I completely agree with the self defense portion , being a martial artist myself . It amazes me how many men really have no idea how to fight , or the physical and mental benefits of learning martial arts . It ' s not just about knowing how to kick someone ' s ass . It ' s about mental preparedness , cognitive anticipation , conditioning and countless other things . Now the easy thing I see most guys do is go to an MMA gym . That ' s good . if you plan on fighting competitively . But most all of the stuff in MMA is derived FOR MMA . In a real fight , chances are you ' re not gonna get the chance to get someone in rubber guard when they take you down to the ground . I tell guys to learn a dedicated martial art . Karate , Judo , Taekwondo , Muay Thai REAL Muay Thai , not that dumbed down shit you see in UFC or Kajukembo . My style of choice . Something that has real life conflict application . meaning if your life depended on it , you can defend yourself . At my gym where I ' m an assistant instructor , it ' s amazing to see how green guys are when they first join up . Most can ' t even throw a pinch correctly . But that ' s where learning comes into play . You must empty your mind and commit to it . Martial arts is repetition and muscle memory . Bruce Lee famously coined a phrase I do not fear the man who has practiced 1000 kicks one time . I fear the man who has practiced 1 kick 1000 times . It ' s not like lifting and hitting a plateau . Your commitment to learning the techniques rewards you better technique . The reward is infinite . I ' ve rambled on enough , but my point is martial arts can benefit you in all facets of life . If you ' re curious about beginning , find your local gyms and dojos and just ask questions . The instructors will be more then hapoy to answer . And who knows , you may find yoursrlf on the life long journey of self expression through combat like I have .