good or bad or that it's something to be proud of, etc. For whatever reason, it might be work related (bouncer, police officer, etc.) or it might be because you hang out and get drunk. But how many real fights have you been in?

Probably 25 - 30, but the last one was when I was 18. It was a good 'un, too. I'm not counting a one-punch KO when I was in the Army.

I had a few opportunities as an adult, but alternative were found. Perhaps the word "adult" says it all.

I've only been in a few real fights in my life, and only had a few close calls. People in this area aren't really all that into fighting as it is, and we only have a few punks here and there who occasionally think they're going to start something, until someone shows a willingness to fight back.

The majority of my fights were in school. I don't know an exact number,but I would say around 30. Since then I've had 7 fights and I didn't start any of them. The last fight I had was several years ago. I use to hang out with a rough crowd,but soon learned that was not the way to go.
I've had several ma related challenge matches and only lost once.
I don't like fighting and prefer to be nice and avoid them nowadays. The situation could present itself at anytime,but it's how you react that predicts the outcome.
Avoidance of dangerous situations and awareness is the key.

Yes, I don't think that most people outside of police work, bouncing, security and military have the need to fight very often. However, I chose this topic area because it says, "exploring the potential for violence outside the training area" on the heading, so I feel it is an appropriate topic.

I recall taking an Aikido class from a guy that told me that he had never been in a real fight in his life. We did this little pushing drill and he fell over. I think people that have, "been there and done that" have more credibility on the topic of self defense. Certainly, those that have numerous sporting matches, such as boxers, wrestlers, judo, bjj, etc. have this same sort of credibility. However, just being a black belt in some art and never applying it in combat really doesn't hold as much water. It's just a matter of opinion. I just don't think someone should walk around with there chest blowed out because the have a black belt.

I don't think someone with a blackbelt should represent theirself as a fighter or superior. The belt only signifies where they are in their training from when they started.
Just because someone has a blackbelt doesn't mean they can fight.Nor should they have to prove anything just because they hold rank. Or do I have to take the SAT every few months?

No one has true prove anything to anybody. If you were going to take a course in "surviving a gun fight" would you rather take it from a guy that spent a year in Afghanistan with the special forces, SEAL, etc. or a guy they was a champion pistol shooter but had never been a real gunfight?

Before I started martial arts at the tender age of 15 I had been humiliated in several self defense, bully type situations. However, after starting martial arts I have never been defeated in a real fight. I did get my bells rung one time when a guy hit me about 3-5 times before I could get into the fight good but I came back and eventually he was arrested. I got a busted lip out of the deal. I have lost boxing matches, grappling matches, etc. so I'm not saying I'm undefeated. Most good bjj guys tap me out. All I'm saying is that on the street, in self defense situations which number around 20 or so I've never been defeated. I don't say this to brag. No, I'm saying it to say that my training in the martial arts has brought me through a lot of tough situations and I'm glad. I'm also grateful to my former Sensei's, instructors and sparring partners. I'm also glad I put a lot of hard hours into training by myself as well.

17 years old never been in a fight. Usually I think it's a good thing but some times I feel left out like in this particular thread.

About 8 by the time I was 19. From 20 to now(33) two real fights and four encounters that ended very quickly.

Kevin

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No one has true prove anything to anybody. If you were going to take a course in "surviving a gun fight" would you rather take it from a guy that spent a year in Afghanistan with the special forces, SEAL, etc. or a guy they was a champion pistol shooter but had never been a real gunfight?

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Yes,but we're talking about ma here. Not everyone takes it for the same reasons. Some do sport/tournament and some just for a workout. Not everyone wants to be the best streetfighter they can.

This threads gonna bring out alot of VTG's.